September 7, 2023
The Group of Eight comprising Australia’s research-intensive universities will continue to work closely with the Australian Government and Chief Scientist to develop effective national science and research priorities.
The draft priority areas released today – moving to net zero in future, supporting healthier communities, building a more productive and innovative economy, and a stronger, more resilient nation – will help address some of the biggest challenges facing Australia.
In its submission to the Universities Accord, the Go8 has advocated for a National Research Strategy incorporating national science and research priorities.
Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said “university research is critical to Australia’s future economic, environmental, and community well-being.
“Research is integral to the productivity gains that deliver economic growth and higher living standards, and our research intensive universities are at the forefront of delivering on that promise.
“It also underpins so many of our national strategic objectives, whether it’s the development of the Advanced Capabilities of AUKUS Pillar II, finding solutions to the challenges of climate change on our agricultural industry, or addressing growing anti-biotic resistance.
“Staying at the cutting edge of research also helps to keep our educational offerings up to date and capable of supporting current and future generations to find meaningful and valuable careers that contribute to society.
“The Go8 – which collectively undertake 70 per cent of all university-based research in Australia – has worked closely with the Chief Scientist on the development of this draft, convening a roundtable with key stakeholders during the consultation phase.
“We look forward to further collaboration to ensure the nation’s science and research priorities are in future used effectively so we continue to be a prosperous, competitive nation into the future”.
The Go8 represents Australia’s world class research-intensive universities – with six ranked in the world’s top 50 universities and all eight in the top 100. Go8 universities carry out 70 per cent of Australian university research and have an annual research budget of $7.7bn.