Universities increased research investment to enhance reputation

By Frank Larkins. Research investigations and research training programs feature prominently in the mission and strategic plans of most Australian universities. The reasons are clear as research is a dominant factor in driving the national and international standing of an institution. A strong research performance can improve international rankings, it also impacts positively on staff and student recruitment and influences private sector and community investment in the university for infrastructure and academic programs. Furthermore, the two Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) exercises conducted by the Australian Research Council in 2010 and 2012 have been drivers highlighting the strengths and weaknesses of university research at the discipline (Field of Research) level. A further ERA exercise is being conducted this year (2015) to map the trends in research activities and Australia’s performance against international norms. More...