Research at QASP

QASP provides a unique environment for a myriad of research projects. Research conducted within QASP to date includes: animal nutrition; metabolism and growth; environment; health and disease; behaviour and welfare; biosecurity; reproduction; animal models for medical studies and food safety.

The flexible design of the facilities in conjunction with extensive resources and staff expertise, allows QASP to accommodate a wide range of animal species and projects.

QASP provides a biosecure research environment, with experienced and qualified staff able to deliver high quality support to all phases of research projects. QASP has been designed as an ideal facility to manage and conduct animal research in the commercial, government, education or industry sectors. QASP is compliant with Federal and State Health, Safety and Environmental Legislation encompassing the use of genetically modified and quarantine material.

Enquire about research at QASP

How is a research project initiated?

A project is defined as any activity conducted in the QASP facilities other than what is required to maintain or develop the facilities as such. This includes any research, consultancy, teaching, extension or demonstration by or on behalf of UQ or DAFF or any other external entity.

The process for initiating a research project involves:

Chief Investigators / Project Leaders will discuss their proposed project with QASP Management, who will advise on likely resource requirements and availability of the facilities;
An application to conduct research at QASP will be completed;
Projects will be undertaken on the basis of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) which will be negotiated by the Chief Investigator or Project Leader and QASP Management. The SLA will be an estimation of the work to be carried out and can be used in funding applications. QASP Management will ensure that the agreed resources are provided to the Chief Investigator or delegated representative in accordance with the Service Level Agreement
All necessary ethical clearances are to be obtained and provided to QASP Management;
The funding source will be confirmed;
QASP Management will maintain a booking system that is based on the first-in-first-served principle. This process will take into account those legitimate situations where flexibility is required in the bookings of time to allow for unexpected delays..
QASP Management will ensure that the estimation, allocation and recording of project service costs, salary and wage costs, and facility depreciation costs are transparent, accessible and consistently applied;
QASP Management will provide the Chief Investigator / Project Leader with immediate notice of any circumstance that might adversely affect the conduct of their project. They in turn will ensure that their project is conducted in accordance with all relevant regulations, including those relating to animal welfare and ethics, environmental protection, biological safety, workplace health and safety.

Booking system

Summary of process for commencing research project in QASP

Download high resolution summary (PDF, 80Kb) of the process to be followed when commencing a research project in QASP.

1. Application to conduct research at QASP

Aim: Communication and negotiation between researchers and QASP Management, to determine the research methodologies and costs generated in the QASP research facility.

2. Draft Research Proposal with QASP input

Aim: Create a costing for the research project as accurately as possible.

3. Application for Grant

Aim: Ensure that there has been communication between the researcher and QASP to ensure that the costing provided to the funding body is as accurate as possible.

4. Further discussion on any amendments pursuant to funding status

Aim: Maintain clear communication between QASP staff and researchers to ensure that the project design, timeline and QASP input needs are still accurate.

5. Finalisation of the Service Level Agreement (SLA)

Aim: have an agreement between Researchers and QASP on the costing and have this document signed off by both parties Request for Internal Services Quote (RISQ) is to be generated, completed and signed off indicating funds available for the project.

6. Allocation of facilities, equipment and staff resources

Aim: No clashes with other research projects, maintain the high biosecurity on the QASP site, QASP staff resource management and the quality assurance of the research project.

7. Conduct research project in QASP

8. Quarterly payments (when applicable)

Aim: Long term projects are provided with the opportunity of an staggered payment schedule.

9. Final payment

Aim: Actual costs are calculated and presented to the researcher - the difference between the SLA cost and actual costs will be invoiced.