Labor promises AU$300m for university research facilities

The Guardian 28 September 2018

The Australian Labor party has promised a AU$300 million (US$217 million) fund to pay for university research facilities, including laboratories and other infrastructure, and has accused the Coalition government of failing to fund capital projects, writes Paul Karp for The Guardian.

Labor’s deputy leader and education spokesperson, Tanya Plibersek, announced a five-year funding grant in western Sydney last week. The party will ask the university sector for submissions on how to spend its proposed AU$300 million future fund, but plans to spend it on small to medium infrastructure projects, investment in new or updated research equipment, labs and other important projects. Plibersek told ABC’s AM the University of Western Sydney would get AU$20 million from the fund to expand research for an agri-tech and protected cropping research facility at its Hawkesbury campus.

Universities Australia Chief Executive, Catriona Jackson, called Labor’s announcement a “very welcome step”. “We have long campaigned to save the AU$3.8 billion [education investment fund] and we want to see investment start flowing again for crucial education and research infrastructure,” she said. Universities Australia has warned the federal government it must continue to invest in university infrastructure or risk “a gradual erosion of our world-class facilities”.
Full report on The Guardian site

Receive UWN's free weekly e-newsletters

A new global university ranking with an ethical mission

Aftab Dean

A new university ranking system aims to serve as a catalyst for positive transformation in higher education, ensuring that universities create an environment grounded in integrity and sustainability that inspires and supports students and staff in the development of novel solutions to global challenges.

Promoted by Globethics.net.

SDG progress report launches university into new territory

University of Pretoria staff

In the publication of its first progress report on its contribution to the Sustainable Development Goals, the University of Pretoria is navigating new territory at the same time as it is acknowledging its clear stewardship role in protecting the environment and biodiversity.

Promoted by the University of Pretoria.

Researchers in the UAE tackle water scarcity at its core

UAE University staff

Water scarcity has long been an issue in countries such as the United Arab Emirates. But the country’s National Water and Energy Center, based at the United Arab Emirates University, is providing solutions for the efficient exploration, development, use, storage and sustainability of the precious resource.

Promoted by United Arab Emirates University.