Curtin University today supported a move by Australian researchers to call on State and Federal Governments to back a strategic national research policy to build a stronger, smarter nation.
For the first time Australian research bodies, representing hundreds of thousands of Australians, have come together to urge non-partisan support for science and all forms of research.
Professor Colin Stirling, Acting Vice-Chancellor, said the strongest nations in our region were investing in their best resources – their minds – by driving skills, science and research at universities and Australia must do the same.
“Universities have the ability to transform our economy and it is important that the nation invests to help secure our future,” Professor Stirling said.
Professor Stirling said investing in research capacity and infrastructure would strengthen Curtin as a research-intensive university.
“Curtin supports a strategy to retain and develop fundamental national capacity in a highly competitive contemporary world,” he said.
“By building our research workforce, we are attracting and retaining scholars to undertake world-leading research in areas of global significance. Working with the world’s finest is in the best interests for both academia and industry.
“We need to continue to increase our voice at all political levels to build a productive national research system.
“By increasing our investment in areas of strategic significance we will be home to a growing number of world-class researchers who will deliver research of greater impact than ever before.
