My view is its not a long-term shift. Theres a recognition of the value of research in government.
Dr Yates, who is currently a professor in the School of Chemistry at the University of Tasmania, will be advising the ARC on its strategic research direction.
He said hes looking forward to engaging on a political level and working out how best to win government support.
The Commonwealth Government has talked about having a surplus, thats driving a lot of the constraints, Professor Yates said, but added: there shouldnt be long term doom and gloom about this.
The appointment of Professor Yates to the ARC came as the University of Melbourne released a report on its research strategy for the next five years.
The reports author, Deputy Vice Chancellor of Research James McCluskey, writes that in order for the Melbourne University to achieve material growth in its research business, it will need to consider alternative funding sources such as international schemes, philanthropy, corporate or industry research funds
, and business partnerships.
Read More: http://theconversation.edu.au/research-funding-focus-shifts-to-industry-9838