“arbitrary judgements should play no part in a fit-for-purpose system”

The five learned academies  have intervened in the controversy catalysed by Acting Education Minister Stuart Robert’s December veto of six research projects recommended for funding by the Australian Research Council.

The presidents of the academies of Health and Medical Sciences, Humanities, Science, Social Sciences and Technology and Engineering issued a statement Friday warning, “arbitrary judgements should play no part in a fit-for-purpose system.”

“When the integrity of Australia’s research system is compromised by perceived, or actual, political interference, there are real costs to the research sector and indeed the nation – as trust is eroded and the relationships researchers have with industry, the Australian community, and international partners are damaged,” the five state.

The statement is a significant expression of solidarity with HASS disciplines by the other academies which represent research fields favoured by the government.

The Discovery Programme grant proposals which Mr Robert determined funding would not be in the national interest are in HASS disciplines.