There’s no substitute for people in social research

Autogenerated garbage is swamping human creativity on internet platforms, but the limitations of AI reemphasise the importance of humanity in social research.

Researching the researchers

Research plays a pivotal role in society. Through research, we gain new understandings, test theories and make discoveries, but how do we know if individual research projects being conducted in Australia are good quality?

Scientists raise alarm over research interference

Scientists say heavy-handed governments and aggressive corporations are suppressing scientific research vital for protecting the environment.

Machines in the study of people

Social sciences have historically relied on traditional research methods to gain a better understanding of individuals, groups, cultures and their dynamics but will increasingly look to using AI.

Investing in research

A study co-led by The University of Queensland has found Australia is lagging behind similar countries in funding basic research, particularly in the medical, biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors.

A new vision for Australian research

The future of Australian prosperity depends on the education and research undertaken within its tertiary education system. The federal government’s call for “lasting reform” in the Universities Accord offers a timely opportunity to take action.

Rethinking research funding

Education Minister Jason Clare has just released a highly anticipated review into the federal legislation underpinning the Australian Research Council (ARC) and its funding of non-medical research in this country.

Size matters – in science

Newspapers, university students and senior executives tend to focus on the headlines and ignore sample sizes when making judgements about new research findings, so researchers and scientists should be careful about misleading others when publicising their findings.

Rebooting research…again

Labor’s Education Minister Jason Clare has kicked off what could be a major reset of university research funding in Australia.

Future-proofing Australia’s research

Scientific and medical research research remain the key to solving some of the world’s biggest problems, but efforts must be fostered to maximise their practical outcomes.

Commercialising research – again

There have been calls for better commercialisation of Australian research for decades but the Federal Government’s latest plan may help shape academic expectations and incentives in a more effective manner.

Politicians should stop meddling in ARC research

If Australia wants to tackle the many wicked problems we face, including climate change and relations with China, we must ensure basic research is not subject to political interference.