Research and study leave

Last updated: 19 Jan 2024

Research and study leave (RSL) is leave that is taken away from normal teaching, research and administrative duties, and may be granted to academic staff for them to pursue an approved research and study programme.

RSL normally provides an opportunity for staff to travel to develop and maintain contacts with the wider academic and research community, to collaborate in-person and gain access to information, equipment or other resources. With increased emphasis on research impact, knowledge translation and applied research, applicants are encouraged to consider options for NZ-based RSL embedded within an end-user organisation. This could be with a local authority, iwi organisation, government department, research-informed NGO or a research-intensive company.

The value of RSL is measured by its usefulness to the University's teaching and research, the individual's professional development and the contribution the leave may make to the University and the wider community.

With increased emphasis on research impact, knowledge translation and applied research, applicants are encouraged to consider options for NZ-based RSL embedded within an end-user organisation.  This could be with a local authority, iwi organisation, government department, research-informed NGO or a research-intensive company.

How to apply for Research and Study Leave

Applications close on 1 April each year for periods of leave commencing between November of that year and October the following year. Applications with Head of Department and Dean (if applicable) comment must reach the Divisional Office by 1 April.

Read the Criteria for granting Research and Study Leave below before submitting your application.

Ensure that you find out the due dates for your area in order to submit your application for HoD and Dean endorsement.

If you need to confirm your RSL eligibility, make contact with your divisional office as soon as possible.

Plan your RSL in accordance with:

• Travel and Travel Related Costs Policy
• SLT memo Domestic and international air travel approval and booking processes, May 2022

In particular:

• Staff are asked to consider the negative impact of increased emissions on climate change as integral to their decision to travel.
• A plan for work must be agreed between the traveller and approver to cover any possible disruption to travel plans.

Review of Research and Study Leave Policy

The DVC and PVC Group is reviewing the RSL policy and process in light of the current changes to RSL necessitated by COVID‑19. While the policy is under review, this document provides temporary guidelines to the policy, particularly to provide clarification on the criteria for granting RSL and RSL financial support.

Criteria for granting Research and Study Leave

When assessing applications for Research and Study Leave from eligible staff, the University will consider the quality of the plan for the leave, the applicant's previous achievements, the ability of the department to cover the absence, and any special circumstances with respect to career stage and timing of leave.

An application for RSL should demonstrate the following, as assessed by the Head of Department (and Dean, where applicable):

Research and professional practice

• Quality research outputs that are expected to result from the RSL, and the timeline for these following the end of the RSL.
• Collaboration with research or professional practice colleagues at other institutions that will lead to significant future benefit to the University of Otago. This will normally include presentation of research as a guest of other institutions.
• Collaboration with industry, government or communities that will lead to translational research of clear benefit to industry, policy or society.

Teaching, assessment and curriculum development

• Investigation and development of pedagogy and innovations in teaching that will significantly enhance the work of the University.
• A contribution to teaching at another institution, normally of no more than 60 hours.

External engagement

• Contribution to external engagement, such as engagement with potential students at exchange partner institutions, presenting at alumni events, developing beneficial relationships with external organisations.

Prior achievements

• Production of quality outcomes from previous periods of RSL, or, in the case of an application for first RSL, the ability to plan a research strategy and produce outputs in an independent area of research.
• Willingness to engage with other institutions to promote the University of Otago.
• A satisfactory record of past achievements in teaching, research and service.

Justification and practical considerations

• A justification that the location(s), duration and timing of the proposed RSL are necessary in order to achieve the goals, giving reasons as to why the work cannot be achieved in the normal course of the year.
• A satisfactory explanation of the practicability of the proposed leave programme, the appropriateness of the proposed places of work.
• A satisfactory description of the arrangements to cover the applicant's normal university duties.
• Important notes:
  • Staff who wish to apply for international travel during their RSL must have a backup plan for use of time in New Zealand, should international travel not be feasible.
  • RSL is not granted for business-as-usual research activities.
  • RSL is expected to make the maximum possible use of non-teaching time.

Criteria for granting RSL Financial Support

Staff who are granted RSL receive their normal salary. Additionally, RSL Financial Support may be granted to assist with costs associated with travel and accommodation that is undertaken to an extent beyond what would normally be possible during the course of the academic year. RSL financial support is not intended to fund the research itself; applicants should consider the usual external and internal funding sources for these costs.

Supporting documents

• Curriculum Vitae in Otago format, highlighting items arising from the previous RSL
• Invitations from host institutions
• Quotes for any financial assistance requested
• Report from previous RSL
• Letter of support from the funder (for research-funded staff only)
• Letter of support from the DHB (for joint clinical staff only)

Endorsement and eligibility check

• Head of Department statement
• Dean statement (In Health Sciences)
• Divisional Office check for eligibility to apply