The deans of science peak body warns that proposed funding cuts will “seriously undermine Australia’s efforts to prepare its young people and its economy for the future.”

The Australian Council of Deans of Science has responded to a Universities Australia analysis of the impact of the government’s plan by discipline funding group (CMM Tuesday).

“Australia’s university system is the bedrock on which its STEM capability is built,” the deans warn.

“The higher education system has never properly funded research. This flaw in the system amplifies the impact of budget changes on STEM faculties as a variety of hidden cross-subsidies and misunderstood connections come into play.”

The deans call on senators “to rethink” the government’s funding plan.