A key feature of research support at the University is the internal allocation of the Institutional Grants Scheme (IGS) and Research Training Scheme (RTS) Commonwealth Block Grant funds according to performance measures of research input and output. Indicators reflect indexes used nationally. The formula is used to distribute funding to the faculties of the University as described below.

2007 Performance based research funding

 In line with the external funding environment, the internal allocation of funds generated via the IGS and RTS is determined by relative performance.  The 'Research Component' identified in the 2007 UQ Faculties' Budget totalled almost $84.84 million, and is made up of  $29.48 million from the IGS and $55.36 million from the RTS.

The Faculty Funding Formula recognises four performance measures:

• 30% HDR Student Load: based on the most recent years figures (2007) and weighted by a Faculty Funding Index to reflect cost differentials in research training. As with the RTS, PhD students are credited for up to 4 years equivalent full time study, and Research Masters for 2 years;
• 15% HDR Student Awards: weighted by the Faculty Funding Index and by course level, PhD:Masters = 2:1; average 2005-2006;
• 45% Research Income: unweighted; average 2005-2006; and
• 10% Publications: publication categories as recognised and weighted by DEEWR (formerly DEST); average 2005-2006.

Internal allocation of the RIBG is at the discretion of the DVC (Research). Funds are distributed in 4 categories:

• Support for Successful Bids and Initiatives - LIEF, MNRF, SSRFF, etc.
• UQ Major Equipment and Infrastructure - Competitive internal scheme
• Major Research Infrastructure - Includes support for the Library, High Performance Computing, CMR, CMM, etc
• Minor RIF - Distributed to Faculties in proportion to their Australian Competitive Grant Income.

The 2008 UQ RIF will be distributed under the above categories though allocations have not yet been finalised.