We need to keep research in our regions

By Terry Moran AC

Who is best placed to deliver taxpayer-funded research that benefits our nation? This is one of the many challenges facing the Federal Government as it embarks on an ambitious journey to improve the quality, accessibility, affordability, and sustainability of higher education.

As the University Accord process unfolds, some are strongly advocating for research funding to be concentrated amongst a few big metropolitan based universities.

However, this may result in lost opportunities for innovation in sectors that are seeing significant growth in regional areas such as renewable energy, education, health care and agriculture.

The argument certainly appears at odds with the core principle underpinning the Australian Research Council’s ‘Excellence in Research for Australia’ that stipulates that excellence in research can happen anywhere.

Research at regional universities is often aligned with the unique needs of remote and regional Australia and is often undertaken in collaboration with local industry and authorities who trust our expertise and experience in improving lives in our local communities.

It is no coincidence that Federation is ranked Well Above World Standard in research in a number of disciplines that are of particular relevance to regional Australia including Environmental Science and Management, Nursing, Civil Engineering, and Clinical Sciences.

While finite funding for research should not be unnecessarily diluted, regional and remote areas of the country that generate the majority of the country’s export wealth should not be excluded either.

While research funding should be made available to all universities, the majority of that funding should be directed to those groups that are best able to demonstrate evidence of impact that aligns with national priorities such as education, energy, health and wellbeing, and the environment.

Smaller pools should be allocated for individual research, and for driving new knowledge, including ‘blue sky’ research to continue innovation in areas that are not necessarily related to national agendas.

There are tangible results when universities, often in collaboration with industry and with support from federal and state governments, are able to deliver research that aligns with key needs in our communities, particularly within regional Australia.

Federation University’s Future Regions Research Centre (FRRC), which is undertaking research focusing on workforce transitions and new industries, is one example. The Centre brings together expert research and local knowledge to tackle challenges ranging from the transition from coal-fired power generation in the Latrobe Valley and mine rehabilitation, to helping regional communities across Victoria recover from bushfire and drought.

As the Accord aims to achieve long term security and prosperity for higher education and the nation, providing a system where the best ideas can flourish no matter where they form should be a central tenet of the upcoming recommendations.

There will be arguments to concentrate research funding among fewer universities to achieve economies of scale, but this approach would create an even greater divide between metropolitan and regional Australia, remove the competitive spirit of academic research, and enshrine a homogeneity from which we are trying to move away.

Reinforcing an elite system that is only available in the major capital cities will not meet the stated objectives of the Accord to improve access and opportunity. A stronger alignment of research funding with national priorities and a greater focus on impact will give taxpayers more confidence that their money is being directed to areas that will ultimately benefit the nation.

Mr Terry Moran AC is Chancellor at Federation University Australia