[ASA] Fwd: STA media release − Scientists concerned about ARC funding cuts

[Andrew Hopkins]

 From STA:


-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	STA media release − Scientists concerned about ARC funding cuts
Date: 	Wed, 18 Dec 2013 13:22:39 +1100
From: 	Catriona Jackson <catriona.jackson at sta.org.au>
To: 	undisclosed-recipients:;



*Scientists concerned about ARC funding cuts*


Scientists around the nation are concerned by the Federal Government’s 
decision to reduce funding to the nation’s key independent granting body the 
Australian Research Council (ARC).


The government announced in its Mid Year Economic Fiscal Outlook (MYEFO) 
statement that $61 million from the Discovery Program and $42 million from the 
Linkage Program would be removed over the forward estimates.


STA President Dr Ross Smith said:


"Cutting $103 million from the ARC’s budget will further limit its capacity to 
fund fundamental and applied research, when the success rates for world class 
grants bids are already below 25 per cent.


"Australian scientists are afraid this will lead to fewer jobs and training 
opportunities for our best and brightest. We are also concerned about funding 
for important humanities and social science research, given the cuts.


"Scientists and research funding agencies understand that Governments need to 
set priorities for research but priority setting is very different from 
political picking and choosing.


"Peer review is simply the best way of ensuring tax-payers dollars are 
invested in world class research every time."


STA is the peak group for the nation’s 68,000 scientists and those working in 
technology. STA’s mission is to bring together scientists, governments, 
industry and the broader community to advance the role, reputation and impact 
of science and technology in Australia.



*Catriona Jackson
Chief Executive Officer
Science & Technology Australia
/Giving voice to Australian Science & Technology for over 27 years
/*www.sta.org.au <http://www.sta.org.au/>
www.respectthescience.org.au <http://www.respectthescience.org.au/>
catriona.jackson at sta.org.au <mailto:catriona.jackson at sta.org.au>

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-- 
A.Prof. Andrew Hopkins, Head of AAT Science
Australian Astronomical Observatory
P.O. Box 915, North Ryde, NSW 1670, Australia
ph: +61 2 9372 4849  fax: +61 2 9372 4880

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