Tag: Vicki Thomson
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Media release: Go8 stands ready to support the Government’s productivity agenda
The Group of Eight (Go8) comprising Australia’s research-intensive universities looks forward to working with the Albanese Government to boost the nation’s innovation and productivity. Go8 CEO Vicki Thomson said the Prime Minister’s productivity roundtable comes at a critical time. “We must all work to ensure Australia does not fall behind,…
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Joint Industry Statement: EU-Australia FTA “Time to get this done”
In advance of Trade Minister Senator Don Farrell ’s visit to Europe this week, Australia’s peak industry groups agree there has never been a more critical time for the Australian Government to conclude a comprehensive Free Trade Agreement with the European Union (EU). The peak bodies, led by the European…
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Debate@Go8 – Episode 49 – Jason Collins, CEO of the European Australian Business Council (EABC)
European Australian Business Council CEO Jason Collins discusses how the current global uncertainty impacting international trade and geo-politics has re-opened the door to resume negotiations on the stalled EU-Australia Free Trade Agreement – and along with that, the opportunity for Australia to join the world’s largest research fund, Horizon Europe…
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Media release: Go8 backs the Albanese Government’s productivity agenda
The Group of Eight (Go8) comprising Australia’s leading research-intensive universities will continue to work collaboratively with the new Albanese Cabinet to develop solutions to pressing challenges and build a more sovereign nation. The Go8 congratulates Minister for Education Jason Clare on his re appointment and Senator Tim Ayres on his…
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Go8 submission to the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD)
Robyn Denholm, Chair, Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) Panel, C/O SERD Secretariat Group of Eight Universities (Go8) submission to the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) The Go8 consents to the publication of this submission and has no wish for any of it to be treated as…
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Debate@Go8 – Episode 48 – Professor Stephen J Simpson, Inaugural Academic Director, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney
Professor Stephen J Simpson’s world-leading research on nutrition – which all began 37 years ago by looking into the eating habits of locusts – is changing the way we look at human diets today. He has just stepped down as the Inaugural Academic Director at the Charles Perkins Centre, a…
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Go8 statement on Coalition policy for international students
Statement from the Group of Eight Chief Executive Vicki Thomson The Coalition’s plan for Australia’s high performing international education sector is the wrong policy at the wrong time. “In the current global environment now is not the time to turn our backs on our regional partners and put at risk…
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Media release: Election Eve Budget overlooks drivers of economic growth – innovation, research and development
The election eve Federal budget is a missed opportunity by the Albanese Government to back in the role of Australian universities in addressing cost of living pressures, boosting productivity and building sovereign capability. The Group of Eight (Go8) which undertakes 22 percent of the national research effort says the 2025-26…
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Media release: Go8 strengthens research partnerships in Indo-Pacific
The Group of Eight (Go8) comprising Australia’s leading research-intensive universities, will lead a delegation to Singapore and Japan this week to strengthen Australia’s relationship with key strategic partners. Go8 Chair Professor Mark Scott AO, Major General (Ret’d) Paul Symon (former Director General Australia Secret Intelligence Service) and Lieutenant General (Ret’d)…
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Debate@Go8 – Episode 47 – Professor Greg Neely, Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney
Professor Greg Neely discusses his ground-breaking work using gene-editing technology to help develop new anti-venoms for snake bites and Box Jellyfish stings. He also explains how an interest in pain led him to the work he is doing now with venoms and how this work, in turn, may lead to…
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Media statement: Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights Inquiry into antisemitism report
Go8 universities are determined to take all necessary actions to both respond to and prevent antisemitism oncampus. Our universities must be places where people can agree or disagree well, where everyone not only feels safeand welcome but are. We cannot and must not tolerate antisemitic behaviour. Whilst our universities did…
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Media release: Greater investment in R&D must be a national priority
Lifting investment in research and development (R&D) is essential for Australia’s long term economic prosperity, security and wellbeing. The Government’s strategic examination of research and development (SERD) is a critical initiative to unlock Australia’s innovative and productive capacity and drive economic growth. The SERD discussion paper crucially recognises that R&D…
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Statement: Go8 Comments re International Education visa policy
Quote attributable to Go8 Chief Executive Vicki Thomson: “The Government has acknowledged that our international student visa system must be underpinned by integrity and quality. However, by replacing one flawed process with another – effectively a ‘slowdown in processing’- it has shifted the goal posts yet again. We run the…
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Media release: MYEFO confirms Australia’s economy needs a strong international education sector – Go8
Today’s Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) reveals a weakening of the Australian economy and highlights the importance of a strong export sector, particularly international education which is our most successful services export. Group of Eight (Go8) Chief Executive, Vicki Thomson said Australia is increasingly relying on services exports to…
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Nation’s research powerhouse Unis back Government review of R&D
Greater investment in research and development (R&D) is essential for Australia’s long term economic prosperity, security and wellbeing. The government’s Strategic Examination of Australia’s Research & Development system is a critical piece of work to achieve this goal. Group of Eight (Go8) Chief Executive Vicki Thomson said the scope of…
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Opening statement: Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights – Inquiry into Antisemitism at Australian Universities
Opening statement from Vicki Thomson, Chief Executive, The Group of Eight The rise of antisemitism globally and in Australia since 7 October 2023 has been shocking. The fault lines in our social cohesion have been exposed – be it in our communities, in our schools, here in Parliament House and…
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Media release: Common sense prevails as the Coalition rejects chaotic plan to cap international students
The Coalition’s decision to oppose the Education Services for Overseas Students Amendments (Quality and Integrity) Bill 2024 is a welcome relief for communities, students and staff that would have been adversely affected by the passing of the legislation and have been struggling with the uncertain policy environment. Group of Eight (Go8) Chief Executive Vicki…
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Debate@Go8 – Episode 46 – The human face of the international student debate
The legislation that would have allowed for the capping of international student numbers looks doomed to fail – with the Coalition and the Greens opposing it. However, the debate around international students continues to rage – wrapped up as it is – erroneously – in arguments about cost of living,…
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Media release: Go8 top AFR Best Universities Rankings 2024
The Australian Financial Review Best Universities Rankings 2024 confirms that Group of Eight (Go8) universities are the nation’s top performing universities delivering on research, equity and graduate employability. The AFR ranking evaluates university performance across four key pillars: teaching, research, career impact and equity. Group of Eight Chief Executive, Vicki…
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Media release: Senate Committee split on international student caps
The Senate Committee Report into the ESOS Amendment Bill provides no clarity on the future for Australia’s higher education system and our most successful services export sector – international education. Group of Eight Chief executive Vicki Thomson said, “the Senate Committee is clearly split – despite compelling evidence from across…
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Media release: THE World University Rankings signals warning on international student caps
Today’s Times Higher Education (THE) rankings are the canary in the coalmine for the higher education sector and the Australian Parliament should heed the warning before it’s too late. Australia’s research-intensive universities have hung on to their top 100 rankings in the Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2025, despite…
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Go8 statement on the National Planning Level and international student caps
Quotes attributable to Chief Executive Vicki Thomson Today the Federal Government announced that it intends recklessly to proceed with international student caps – introducing cuts to Go8 members who do the heavy lifting in research, education as well as underpinning Australia’s global reputation as a high-quality international education provider. As…
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Media release: National Science and Research Priorities at risk if international student numbers capped – Go8
Australia’s new National Science and Research Priorities will support our world class researchers in their endeavour to find solutions to our most pressing challenges. However, lifting investment in Australian research and development is critical to achieving this. The Group of Eight (Go8), comprising Australia’s leading research-intensive universities worked closely with…
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Media release: New Ministry provides an opportunity for international education reset
The Group of Eight (Go8) comprising Australia’s leading research-intensive universities will work with the new Albanese Ministry to ensure Australia’s higher education and research sector is in the strongest possible position to contribute to the nation’s future prosperity. The Go8 will seek an urgent meeting with incoming Minister for Home…