Australia's scientists and technologists have welcomed the bold thinking put forward by the Australian Research Council on how it can simplify and clarify its grants programs, better support early career researchers, and take more risks in backing Australian innovators.
The paper was launched today by Australian Research Council (ARC) Chairman Professor Peter Shergold AC. Its proposals including rolling the ARC's research funding programs into new, simpler streams, stronger and deeper support for early and mid-career researchers, and putting a greater emphasis on backing higher risk research that has the potential to create higher returns.
"This paper is a bold reimaging of the ARC's role and one which has the potential to more clearly cement its essential place as the foundation of Australian research and innovation," said STA Chief Executive Officer Ryan Winn.
"It takes a system that is at times labyrinthine and confusing to researchers, and reimagines it to better focus on the country's needs going forward - a system that supports essential discovery research, assists early career researchers and Indigenous researchers, and is brave in backing Australian innovators who will create the products, services, and jobs of tomorrow."
The paper follows consultation with the sector and will be open for submissions until 13 April.
"We are pleased that the ARC has paid attention to our submission to the consultation process, and listened to the voices of scientists and technologists. It's important now that the organisation clearly communicates its proposed changes and gives the research community ample time to respond," said STA President Professor Sharath Sriram.
"The ARC plays a fundamental role in the research and innovation ecosystem. That ecosystem will be where the great breakthroughs of this century will come - whether that's from new products and services, tackling climate change and biodiversity loss, or essential blue-sky discovery research."
"We need to set that ecosystem up to be a success and deliver impact to society, and this paper is an important step towards that."
"With the Strategic Examination of R&D currently underway, now is the time for a fearless discussion about what we want our research and innovation system to look like to ensure Australia's future prosperity, health and wellbeing. We look forward to contributing the views of our 235,000+ members into the ARC process."
