The Australian Universities Accord working group, chaired by Professor Mary O’Kane AC FRSN FTSE and including Western Sydney University Vice-Chancellor Professor Barney Glover AO FRSN FTSE, released its interim report in July.  The interim report’s recommendations in some areas, particularly in relation to research and the idea that a levy be placed on international student fees to fund research have proven contentious, with strong criticism emerging from the science lobby group, Science and Technology Australia, the Group of Eight universities, and various research-focused professional associations 

In acknowledging that the university sector does the “heavy research lifting’, Professor O’Kane has commented that more funding depends on the case being made to the community about the importance and value of research.  A podcast interview with Professor O’Kane, canvassing these and other facets of the interim report, has just been released by the Group of Eight. This, and an article in the weekly higher education newsletter, Future Campus, make for fascinating and informative reading and listening.