Higher Education at the Crossroads: Impact of the Nelson Reforms on Research Higher Education at the Crossroads: Impact of the Nelson Reforms on Research For ATEM WA Conference 18 July 2003 For ATEM WA Conference 18 July 2003 Professor Robyn Owens Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) The University of Western Australia Professor Robyn Owens Pro Vice-Chancellor (Research & Innovation) The University of Western Australia

Funding Proposals APAs Student Loan Schemes Targeted Funding  Are these proposals likely to impact on research or have no impact at all?

National Institute of Learning and Teaching Responsibilities include:  management of a major competitive grants scheme for innovation in learning and teaching  improvement of assessment practices throughout the sector  facilitation of benchmarking of effective learning and teaching processes at national and international levels  Will this impact on research?

International Centres of Excellence Four Centres of Excellence  Asia Pacific Studies and Diplomacy  Mathematics Education  Water Resources Management  Sports Science and Administration   Is this enough, not enough, in the “right” areas?   Are these in areas of current research strength or will research opportunities be limited?   Should the Government target funding so specifically?

Strengthening Research Capacity Development of national strategy on research infrastructure Greater collaboration between universities and Publicly Funded Research Agencies Affiliation of Australian Institute of Marine Science with James Cook University ARC to fund Chief Investigator Salaries Evaluation of Knowledge and Innovation reforms

Strengthening Research Capacity  What is the impact on research?  Has the Government “got it right”?

National Priority Areas Teaching and Nursing stated as initial key area Range of measures will be used to ensure an adequate supply of high quality graduates :  increases to Commonwealth course contributions  setting of lower student contribution ranges  provision of additional places in public institutions  provision of places in private institutions  Will this impact on research?