Australian universities welcome funding for national research facilities

CANBERRA - Major investments in national research facilities announced by the Federal Government will help Australia win job-creating research races in high-performing computing, advanced manufacturing and medical technology, says Universities Australia’s Chief Executive Designate, Catriona Jackson.  

She said what she termed “a smart investment” would give nearly 40,000 researchers access to state-of-the-art equipment that was crucial to breakthroughs. “It keeps us in the race on the kinds of research that are fundamental to our economic and social prosperity.”  

Jackson said the Government had accepted most recommendations from taninfrastructure roadmap developed by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Alan Finkel, including prioritising nine national research areas. 

“We applaud the Government’s decision to listen carefully to the expert advice on the roadmap”, she said, but added that Universities Australia cautioned once again about the proposed closure of Australia’s AUD3.8 billion Education Investment Fund — the last remaining capital fund in higher education. 

“It would make no sense to give with one hand and take with the other on vital research facilities,” she said.  www.universitiesaustralia.org (ATI).