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NEW FOCUS FOR DETERMINING RESEARCH EXCELLENCE IN AUSTRALIA
25 March 2004

The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the timely release of three important reports that will inform the policy process and strategic direction of the Australian research and innovation system. The reports, published by the Department of Education, Science and Training, resulted from three major reviews on knowledge and innovation, research collaboration between universities and public research agencies, and national research infrastructure. The Academy provided substantial input into all three reviews.

The reports were released this week by the Minister for Education, Science and Training, Dr Brendan Nelson during his address at the National Press Club. The reports resulted from enquiries undertaken by the Australian government to better inform the government’s investment in research.

In his address the Minister made special mention of the outcomes of the Knowledge and Innovation report chaired by Professor Chris Fell, and stated that 'it recommends that we need a performance framework in terms of assessing what is quality research in Australia'.

The Minister also pointed out the need to move towards differentiation and specialisation saying 'one wonders how long, as a country, that we can sustain funding all kinds of research in all institutions'. The Academy has similarly called for the need to recognise diversity in the system.

The Australian Academy of Science has for some years now advocated the need for refinement in the way research quality is measured in order to identify research excellence. It is essential to concentrate on excellence in particular areas of research in particular institutions, permitting a concentration of resources and research infrastructure to underpin a critical mass of research capability.

Professor Kurt Lambeck, an officer of the Academy, stated that 'the real challenge is to recognise, channel and reward excellence, wherever it may be found.'

This week the four learned Academies, known as the National Academies Forum, met at a scoping workshop to explore the issue of measuring research excellence. The group is undertaking a joint project on the topic and will hold a public forum on 22 and 23 June at the Shine Dome in Canberra. The Academies have also been closely following the recent review of the UK research assessment exercise to determine its relevance in the Australian context.

The joining of the four learned Academies in this project ensures that the perspectives of each area of discipline will be given proper consideration.

Details of the public forum will be available on the Academy's website from April.