Investment in Quality Assurance: Where does the value lie in research infrastructure development?

Quality assurance of research infrastructure is relatively a new idea. This thesis evaluates the value of embedding quality assurance principles into the governance and management of research infrastructure. It draws on lessons from two individual, albeit linked research infrastructures - the South-East Asia Community Observatory (SEACO), a demographic surveillance site; and the Monash Technology Research Platforms (MTRP), a network of technology research platforms. Both research infrastructures have developed a quality management system, incorporating quality assurance techniques and procedures adopted from industry and commerce. This research indicates that the introduction of quality assurance principles into research infrastructure facilitate quality orientation, leading to a well-governed research infrastructure with transparent research practices, optimal management, and the attainment of efficiency.