Backing university research with record funding

Australia’s universities are set for a record $1.92 billion injection in research block grant funding from the Turnbull Government to support our world-class researchers and drive greater collaboration with industry.

 

Minister for Education and Training Simon Birmingham said the announcement today of the 2018 research block grants demonstrated the Turnbull Government’s strong support for improving the quality of research and the competitiveness of Australia’s research universities.

 

“Australian universities are the engine room of our nation’s research output,” Minister Birmingham said.

 

“That’s why we’ve boosted funding by $30 million so researchers can continue to make discoveries that deliver real economic and social benefits for Australians.

 

“Through the Research Training Program over $1 billion of this funding will directly support over 40,000 Masters and PhD students’ advance their research studies. 

 

“Our strong investment in research and development will help to ensure Australian researchers can turn ideas into new knowledge that will support our economy and help create employment opportunities into the future.”

 

Today’s announcement of the 2018 research block grants coincides with the release of an action plan in response to the Review of Australia’s Research Training System by the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA).

 

The action plan was developed by a working group chaired by University of Western Australia Deputy Vice Chancellor (Research) Robyn Owens and included university, industry, government, Indigenous and postgraduate student representatives.

 

Minister Birmingham said the development of the action plan was a result of the university, industry and government sectors working closely together to deliver better outcomes for postgraduate research students.

 

“The action plan reflects the importance of combining all of our efforts to build a research training system that best serves our students and ultimately our nation as a whole,” Minister Birmingham said.  

 

“This plan includes actions to boost the employment prospects of students through greater access to work placements and internships that will better prepare them for jobs in academia and industry.

 

“It also improves support for Indigenous students by increasing access to scholarships and identifies measures to ensure Australia’s research training system maintains its high international standing.”

 

The Department of Education and Training will monitor and report on progress every six months from mid-2018.

 

For more information on the 2018 research block grants visit www.education.gov.au/research-block-grants and to view the research training action plan go to www.education.gov.au/review-australia-s-research-training-system.