The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP launched the Australian Government’s Science, Engineering and Technology Skills Audit on 19 July 2006. This audit is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to developing Australia’s potential through research and innovation. The audit process involved comprehensive consultations, public submissions and a number of research projects that aimed to develop a comprehensive picture of skills issues in Australia. The summary report brings together the key outcomes of the audit.
The final report of the e-Research Coordinating Committee, “An Australian e-Research Strategy and Implementation Framework”, publicly released in May 2007, set out the policy issues pertinent to Australia securing maximum benefit from the use of e-Research techniques. The Report proposed strategic directions that should be pursued; and proposed further steps that would allow generation of an implementation plan. It provided essential groundwork for deliberations leading to the investment in NCRIS Platforms for Collaboration capability.
Further information on e-Research
DEST Analytical Snapshots are intended to provide easy-to-read quick reference guides to current research, in a standard format.
The DEST Analytical Snapshots will be a continuing series which will provide a succinct overview of key research and policy information; and provide an easily accessible source of key research about major issues related to education, science and training.
This
report to DEST was prepared by the consulting firm PhillipsKPA. Completed in March 2006, it explores the nature and dimensions of the practice and value of knowledge transfer within Australia, as practised by universities and PFRAs, against a background of international and domestic developments.
The report is a synthesis of recent Australian and international research on the attitudes of teachers, students and parents to teaching as a career.
A
science bilateral (Australia-China) website 
has been developed by DEST to assist Australian researchers collaborate with their Chinese counterparts. The Governments of Australia and China recognise the importance of bilateral scientific collaboration to the research community. The new website aims to enhance links between researchers by providing a range of useful information on funding opportunities, Chinese institutions and current news and events.
The objectives of the Triennial Research Plan are to give coherence to current and future research activity of DEST and to outline the role that research will play in the achievement of our portfolio outcomes over the next three years.
On 22 August 2005, the Hon Dr Brendan Nelson MP, Minister for Education, Science and Training, announced funding for nine projects involving over 30 Australian universities . Many of the funded projects comply with more than one of the areas identified and support many of the themes and problems that are emerging through the consultations for NCRIS and e-Research Committees. The funded projects are known collectively as the Managed Environments for Research Repository Infrastructure (MERRI) Projects.
Medical education stakeholders across Australia have engaged in widespread debate about medical training in universities. In response to this debate, the Honourable Brendan Nelson M.P., Minister for Education, Science and Training has commissioned a
significant study into undergraduate-level medical education.
This report presents an overview of the analyses in respect to the
New Apprenticeship Outcomes Survey Data. This work is intended to provide an exhaustive descriptive analysis of the survey data, to underpin both the Skills at Work Report, ongoing programme monitoring responsibilities and any further work the department or others might undertake.
Setting priorities provides a vision of where research can contribute to Australia’s future prosperity and well being, and will help align our nation’s research effort in these key areas. National research priorities will enhance the quality and impact of our research effort by building critical mass in these areas and by promoting collaboration between research organisations and with industry.
The Australian and state/territory governments, through MCEETYA, 
have endorsed a whole-of-government, cross-sectoral approach to the effective use of information and communications technology (ICT) in education, training, research and innovation. The overall strategic context is set out in a high-level Joint Ministerial Statement on Education and Training in the Information Economy which is accompanied by an Education and Training Action Plan. DEST has played a leadership role in ensuring that ICT-education investments made in the education and training sector are coordinated and contribute to a nationally coherent approach.
The Australian Research Council (ARC) plays a key role in the Australian Government’s investment in the future prosperity and well-being of the Australian community. The ARC’s mission is to advance Australia’s capacity to undertake quality research that brings economic, social and cultural benefit to the Australian community.