Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC)

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About the HERDC

The HERDC is comprised 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 funding.

HERDC data, along with data from the Higher Education Student Data Collection, is used to determine annual research block grant allocations to universities.

HERDC specifications for the collection of 2022 data

The HERDC specifications for the collection of 2022 data are now available.

System to Evaluate the Excellence of Research for the collection of 2022 data

Higher education providers must submit their research income data via the System to Evaluate the Excellence of Research (SEER). Data is due for submission by 30 June 2023.

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.

HERDC Smart Form for the collection of 2021 data

The Smart Form for the collection of 2021 data is now available and is due for submission by 30 June 2022.

Instructions for submitting Smart Form information and an excel version is available to assist universities in preparing and submitting the HERDC.

The HERDC Specifications for the collection of 2021 data are available.

Historical Information - HERDC Specifications

Further Enquiries

For HERDC related enquiries, please email the department at: RBGrants@dese.gov.au with "HERDC" in the subject line.