Science & Technology Australia CEO Misha Schubert statement on ARC grants and changes to the funding body.
“There an important principle at stake here. The independence of research is key in a liberal democracy. That independence is enshrined in the Haldane Principle dating back to 1918.”
“Australia’s scientists and technologists stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the wider research community on this.”
“We’re also concerned that key dates have not been announced for the round of Discovery Projects and Linkage, Infrastructure, Equipment and Facilities grants due to start in 2023.”
“In the normal course of events, Discovery Project dates would have been announced last October and applications expected to close at the end of February.”
“There must be an end to these delays once and for all – by shifting to fixed timetables for grant applications and announcements.”
“The wide array of changes foreshadowed in the Letter of Expectations from Acting Minister Robert to the Australian Research Council late last year should be a strong focus for the whole research community.”
“It is imperative that the changes to deepen industry engagement and re-shape the metrics on research are designed very carefully, and STA offers our expertise to that task.”
Media contact – Martyn Pearce: 0432 606 828
