Q&A with Australia’s science minister

In early December, the Australian government invited four North American journalists—including Physics Today‘s editor-in-chief Steve Benka—to visit Australia and learn about the country’s many efforts, initiatives, and successes in scientific research and innovation.

As part of the visit, the journalists were given the opportunity to submit written questions to Australia’s minister for innovation, industry, science, and research, Kim Carr. Here are some of the questions asked by Physics Today and the answers.

PT: How does Australia set its priorities for funding science?

CARR: The possibilities created by science and investment in research are endless.

There will always be competing priorities. This is why we need to make strategic decisions for investment and we base these on what is in Australia’s best interests.

The Australian government seeks value from its investment in research infrastructure. We aim to ensure that any investment in future research infrastructure is targeted to provide maximum benefit to Australia’s innovation system.

The National Research Infrastructure Council

In 2009 the government created the NRIC to provide strategic advice on future research infrastructure investments in Australia.

The council is made up of research leaders from across a wide range of research disciplines. Its role is to ensure that we do not lose sight of the future needs of our researchers, our industries, and our communities.

It is vital to have such people advising on the best way to fund research infrastructure in Australia. The council’s work complements other consultation mechanisms to allow our leading research institutions to share their insights with government.

Landmark research infrastructure projects

In assessing Australia’s priorities in research funding, a process is needed to specifically assess competing “landmark” research infrastructure projects. These are research infrastructure projects that require funding from the Australian government in excess of AU$100 million for the first five years of a project. (Australian and US dollars are almost equal in nominal value.)

NRIC has consulted with the Australian research community and recently proposed a process to the government which is under consideration. Until such time as a landmark research infrastructure process is announced, it would be inappropriate to comment in detail on what the process might be. However, the discussion paper released by NRIC offers some insights into issues associated with a landmark research infrastructure process in an Australian context.

The objective of developing this process is to ensure greater certainty for the scientific community on how decisions are made and the opportunity to focus effort in developing proposals.

It will also contribute to improved scientific outcomes generated by the increased stock of research infrastructure where funding flows to landmark research infrastructure projects are made.

Finally, it will contribute to a more transparent decision-making process by governments, offering greater accountability in the use of taxpayer funds.

Assessing competing priorities

Priorities are established in a number of ways and in the past we have relied on road mapping as the key method for making decisions.

This approach has worked well and we intend to develop a new road map for research infrastructure in Australia to be released in the latter part of 2011.

In addition to the road map we are currently developing a strategic framework for research infrastructure in Australia. These two strategic documents will be finalized in consultation with the sector and will aim to set out priorities for research infrastructure capabilities and provide a foundation for the department to inform the Australian government regarding the needs of the sector for future funding.

PT: How do the government and the scientific community interact?

CARR: The scientific community is a source of knowledge and expertise that the Australian government regularly draws upon.

Our consultation with the scientific community spans many activities from projects like the upcoming 2011 Strategic Roadmap for Australian Research Infrastructure, to leveraging support for the Square Kilometre Array .

We regularly interact with diverse groups including federal government agencies like the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO ), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO ), the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM ), and the Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS ); state and territory agencies; and nongovernment groups like academies, universities, and research institutions.

The way we consult varies depending on the issues at hand and includes

• discussion papers for comments and written submissions,
• forums and conferences,
• and individual meetings and workshops.

We also engage the scientific community through our advisory structures by having representatives from across the sector sitting on scientific advisory boards like the Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC ) and the National Research Infrastructure Council (NRIC ).

Collaboration is the key to innovation. By drawing on the best minds from across the research community, industry, and government we achieve the best results.

We also recognize that collaboration should not be limited to program design; this is why we interact with the scientific community broadly and continuously when undertaking our policy development and evaluation activities.

PT: What is the Australian government doing to attract young Australians to careers in science and non-Australians to work in the country’s universities, research institutes, and high-tech industries? Does Australia’s 1% graduate tax hurt those efforts?

CARR: Research workforce strategy

The Department of Innovation, Industry, Science, and Research is currently anchoring the development of a Research Workforce Strategy to ensure that Australia is able to meet expected shortfalls in the supply of research-qualified people. The strategy will also address concerns regarding the lack of clear career paths for research students and the adequacy of the research training system to effectively prepare them for varied career outcomes.

Work to date has included consultation with a wide range of interested parties. A workshop with higher degree by research (PhD and research master’s) students was held in December 2009 to examine issues faced by HDR students in completing their studies and embarking on research careers. There have also been consultations with public and private sector employers, researchers, and research leaders.

The department also commissioned two studies: Employer Demand for Researchers in Australia and Australia’s Future Research Workforce—Supply, Demand and Influence Factors. Both these studies are available on the department’s website .

The strategy, which goes out to 2020, will be provided to the minister for innovation, industry, science, and research for consideration by the end of 2010.

Data on higher degrees earned by research students

Data on higher education in Australia, including information relating to higher degree by research (HDR) candidates is collected through the Higher Education Information Management System (HEIMS) administered by the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). The data include information on commencement, completion and attrition rates, demography, and field of education. Further information can be found on the DEEWR website .

Attracting young people into science careers

The Australian government conducts a number of activities to attract young people into science careers, including through DEEWR. More information can be found on the DEEWR website .

DIISR is responsible for a suite of programs for young people, including programs and initiatives managed by Questacon , Australia’s national technology and science center.

Questacon programs include Questacon Science Play, which offers a hands-on science session for children aged 2–5 years and a workshop for educators; the Questacon Science Squad, which performs exciting and entertaining science shows for schoolchildren of all ages; and the Tenix Questacon Maths Squad , which offers exciting presentations and over 500 hands-on puzzles, tasks, and activities to challenge and excite young students.

The Inspiring Australia report provides a national strategy for engagement with the sciences. The strategy aims to build a strong, open relationship between science and society, underpinned by effective communication of science and its benefits. In line with the report’s recommendations, the Australian government has announced AU$21 million as part of the Science for Australia’s Future policy. This will include continued support for the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science and National Science Week, and other science events and activities to unlock Australia’s full potential, including programs for young people, and activities targeting regional and remote areas. These activities all contribute to the objective of promoting scientific careers among young Australians.

Higher Education Loan Program (HELP)

It is not correct that Australia applies an additional 1% tax on graduates of Australian universities. Under the Higher Education Support Act 2003, the Australian government subsidizes higher education through the funding of Commonwealth supported places and providing eligible students with Higher Education Loan Program (HELP) loans. Most undergraduate students studying at university are enrolled in Commonwealth-supported places, available at all public universities and some approved private higher education providers (in identified areas of national priority).

A key equity feature of Australia’s higher education system is the loan arrangements available under the HELP scheme, which ensure that eligible students are not prevented from participating in higher education if they are unable to pay their tuition costs up front.

Eligible students may take out a HELP loan for their tuition costs, and repay the debt later through the taxation system. Eligible Commonwealth-supported students who opt to pay their student contribution up front receive a 20 percent discount funded by the government.

HELP debts have no interest and have income contingent repayment arrangements. Outstanding loan balances are indexed only to maintain their real value, and people are required to make repayments only when their income reaches the minimum threshold for compulsory repayment (AUS$44 912 for 2010–11, indexed for later years). Loan repayments are returned through the Australian taxation system to consolidated revenue and are available for general expenditure on government services. If a HELP debt is never repaid because of low income, the government meets the cost.

Measures to encourage the study of and careers in science

The government has committed to encouraging more people to study science (and mathematics). From 1 January 2009, the maximum annual student contribution amount for commencing Commonwealth-supported students studying science and mathematics units was reduced to the “national priority” rate (per equivalent full-time load), taking it from AU$7567 to the lowest “national priority” rate of AU$4249 (2010 rates, indexed for later years). The government is meeting the cost by paying universities the difference between the new lower student contribution amount and the previous amount.

Further, to encourage skilled graduates to work in related fields, the government introduced the HECS-HELP benefit initiative. This initiative provides a reduction in compulsory HELP debt repayments for science and mathematics graduates who go on to work in related professions, including teaching of these subjects in secondary school and primary school teaching. The benefit reduces their compulsory repayments by up to $1558.50 in 2009–10 (indexed in later years). A person will be able to receive the benefit for up to a lifetime maximum of the equivalent of five years of eligible employment.

PT: How do you balance participation in international programs with internal pressures to fund researchers? What is the level of scientific cooperation and collaboration between Australia and China and between Australia and its other regional neighbors?

CARR: It is not an either/or situation. Australia recognizes that, to be effective, support for Australian research must include engagement with international research programs.

The Australian government recently announced in the Science for Australia’s future policy statement that it would strengthen Australia’s links with the best international researchers and institutions and forge closer partnerships with leading players.

International collaboration builds capacity, facilitates access to new knowledge, attracts foreign investment, and extends Australia’s global influence.

International science engagement is essential to maximize the economic, social, and environmental impact of Australian research and to leverage Australia’s investment in science and innovation.

Collaboration with other countries provides Australian researchers with access to additional expertise and infrastructure, and significantly increases the scale and effectiveness of Australia’s research effort. These considerations underpin the government’s adoption of a National Innovation Priority that seeks to increase international research collaboration by Australian researchers and businesses.

Australia will also mainstream its support for international research collaboration through a variety of mechanisms: Australian Research Council (ARC) grants support international collaboration; the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation’s (CSIRO) Flagship Collaboration Fund enables international participation in large-scale multidisciplinary research partnerships; the Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) program encourages CRCs to engage globally and seek co-investment from international organizations; and increased support for university research in the 2009–10 budget is laying the foundations for more international collaboration between individuals and institutions.

Australian governments conduct regular reviews into the effectiveness and value of funding programs, reassessing priorities in light of the broader government agenda, and balancing fiscal responsibilities to deliver social and economic benefit to all Australians.

Australia–China Science and Research Collaboration

Level of Cooperation: China has rapidly emerged as a global power in science and research.

Australia views China as a priority partner for bilateral science collaboration, and science and research cooperation is a key component of the broader Australia–China relationship. The number of publications with Australian and Chinese co-authors rose from 114 in 1996 (our 12th most important partner) to 2295 in 2009 (our 3rd partner behind the US and UK). Australia rose from 10th to 6th amongst China’s partners in the same period.

Australia and China enjoy an enduring relationship, nurtured over the last 30 years at the government-to-government level. This is achieved within the framework of the bilateral Treaty on Cooperation in Science and Technology, signed in 1980. It has been given effect by the signing of a subsequent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Cooperation in Science and Technology in 1989, and with the MOU on a Special Fund for Scientific and Technological Cooperation in 2000 (updated in 2005 and 2007). Bilateral discussions occur through Joint Science and Technology Commission meetings, every two to three years.

Australia achieves many of its objectives in the bilateral science relationship by working with the Australian Academy of Science (AAS ) and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE ). Both of these academies have their own MOUs with counterpart Chinese agencies.

Many other arms of the Australian government have formal arrangements with Chinese partners covering research in specific areas. Publicly funded research agencies like the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) also have formal arrangements for research collaboration and exchanges of staff. Australian universities have also established collaborative partnerships with Chinese and other international partners.

Some key examples of the many Australia–China collaborative programs are:

• ATSE facilitates a Young Scientists Exchange Program, a project that enables young Australian and Chinese scientists to visit counterparts and establish relationships leading to new international collaborations.
• The Australia–China Special Fund for Scientific and Technological Cooperation (‘the Special Fund’), launched in 2001, is the major earmarked bilateral government funding source for collaborative research projects between Australian and Chinese research organizations across diverse fields of science. To date, 133 projects have been supported by the Australian government with around $11 million, with 79 still active. Outcomes of projects have included advancements in diabetes treatments, mapping brain connections and function for studying multiple sclerosis, development of a new shape-memory alloy, a more effective method for removing lead pollution from waste water, and a new gas turbine for reducing fugitive mine emissions and utilizing methane as a clean energy source.

A sample of 30 projects chosen to illustrate the scope of the relationship can be found in an official commemorative book .

Other regional partners

Australia currently has 28 formal S&T cooperation agreements with a range of regional partner countries. Government-supported science collaboration with these and other countries is supported through a range of mechanisms including the International Science Linkages program, the Australian Research Council, the National Health and Medical Research Council, and AusAID. The level of government-supported collaboration varies over time, and is driven according to mutual government interests and priority setting.

Government support for bilateral S&T collaboration with India is facilitated by a range of mechanisms including the Australia–India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF ). This fund supports joint research projects between Indian and Australian scientists across a broad range of disciplines including renewable energy, nanotechnology, biotechnology, and agricultural science.

The AISRF was launched in 2006. In November 2009, the prime ministers of Australia and India announced that the fund would be extended and expanded. With a total Australian commitment of $65 million, matched by the government of India, the AISRF is by a considerable margin Australia’s largest fund dedicated to research collaboration with any country, and one of India’s largest sources of support for international science.

There are around 65 projects currently underway, drawing in top scientists at India’s premier universities and research institutes with their counterparts in Australia.

As part of the expanded fund, in November 2010 the two governments launched a new “grand challenge fund” component that will support larger projects in the areas of energy, food and water security, health, and the environment. A new researcher exchange scheme, which aims to award travel grants to Australian and Indian early career researchers, is expected to be launched in the first half of 2011.

PT: What else would you like readers of Physics Today to know about science in Australia?

CARR: Over the last few years (2007–8 to 2010–11), our support for science, research, and innovation research and development has increased by 34% to $8.92 billion.

To continue to work toward our goal of a scientifically engaged Australia, the government has committed $21 million over three years (2011/12–2013/14) to fund the initial implementation of the strategy outlined in the Inspiring Australia report.

The Inspiring Australia report is available at http://www.innovation.gov.au .

This new national strategy for community engagement with the sciences will continue the successes of the Science Connections Program (SCOPE) concluding in June 2011 and, in addition, will coordinate Australia’s fragmented science communication activities and maximize their impact by harnessing business and community support. This new program will

• focus on recognizing achievement including the continuation of the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science;
• continue to provide hundreds of opportunities for all Australians to be involved in science through National Science Week;
• develop strategies for unlocking Australia’s potential by reaching Australians across every region of this country through best practice science communication approaches;
• connect with mainstream and new media to boost science literacy in the media and to support quality science communication to the general public.