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MANY QUALITY SCIENCE RESEARCH PROJECTS MISS OUT ON FUNDING
2 December 1997

The 1998 Australian Research Council Large Grants have been announced. The aim of these grants is to support high quality research by individuals or research teams, mostly in universities. These are allocated for specific research projects on a competitive basis.

Sir Gustav Nossal, President of the Academy said

'The Academy is very concerned about the limited amount of funds available to the Australian Research Council for the support of higher quality research and researchers. During the last two years the success rate has declined from 23% to 20% and this is putting enormous pressure on the selection process and denying opportunities for many talented researchers. The Academy has argued that the funding should be increased so that at least 33% of qualified proposals receive funding.

We are very worried about the effect that funding cuts and shortfalls are having on morale in universities, especially on younger scientists. At this stage of Australia's history, we should be nurturing and cherishing our young talent.

The Academy has recommended to the Government that high priority be given to new funding to be reserved for younger researchers.'