Among the $4.7 million in grants announced by Education Minister Christopher Pyne today were:

• $3.2 million for nine grants supporting leading academics to develop and drive innovation in higher education teaching and learning in key priority areas; and
• $1.5 million for 11 OLT fellowships which will lead change to improve graduate capabilities and enhance the experience of students in Australian higher education.

The 2015-16 Federal Budget announced that funding for the OLT would cease and a new university-based institute would be established with reduced funding from July next year.

Deputy Chief Executive of Universities Australia Anne-Marie Lansdown said that it was critical that the new institute continued the much needed specialist work performed by the OLT.

“The OLT, along with its predecessor – the Australian Learning and Teaching Council – has propelled Australia to prominence in teaching excellence,” Ms Lansdown said.

“The Government must ensure that when the new institute takes over from the OLT, it builds on the legacy of the Office by continuing to deliver quality grants and programmes that strengthen Australian university teaching and learning.

“With rapid changes in technology and in how teaching is delivered, it is particularly important to pursue innovation in teaching and learning, which these grants encourage.

“The new institute needs to drive innovative ideas and approaches benefiting teachers and students for some time to come,” Ms Lansdown said.

A full list of the 2015 OLT grant and fellowship recipients can be found at www.olt.gov.au.