Higher Education Research Data Collection

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Collection of 2022 research income data

The collection round for 2022 research income data is now open and can be accessed via the System to Evaluate the Excellence of Research (SEER). All higher education providers must report  2022 research income data through SEER by 30 June 2023, in accordance with the HERDC specifications for the collection of 2022 data.

About the Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC)

The HERDC specifications control the collection of higher education research income data from higher education providers (HEPs) and ensures that Australian Government research block grants are allocated in a fair and transparent way.

Each year, the Department of Education (the department) updates the HERDC specifications in consultation with HEPs and other relevant stakeholders.

HERDC data, along with higher degrees by research (HDR) student completions data, is used to determine annual research block grant allocations to HEPs.

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

From 2023, HEPs must submit their research income data via the System to Evaluate the Excellence of Research (SEER).

Draft HERDC specifications for the collection of 2023 data

The Draft HERDC specifications for the collection of 2023 data were released for sector feedback on 8 November 2022. The department is now considering the feedback provided to inform the development of revised draft specifications, which will be released for feedback in the first half of 2023.

Any queries regarding the Draft 2023 HERDC specifications can be directed to rbgrants@education.gov.au.

Category 1 self-assessment – Frequently asked questions

The Category 1 self-assessment – frequently asked questions is designed to assist HEPs to self-assess their R&D income, in conjunction with the HERDC specifications to determine what can be reported as Category 1 income.

Historical information - HERDC specifications

Further enquiries

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