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About the HERDC
The HERDC comprises of research income data submitted by universities to the department annually. Each year, the department updates the HERDC Specifications in consultation with universities and other relevant stakeholders. The HERDC Specifications control the collection of higher education research income data and are designed to ensure the Australian Government's research block grants are allocated in a fair and transparent way and to support the policy intent of the funding.
Data collected, along with data from the Higher Education Student Data Collection, is used to determine annual allocations to universities for the research block grants.
Draft HERDC Specifications for the collection of 2021 data
The Draft HERDC specifications for the collection of 2021 data are now available for comment, due by 5 PM 30 September 2021 to RBGrants@dese.gov.au. Any queries can also be directed to this mailbox.
Category 1 Self-Assessment – Frequently Asked Questions
The Category 1 Self-Assessment – Frequently Asked Questions is designed to assist universities to self-assess their R&D income, in conjunction with the HERDC Specifications to determine if it can be reported as Category 1.
Historical Information - HERDC Specifications
- HERDC Specifications for the collection of 2020 data
- HERDC Specifications for the collection of 2019 data
- HERDC Specifications for the collection of 2018 data
- HERDC Specifications for the collection of 2017 data
- HERDC Specifications for the collection of 2016 data
- HERDC Specifications for the collection of 2015 data
- HERDC Specifications for the collection of 2014 data
- HERDC Specifications for the collection of 2013 data
- HERDC Specifications for the collection of 2012 data
- HERDC Specifications for the collection of 2011 data
Further Enquiries
For HERDC related enquiries, please email the department at: RBGrants@dese.gov.au with "HERDC" in the subject line.