Marinova, D (Marinova, Dora); Newman, P (Newman, Peter) The changing research funding regime in Australia and academic productivity MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTERS IN SIMULATION, 78 (2-3): 283-291 JUL 2008

[Eugene Garfield]

E-mail Address: D.Marinova at curtin.edu.au 

Author(s): Marinova, D (Marinova, Dora); Newman, P (Newman, Peter) 

Title: The changing research funding regime in Australia and academic 
productivity 

Source: MATHEMATICS AND COMPUTERS IN SIMULATION, 78 (2-3): 283-291 JUL 
2008 

Language: English 

Document Type: Article 

Author Keywords: citations; Google Scholar; ISI; RQF 

Keywords Plus: CITATION RATES; NEW-ZEALAND; SCIENCE 

Abstract: Australian university research output has been questioned by the 
Federal Government. A new research funding system is soon to be introduced 
which is likely to place a heavier weight on publications. Although the 
importance of publications is not disputed, the article argues that there 
is no reason for the performance of the Australian academics to be 
doubted. Data on research publications is used to show that Australia 
outperforms the UK and New Zealand whose systems are being used as the 
model for the proposed changes in Australia. The gap between Australia and 
these two countries has in fact widened since their research funding 
reforms were introduced. Further data is provided on different citation 
systems, research funding and PhD completions in one academic unit, namely 
the Institute for Sustainability and Technology Policy (ISTP) as a case 
study to demonstrate productivity and quality gains during the period 
under question.
It is usual practice for the Australian Federal Government to shape the 
country's research priorities to better reflect and care for the needs of 
the economy, society and the physical environment where they exist. The 
funding for research should provide the basis for achieving such long-term 
sustainability. A country with a long-term vision for the future should 
use universities as a social pillar, which can guarantee brighter 
prospects for its coming generations. For Australia to have a strong and 
world-class university research sector, adequate resources should be 
provided to match its current achievements. Also, a (new) funding model 
should allow for diversity and flexibility in research to properly reflect 
the complexity of the academic world. (C) 2008 IMACS. Published by 
Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved. 

Addresses: Curtin Univ Technol, Curtin Univ Sustainabil Policy Inst, 
Perth, WA 6845, Australia 

Reprint Address: Marinova, D, Curtin Univ Technol, Curtin Univ Sustainabil 
Policy Inst, GPO Box U1987, Perth, WA 6845, Australia. 

E-mail Address: D.Marinova at curtin.edu.au 

Cited Reference Count: 21 

Times Cited: 0 

Publisher: ELSEVIER SCIENCE BV 

Publisher Address: PO BOX 211, 1000 AE AMSTERDAM, NETHERLANDS 

ISSN: 0378-4754 

29-char Source Abbrev.: MATH COMPUT SIMULAT 

ISO Source Abbrev.: Math. Comput. Simul.
 
Source Item Page Count: 9 

Subject Category: Computer Science, Interdisciplinary Applications; 
Computer Science, Software Engineering; Mathematics, Applied 

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