Module 2.3: Research Finance - 25 June 2026

All times are listed in AEST (April to September) or AEDT (October to March)

The purpose of this module is to provide researchers and research mangement professionals with an understanding of research finance from a University perspective as it relates to research project financial management and management of internal research allocations, to support the achievement of quality research outcomes and University research objectives.

The module will go into detail in regards to common research finance topics however the intent is to also provide the reader with an understanding of the environment that shapes and influences research finance.

Whilst this module specifically focuses on the University environment, there are many components which apply equally to other research institutions such as CRCs, Hospitals, Research Institutes and other Research Organisations.

It is not the purpose of this module to provide training in pre-award funding (including the identification of funding opportunities and preparing funding applications), post-award processes (including finance reporting to funding bodies) nor the National Research and Innovation System (including extensive information on how different countries fund research). Training on these topics can be found through the ARMS “Pre-Award Grants Processes module”, “Post-Award Processes module” and “The National Research and Innovation System module”.

This module does not cover research training finance as it relates to the investment in, and management of Higher Degree by Research (HDR) programs and projects. This may be the subject of a future module.

Key learning outcomes

On successful completion of this module, participants will have an increased ability to:

• Understand the importance of research finance
• Understand key terminology in research finance
• Understand key finance processes within a University
• Understand how research is funded within a University
• Cost and price a research project
• Understand and calculate the full costs of research
• Manage research projects and research allocations more effectively
• Understand how University’s may evaluate their investment in research; and by understanding the above
• Assist themselves and/or their researchers to build capacity and quality through improved financial management

 Who should attend

This module is suitable for:

• Those who are new to the research management profession;
• Those who have specialised in one area of research management and wish to broaden their knowledge; and/or
• Those who are experienced research management professionals but wish to refresh their knowledge in a specific topic area.

Research management professionals from all organisations and institutions will benefit from this module including those from:

• Research agencies and institutes
• Medical research institutes
• Research and development corporations
• Research centres
• Government departments
• Funding bodies
• Industrial research and development teams
• Service providers
• Commercialisation bodies
• Consultancies

Accreditation Pathway

This module forms part of the ARMS Professional Development Framework under the “Research Funding Cycle”, along with:

• Module 2.1: Pre-Award Grants Processes
• Module 2.2: Post-Award Grants Process
• Module 2.4: Navigating Agreements - A Guide for Research Management Professionals.

The module may be completed as a standalone professional development activity, or as part of a broader accreditation pathway.

Participants from all regions may enrol. 

Presenter(s)

Chris Thompson
Finance, Governance and Sustainability Specialist, FCThree Services

Format

Online workshop (Zoom)

Cost

• ARMS Member: $420 AUD (GST inclusive) - Member discount applied automatically in the shopping cart.
• Non-Member: $520 AUD (GST inclusive)

Registration

• Members: Log into your account and then continue your registration below.
• Non-Members: Create or sign into your free website user account to continue your registration.

Event Communications and Pre-Reading

• A registration confirmation email will be issued upon successful registration. Please note that pending payments may delay confirmation. If you require assistance, contact the ARMS Accreditation and Member Engagement Coordinator.
• Access to the Body of Knowledge (pre-reading), any additional study material, and the Zoom access link will be distributed approximately ten (10) days prior to the workshop.

Cancellation Policy

Should your circumstances change, and you are unable to attend this workshop, you must contact ARMSAccreditation@researchmangement.org.au by no later than 10 working days prior to the commencement of the scheduled event. ARMS will refund the full registration fee minus any administrative fees.

Should you cancel less than 10 working days prior to the commencement of this workshop, no refund will be payable but instead you may wish to send a proxy.

ARMS reserve the right to cancel, postpone or re-schedule courses and events due to minimum numbers not being reached or for other unforeseen circumstances.  In the event of a cancellation, ARMS will aim to advise all participants in writing five (5) days prior to the scheduled event and will refund the full registration fee including administrative charges within 30 days after notification.

Using Zoom

• We strongly recommend testing your Zoom access prior to the session.
• How to join a Zoom meeting
• Zoom participant controls
• For technical support, please contact your organisation’s IT team.

Enquiries

For further information, please contact the Accreditation and Member Engagement Coordinator:

• Email: ARMSAccreditation@researchmanagement.org.au
• Phone +61 8 8201 5592