Breaking Down Barriers to AUT Research and Expertise

They say, "knowledge is power," but its true value comes from sharing it effectively.

When Ed Maunder, Head of Postgraduate for the School of Sport & Recreation, was approached by an overseas law firm for technical advice, he was eager to help but concerned about managing the paperwork and personal liability.

Fortunately, Ed was encouraged to consult with Tom Davidson, the Contracts Manager at AUT Ventures. "From the moment I reached out to Tom, it was clear that consulting through AUT Ventures was simple," Ed explains. "Tom handled everything—negotiating fees, finalising contracts, and managing invoices. Tom's support allowed me to focus on the project, confident that I had backup."

AUT Ventures offers streamlined services that encourage staff like Ed to share their expertise beyond the university while taking care of any tax and liability issues. This not only enhances their academic experience, but also supports Ed’s belief that "engaging with industry makes for a better academic."

AUT's updated External Research and Consulting Contracts Policy & Procedures (Intranet link), effective from 1 August, reaffirm AUT’s commitment to staff sharing their expertise with businesses, government and non-profits, while maintaining their teaching or other commitments. The changes clarified what line managers should consider when giving approval for consulting opportunities, and when consultants can take the extra income personally or into a research programme account (RPA).

Catherine Redmond, the Director of the University Research Office, is keen to clarify why the update is so significant, “The Policy is designed to facilitate externally funded research and consulting arrangements.  This kind of funding enables AUT to carry out more ambitious, resource-intensive projects, empowering our researchers to advance knowledge and innovation and make a real difference in society. These funds can enable collaborations, provide career development opportunities such as research fellowships, and provide access to equipment, specialised facilities, cutting edge technologies, conferences and other opportunities that might not be otherwise be available.”

Each year AUT Ventures manages over $1 million in external consulting work and undertakes more than 80 consulting projects delivered by AUT staff to more than 50 organisations around the world. This Policy empowers AUT staff to engage with industry, utilising their research and expertise to secure external funding and enhance both their own and the University's reputation and rankings.

“There’s a common misconception that consulting sits in the ‘too hard basket’ but over the last 12 years we’ve facilitated more than one thousand domestic and international contracts ranging from $200 to $800,000 in value. In addition, we’ve managed successful contracts with all faculties and schools as they work with clients across government sectors, other Universities, NGOs, and commercial partners proving that there’s genuine diversity of projects in size, subject, and scope.” explains Tom Davidson.

Mark Orams, Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research, is a champion for AUT research, “The AUT story is filled with examples of our people impacting the real world through the sharing of our knowledge, whether that be through research projects or consulting with industry. We are committed to continue building on our foundation of transformation by empowering our academic community to embrace opportunities to be disruptors and trailblazers. By raising awareness of what’s possible through the External Research and Consulting Contracts Policy & Procedures, it is my hope that we see even more impact being made by AUT discoveries and disclosures.”

To understand how simple it can be to engage with industry through consulting contracts, AUT Ventures can host events such as:

• Curious About Consulting? How to be an Expert Witness
• Curious About Consulting?

If you’re involved in externally funded research or consulting contracts, it is highly recommended that you familiarise yourself with the policy and procedures as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can reach out to Gary Putt in the Research Office or Tom Davidson of AUT Ventures for assistance.