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.

Draft HERDC specifications for the collection of 2023 data

The Draft HERDC specifications for the collection of 2023 data are now available. The deadline for comments on the draft specifications is 5pm ADST, 21 November 2022, which can be provided to RBgrants@education.gov.au. Any queries regarding this consultation process can also be directed to this mailbox.

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). 2022 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.

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.