Higher Education Research Data Collection
The Higher Education Research Data Collection (HERDC) is the annual collection of research income data from Australian universities. It is currently collected by the Department of Education, Skills and Employment. HERDC data is used in the calculation of research block grants. It was originally called the Higher Education Financial and Research Publications Data Collection. Higher Education Funding Act 1988 section 18 outlined the data that must be reported by institutions. Purpose. HERDC data is used to allocate funding under the following programs: The HERDC Specifications control the collection of higher education research data and are  designed to ensure the Australian Government's research block grants are allocated in a fair and transparent way and to support the policy intent of the funding. The HERDC Specifications are updated annually in consultation with universities and other relevant stakeholders. Categories. HERDC data is collected where it fits within the definitions provided for four categories: