Scoping and planning projects

At CSIRO we work in multidisciplinary teams across many research areas and programs. Getting the detail of collaborative projects right at the outset is important, so let's take a look at how we scope and plan projects and who might be involved from the team.

Scoping a project

Scoping a project with CSIRO will generally fall within four types of engagement models. Understanding these models will help you define your project more clearly, providing a foundation for delivering the outcomes you want while also identifying what is not necessary. Additionally, the scope of your project will influence its pricing. It's helpful to determine which model best suits your project before reaching out to us with your idea.

1. Consultancy – projects with no experiment requirements where we provide synthesis and advice based on existing knowledge and expertise. For example, technical reports and consulting advice.
2. Services – routine and repeatable activities undertaken based on existing knowledge, expertise and Intellectual Property (IP). For example, disease/pathogen screening.
3. Applied Research & Development (R&D) – R&D that delivers outcomes to a specific industry or external partner that are directed towards a specific practical aim or objective. For example, optimising a production system for a company, creating a new product line.
4. Fundamental/Basic R&D – R&D that is experimental in nature and designed to acquire new knowledge with or without a specific application in mind. These projects are IP rich and may have multiple applications. For example, gene identification for agricultural production traits.

Quick reference guides

Meet the team

While we work within these four broad engagement types, every project is unique, and the size and nature of the project will determine precisely who will become a part of your project team. For most engagements, the majority of communication will come through your Research Lead or Business Development Manager (BDM). Other team members will be involved as needed, coordinated by the Research Lead or Business Development Manager to ensure the right people are engaged at the correct times during the project.

Here's an example of who might be involved and their role in the collaboration:

Research Lead
Your primary contact for discussing and planning R&D activities and budgets. Responsible for managing research resources and delivering project milestones. Can sometimes be referred to as the Project Lead.

Business Development Manager (BDM)
Works with you and our CSIRO teams to develop projects that meet both parties' needs in a timely manner.

Commercialisation Manager (CM)
Works with you to ensure project IP is commercialised according to CSIRO's IP principles.

Equity Portfolio Manager
Looks after CSIRO's shareholding in a company and works closely on governance and administration.

Licence Portfolio Manager
Handles the final stage of commercialisation by managing the active licences in the CSIRO portfolio.

Intellectual Property Manager
Manages and protects project IP, providing high-level advice on freedom to operate and ensuring compliance with contractual obligations.

Contract Support Team
Works with the CSIRO team members to ensure contracts are in place to enable the project to commence.

Legal Team
Develops, edits, and reviews contracts to ensure they are legally binding and meet CSIRO's Commonwealth obligations.

Communication Manager
Supports external marketing and communication activities in line with CSIRO policies and branding guidelines.

Proactivity wins the day

Across thousands of projects, we've seen that our partners achieve the best outcomes from working with us when they proactively lead their projects.

Proactivity involves anticipating needs, addressing potential challenges early, and maintaining consistent, clear communication with CSIRO team members.

By taking initiative, partners can align project goals more closely with their strategic objectives, ensuring that we're all working towards a shared vision.

This approach allows for timely adjustments to the project scope or direction, fostering a more flexible and responsive collaboration.

Proactive engagement also helps us to manage resources and timelines effectively, which are critical for meeting milestones and achieving successful project outcomes.

Ultimately, proactive partners create a dynamic and engaged partnership, driving innovation and ensuring that project goals are met efficiently and effectively.

Read more articles in the collaborate with CSIRO series.