But it won’t come with a guaranteed rate of return

There is talk around the traps that a Round 20 Cooperative Research Centre will be announced today – presumably because it was signed off before care-taker kicked in. This would be more than a bit rich but well-informed observers say it is so, that CRCs are chosen apolitically and the programme has always had bipartisan support.

If it does happen the winning-bid, will be closely analysed, CRCs are looking ever-better investments since the research block grant cuts were announced. But some universities still like assurances they are investing in a sure thing. Back in 2017 one research-rich institution demanded a specific rate of return (CMM June 28).  A university is said to be doing the same for the next round.