MEDIA RELEASE
IMPROVEMENTS TO RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE
17 July, 2003 MIN 416/03
I am pleased to announce two important initiatives that will
contribute to and streamline policy development and funding in the
research sector.
The Taskforce on Research Infrastructure and the Evaluation of
the 1999 Knowledge and Innovation reforms are part of the ‘Backing
Australia’s Future’ reforms announced in May this year.
Australia is a world leader in the production of high quality
research and these reviews will help to ensure that the sector
continues to produce outstanding achievements that represent
excellent value for the Australian taxpayer dollar.
Recent changes to research funding through the Knowledge and
Innovation reforms and the funding boost through the Commonwealth’s
$3 billion Backing Australia’s Ability innovation statement
mean that it is now time to take stock of the framework supporting
the Australian research sector.
The Taskforce will develop a national strategy for major research
infrastructure over the next five to ten years. The Evaluation of
the Knowledge and Innovation reforms will focus on the operation of
the competitive block funding schemes.
The Evaluation will be conducted by an internal policy group of
senior officers from DEST and other departments, who will consult
with an External Reference Group to be chaired by Professor Chris
Fell, President of the Federation of Australian Scientific and
Technological Societies.
An Issues Paper will be released shortly by the Evaluation Team
setting out the areas to be addressed. Submissions will be invited
in response to the Issues Paper with a Consultation Report to be
submitted to Government in October 2003.
Dr Mike Sargent AM, Deputy Chancellor of the University of
Canberra, board member of the Australian Research Council, and Chair
of the Australian Research and Education Network Advisory Committee,
will chair the Taskforce. Stakeholders from the research community
have also been invited to join both the Taskforce and the
Evaluation.
The Taskforce will present its final report and recommendations
to Government later this year.
Further information and contact details are online at:
www.dest.gov.au/highered/ki_reforms/default.htm
Media contact:
Dr Nelson’s Office: Ross Hampton 0419 484 095
Dept of Education, Science & Training: Adam Barclay 0412 650
549
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