Contents

1.1    Introduction
1.2    The need for reform
1.3    Research in the higher education system
1.4    A vision for Australian university research
1.5    A direction for change
1.6    Principles of public funding
1.7    Conclusion

2.1    An appropriate policy framework
2.2    The role of the Australian Research Council
2.3    A National Competitive Grants Programme
2.4    National and international facilities
2.5    Transparency and accountability mechanisms
2.6    A balanced approach

3.1    Performance-based funding schemes
3.2    Institutional Grants Scheme
3.3    Funding for research training
3.4    Research Infrastructure Block Grants
3.5    Contestability of funding for the Institute of Advanced Studies of The Australian National University

4.1    Overview
4.2    Regional package
4.3    Response to incentives
4.4    Regional Funding
4.5    Regional outcomes

5.1    Overview
5.2    Institutional planning and reporting
5.3    External quality verification