Responses to the Output-Based Research Support Scheme in University College Dublin

Abstract

Performance-based funding systems are designed to encourage research and innovation. These systems have been implemented in many countries at aggregated level. University College Dublin in the Republic of Ireland has recently adopted the Norwegian model and implemented it at individual level as Output-Based Research Support Scheme (OBRSS). Using a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews with academic staff and administrators, this study aims to understand the impact of this implementation on research practices, including, but not limited to, choice of publication channels and local and international collaboration, as well as the perception and evaluation of the funding scheme with regard to transparency and objectivity. This paper discusses preliminary findings on the topics of discretionary funding, motivation, and consultation processes.