Research training in Australian universities

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Innovation has released an interim report from its inquiry into research training and research workforce issues in Australian universities.

“This interim report lists key recommendations arising from the committee’s inquiry into research training and research workforce issues,” committee chair Ms Vamvakinou said.

“The committee received 105 submissions and undertook public hearings in a number of capital cities and regional centres across Australia.

“Throughout the inquiry, several key issues were repeatedly raised by those presenting to the committee. The recommendations contained in this interim report directly respond to many of these key issues.”

The recommendations released in the interim report include increasing Australia’s gross expenditure on research and development, raising the PhD stipend from its current level, which has been projected to place students at the level of the poverty line, and funding the full cost of research at Australian universities and research institutions.

“This interim report and its recommendations are a strong endorsement of support for Australian universities and research graduates who play a vital role in driving innovation in Australia,” Ms Vamvakinou said.

The report has been released early so that its key recommendations can be considered in the context of the 2009–10 budget process.

"It’s clear from the report's 24 recommendations that after six months of site visits and consideration of written and verbal evidence, the committee is convinced that there is a strong case for reform and additional investment in research and research training in Australia," said Professor Doug McEachern, chair of the Go8 Deputy Vice-Chancellors Research Committee.

"The committee's report complements venturousaustralia, the Review of the National Innovation System, but focuses on the reforms and investment required to ensure that Australia's system of research training is capable of underpinning an innovative society and economy," he said.

"The Go8 notes that all recommendations with budget implications have bi-partisan support, and that both government and Opposition members have recognised that high-quality research training is vital to Australia's future.

"The Go8 strongly endorses the committee's recognition that ensuring that research grants meet the full costs of sponsored research is critical to the sustainability of the innovation system and the quality of Australian research. This was a key recommendation of venturousaustralia and the committee's recognition of the important principle is welcome.

"We strongly endorse the committee's recommendation that the full cost principle should be applied not only to research, but to the costs of providing high-quality research training in different disciplines and institutional settings.

"The Go8 welcomes the committee's focus on the quality of research training, student mobility, the adequacy of student income support and measures to attract outstanding international students to Australia," he said.

"There are some recommendations in the report that will need to be thought through carefully and could have unintended consequences if implemented as proposed. However, the Go8 will provide the committee and the government with feedback on the detail over the coming weeks," he added.

The interim report is available on the government website.