
The COVID-19 pandemic has exposed the extent to which Australia’s sovereign research capability is vulnerable to a significant downturn in demand for higher education from international students, putting at risk Australia’s hard-won international reputation for high quality research and the substantial benefits that it produces.
In an endeavor to address the flaws in the current model, Dr Tim Cahill, Managing Director for Research Strategies Australia, recently participated in a series of workshops led by Global Access Partners and the Institute for Integrated Economic Research which has resulted in publication of the report Protecting Australia’s Sovereign Research Capability in a COVID World.
The report brings together the ideas of experts from across Australia under the guidance of David de Carvalho, including:
- Tony Bates PSM, Victorian Department of Education
- Mark Bazzucco, CSIRO
- John Blackburn AO, Institute for Integrated Economic Research
- Tim Cahill, Research Strategies Australia
- David de Carvalho (Workshop Chair), former First Assistant Secretary, Higher Education, Australian
Government (2011-2013) - Stephen Hayes MBE, Gravity Group and GAP
- Jane den Hollander AO, ex-Deakin University, University of WA
- Mark Hutchinson, University of Adelaide
- Frank Larkins, University of Melbourne
- Tamara Martin , University of NSW
- Tony Peacock, Cooperative Research Centre Association
- Jan Tennent, ConnectBio
- Matt Wenham, ex-Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering
“The report represents the first serious attempt to think through what a post-COVID research system should look like in Australia,” said Dr Cahill. “This process has brought together leading experts from industry, higher education and the broader research system, to answer the simple question, how do we protect the future of such an important national asset as our university-based research? Research Strategies Australia is very proud to have contributed to this discussion that is fundamental to the future of Australia’s economic, social and health outcomes.”
For additional information please contact Dr Tim Cahill, Managing Director, Research Strategies Australia