Australia’s world-class universities contribute significantly to our research output, performing almost all of Australia’s pure research (87 per cent) and the biggest slice of applied research (45 per cent). 

Universities Australia Chief Executive Catriona Jackson said universities have and will continue to produce the research that prepares Australia for the challenges and opportunities of the future. 

“Every day, students and scholars in our universities come together to tackle our toughest problems and to grasp our greatest opportunities,” Ms Jackson said. 

“Having a modern, fit for purpose framework and evidence-based priorities is important in the face of a changing global and domestic environment. 

“A lot has changed since the current priorities were published in 2015, so we welcome a conversation around how they can better reflect our modern society. 

“Universities have always been at the coalface of scientific research in Australia, producing medical and technological breakthroughs that have transformed the way we live. 

“In preparing for the future we must continue to invest in our researchers and their ideas – and create the settings and foster an environment for them thrive. This is what will keep Australia in the global effort to advance knowledge and tackle the world’s big challenges. 

“It’s university-driven research that will continue to drive our prosperity, productivity, and wellbeing and universities, as they always have been, are up to the challenge. 

“We look forward to engaging with Minister Husic and the taskforce, led by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, on how government, universities and industry can work together to get the best results for our nation.”