The Federation Fellowship program: the state of play

Something's wrong in our academic world; it takes only a cursory examination of the approach taken by the Canadians, the Irish and the major players in the European Community to cite a few, to see how they are increasing their support for research and development in general and their higher educational systems in particular, to appreciate the widening gulf between them and us. Not to acknowledge that simply exacerbates the problem.

And rebukes by the Minister for Education, Science and Training implying that the universities are attempting to screw the poor by trying to fatten themselves is not helpful. The good doctor appears intent on further traumatizing the patient. Our children and theirs in turn will bear the consequences and so may his.

*The aims of the Federation Fellowships as stated by the ARC "were to:

• attract and retain leading Australian researchers in key positions
• attract outstanding overseas researchers whose research is demonstrated to be of national benefit to Australia
• support research that will result in economic, environmental and social benefits for Australia
• expand Australia’s knowledge base and research capability
• support excellent, internationally competitive research by individuals
• build and sustain world-class research teams and linkages."