Inquiry into Research Training and research workforce issues in Australian universities
On 23 April 2008 the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, Senator the Hon Kim Carr, asked the House's Standing Committee to undertake an inquiry into research training and research workforce issues in Australian universities.
The NTEU National Office is preparing a submission and will make this available as soon as it is completed.
The review is currently receiving submissions, which are due Friday May 30
Visit the Review's website for further details
The terms of reference for the Committee include the following elements:
The Inquiry will examine:
1. The contribution that Australian universities make to research in Australia, including:
- The contribution of research training programs to Australia's competitiveness in the areas of science, research and innovation;
- The effectiveness of current Commonwealth research training schemes; and
- The adequacy of current research training schemes to support Australia's anticipated future requirements for tertiary-qualified professionals in a wide range of disciplines.
2. The challenges Australian universities face in training, recruiting and retaining high quality research graduates and staff, including, but not limited to:
- Adequacy of training and support (including income support) available to research graduates in Australia;
- Factors for graduates that determine pursuit of a career in research;
- Opportunities for career advancement for research graduates and staff;
- Factors determining pursuit of research opportunities overseas;
- Australia’s ability to compete internationally for high quality researchers; and
- Whether Australia’s academic workforce is ageing, and the impact this may have on Australia’s research capacity.
Further information:
| NTEU Submission | Follow this link to download the Union's extensive response to the Inquiry. |