CHAPTER SIX
DEPARTMENT: OUTCOME TWO
6. Department: Outcome 2
Outcome 2: The generation, utilisation and awareness of science and research knowledge through
investment in research, research training and infrastructure, science communication, skill
development and collaboration with industry, universities and research institutes domestically and
internationally.
Throughout 2009–10, the department continued to
maintain a strong science and research capacity
required to generate and utilise knowledge within
the science and research, higher education
and industry sectors through investment in
research infrastructure, skill development and
promoting collaboration both within Australia and
internationally through the delivery of measures
identified in Programs 2.1, 2.2 and 2.3.
Tables 6.1, 6.2 and 6.4 show performance against
key deliverables for the programs, which are
discussed in more detail below.
Program 2.1: Investment in
higher education research
Program 2.1 contributed to achieving
Outcome 2 by:
■■
developing a policy framework and financial
support arrangements for higher education
institutions for research and research training
to promote skills development; and
■■
enhancing the provision and maintenance
of research infrastructure in higher
education institutions to support world‑class
innovative research.
High level deliverables and key performance
indicators have been developed for Program 2.1
and include the following:
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Department of Innovation Annual Report 2009–10
Deliverables:
■■
provision of support and funding to higher
education providers;
■■
developing a research workforce strategy; and
■■
support for new and existing postgraduate
research positions.
Key Performance Indicators:
■■
addressing the gap in funding for the indirect
costs of research;
■■
increased number of Australian Postgraduate
Awards and number of students completing
higher degrees by research; and
■■
increased transparency and accountability for
university funding.
Due to the number and diversity of the components
falling under Program 2.1, it was not possible to
establish aggregate level targets at the beginning
of the reporting year. Each of the components
under Program 2.1 contributes in some way to the
achievement of the high level deliverables and key
performance indicators described.
High level deliverables and key performance
indicators have been revised and updated for
2010–11, and baseline data is being established for
reporting in future years.
Program 2.1 components fall under two groups
(Postgraduate Student Support and Research). The
narrative below demonstrates the contributions of
Postgraduate student support
This subprogram deals with Australian
Postgraduate Awards and International
Postgraduate Research Scholarships.
In the 2009–10 Budget, the government
committed $51.7 million to increase the Australian
Postgraduate Award stipend, from $20,427 in the
2009 academic year to $22,500 in 2010, an increase
of more than 10 per cent.
In the 2008–09 Budget the government announced
a commitment to double the number of Australian
Postgraduate Awards by 2012. The department has
progressed this initiative, with support for 3,069
places provided in 2010.
During the year, the department began to consult
stakeholders about a proposal to offer a stipend
equivalent to the Australian Postgraduate Award to
recipients of International Postgraduate Research
Scholarships so that support for students is
an open, competitive program available to both
domestic and international students.
Research
Research block grants
In 2009–10 the department supported Australian
university research across all disciplines, providing
over $1.3 billion as block grants for research and
research training. The research block grants
administered in 2009–10 were delivered through
the Research Training Scheme ($603.9 million);
research infrastructure block grants ($214.6 million);
the Commercialisation Training Scheme
($5.6 million); Sustainable Research Excellence in
Universities ($30 million); Australian Postgraduate
Awards ($151.1 million); International Postgraduate
Research Scholarships ($19.8 million); and the Joint
Research Engagement initiative ($160.6 million).
The Institutional Grants Scheme ($157.3 million)
was replaced by the Joint Research Engagement
initiative from the start of the 2010 academic year.
Research block grants are principally allocated to
institutions using program-specific formulas that
reward the performance of institutions in attracting
research income; disseminating research
results in mainly peer-reviewed publications; the
successful completion of research degrees by
students; and institutions’ full-time equivalent
higher degree by research student load.
Joint Research Engagement
program
In 2010, the Institutional Grants Scheme was
transformed through the implementation of
the Joint Research Engagement initiative to
encourage greater collaboration between
universities, businesses and the non-government
research sector.
The Joint Research Engagement initiative is a
companion reform to the Sustainable Research
Excellence in Universities initiative and the
Collaborative Research Networks program.
Together, the initiatives enable universities to build
capacity to successfully undertake the basic and
industry‑driven research that forms the foundation
of Australia’s innovation system.
Revision of indexation of HESA
funding for research
In the 2009–10 Budget, the government
foreshadowed changes to funding under the
Higher Education Support Act (HESA). It committed
$51.6 million to the revision of indexation of HESA
funding for research over the forward estimates.
This was part of the $577.5 million the government
is committing through higher indexation of HESA
amounts from 2012 for other higher education
grants administered through the education
portfolio and conditional funding for universities
in 2011.
Sustainable Research Excellence
in Universities
In May 2009, as part of the increased support
for higher education research, the government
announced that for the period 2009–10 to 2012–13
it would provide an additional $510 million
through the Sustainable Research Excellence
in Universities initiative. This funding augments
Chapter 6: Department: Outcome 2
67
Part B: Report on performance
the components towards the achievement of the
Outcomes in 2009–10.
existing research infrastructure block grant
funding of $882 million over the same period.
The funding, which is being introduced
incrementally, is designed to help universities
meet the indirect costs of undertaking Australian
competitive grant research. The funding is
performance based; and access to 80 per cent
of the funding requires universities to participate
in Excellence in Research for Australia and
to undertake a transparent costing exercise
to determine the indirect cost of competitive
research activities. Transparent costing will
support universities to build and maintain research
excellence through the implementation of bestpractice financial management, performance and
reporting frameworks. All 41 universities agreed to
participate in transparent costing and in Excellence
in Research for Australia in 2010.
When full funding of $300 million per year is
reached in 2013–14, it will in effect more than
double the support for indirect research costs
that was previously available through research
infrastructure block grants. In 2010, universities
will share in $85 million in Sustainable Research
Excellence in Universities funding, including a oneoff payment of $20 million to help with the cost of
collecting the data required for implementation
of the funding methodology. The department is
working closely with universities to develop the
funding methodology which will underpin the
Sustainable Research Excellence in Universities
initiative from 2011.
Interim agreements and missionbased compacts
In Powering ideas: an innovation agenda for the
21st century, the government announced that
it would introduce mission-based compacts
with universities to help in the distribution of
performance-based funds and the alignment of
institutional activity with national priorities.
In July 2009 the Minister for Innovation, Industry,
Science and Research and the Minister for
Education, Employment and Workplace Relations
released a discussion paper, Mission-based
compacts for universities: a framework for
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Department of Innovation Annual Report 2009–10
discussion. In August 2009, the department carried
out round-table consultations about compacts
and about Sustainable Research Excellence in
universities. People from the sector supported the
concept of compacts and the general structure
of compacts proposed in the discussion paper.
They agreed that the process of negotiating and
reviewing compacts would provide a welcome
opportunity to engage in a wide-ranging and
strategic dialogue with the Commonwealth.
Between September and December 2009, in
conjunction with the Department of Education,
Employment and Workplace Relations, the
department negotiated interim agreements for
2010 with 39 universities and the Melbourne
College of Divinity as a precursor to the
introduction of compacts in 2011.
Tertiary Education Quality and
Standards Agency
The Tertiary Education Quality and Standards
Agency will make Australian higher education
quality arrangements more visible and will
streamline current regulatory arrangements. It
will be an independent statutory authority within
the education portfolio with powers to regulate
university and non-university higher education
providers against a new higher education
standards framework, which will include standards
for research.
During 2009–10 the department liaised with
the Department of Education, Employment and
Workplace Relations on the establishment of the
Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency.
Indigenous Higher Education
Advisory Council
In November 2009, the Minister for Education,
Employment and Workplace Relations and the
Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and
Research announced the membership of the third
Indigenous Higher Education Advisory Council. The
council held its first meeting on the same day.
The council was established to give the Ministers
policy advice on how to provide Indigenous
■■
enhancing the relationship between
universities, government, and other parts of
the Australian innovation system;
The new council met for the second time on 22 and
23 February 2010 and endorsed a strategic plan for
2009–12, which was delivered to the Ministers.
■■
emerging and developing issues in higher
education, especially as they might inform
Australian innovation, research and industry
policy; and
Higher Education Research
Reference Group
■■
international developments in university
research policy, including opportunities and
challenges for Australia.
The Higher Education Research Reference Group
has been established to provide independent
expert advice to the Minister for Innovation,
Industry, Science and Research on:
■■
Australian innovation, research and industry
policy as it pertains to universities, with
particular attention to the implementation and
impact of the Australian Government’s reforms
of the higher education system;
Part B: Report on performance
students and staff with increased participation
and better outcomes in study, research, research
training and employment in higher education.
The Higher Education Research Reference Group
is chaired by the Secretary of the Department
of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
Membership includes vice-chancellors from 10 of
Australia’s universities and a vice-chancellor from
an international university. Departmental officials
also attend. The group held its first meeting
in November 2009 in Canberra. The next meeting
is scheduled for November 2010.
Table 6.1: Program 2.1 — performance against ket deliverables, 2009–10.
Program 2.1 Invest ment in Higher Education Research
Value of
administered
Number of
expenses3
1
recipients
($’000)
Value of
grants
delivered4
($’000)
Value of
concessions
delivered5
($’000)
Postgraduate Student Support
The Australian Postgraduate Awards
41
151,078
151,078
–
International Postgraduate Research Scholarships
Scheme
41
19,814
19,814
–
Research
The Commercialisation Training Scheme
41
5,611
5,611
–
Institutional Grants Scheme
41
157,272
157,272
–
Joint Research Engagement Program
41
160,575
160,575
–
Research Infrastructure Block Grants Scheme
41
214,582
214,582
–
Research Training Scheme
41
603,943
603,943
–
Sustainable Research Excellence in Universities
41
30,000
30,000
–
412
1,342,875
1,342,875
– Total
1The definition of a recipient is those receiving benefits/entitlements and does not include enquiries, unsuccessful applicants or
customers of intermediaries. It includes recipients of payments for services.
2The recipients were the same 41 research organisations in each case.
3 Administered expenses includes supplier grant costs incurred.
4 The value of administered grants provided to grant recipients by the department.
5 Value of assistance provided not requiring payment by the department (e.g. revenue forgone programs).
Note: All amounts are based on accrual figures and are GST exclusive
Chapter 6: Department: Outcome 2
69
Program 2.2: Science and
Research Capacity
Program 2.2 contributed to achieving
Outcome 2 by:
■■
investing in research infrastructure to support
innovation and providing access to the best
facilities, nationally and globally, for the
greatest number of researchers;
■■
promoting a strong culture of collaboration and
networking across and between universities,
research institutes and industry;
■■
facilitating and supporting science and
research cooperation and strategic alliances
between Australian researchers, universities,
industry and research institutes with
international partners for the benefit of all
Australians through increased participation
in, and access to, leading scientific research
globally; and
■■
encouraging further studies in science and
mathematics and entry into science-based
careers.
High level deliverables and key performance
indicators have been developed for Program 2.2
and include the following:
Deliverables:
■■
provision of support and funding for science
and research projects;
■■
consultation and collaboration with the
research community;
■■
support for international collaborative research
projects and relationships; and
■■
support for increased awareness of science
and research in the community.
Key Performance Indicators:
■■
increased numbers of research groups
performing at world class levels;
■■
increased number of participants in activities
promoting science-based careers;
■■
increased participation in collaborative
research activities; and
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Department of Innovation Annual Report 2009–10
■■
increased number of projects reporting
strengthened international collaborative
relationships and research outcomes (i.e.
publications, citations, patents).
Due to the number and diversity of the components
falling under Program 2.2, it was not possible to
establish aggregate level targets at the beginning
of the reporting year. Each of the components
under Program 2.2 contributes in some way to the
achievement of the high level deliverables and key
performance indicators described.
High level deliverables and key performance
indicators have been revised and updated for
2010–11, and baseline data is being established for
reporting in future years.
Program 2.2 components fall under three groups
(Awareness, Infrastructure, and International). The
narrative below demonstrates the contributions of
the components towards the achievement of the
Outcomes in 2009–10.
Awareness
Collaborative Research Networks
program
The Collaborative Research Networks program
was announced in the 2009–10 Budget as part
of a suite of reforms to higher education and
research. The program will provide $51 million
from January 2011 to the end of June 2013 to
assist less research-intensive, smaller and
regional universities to adjust to a performancedriven research system. The focus of the program
is promoting research collaboration between
Australian higher education institutions.
The Collaborative Research Networks program
has been developed and implemented in full
consultation with the higher education sector. The
department undertook preliminary consultations
with universities on key aspects of the program
during the 2009 interim agreement discussions.
In February 2010, the department released a
discussion paper on collaborative research
networks. This was followed by face-to-face
consultations with higher education institutions
The consultations showed a high level of interest
in the program from across the Australian higher
education system. The department received 44
submissions in response to the discussion paper.
Draft guidelines were released to the sector for
comment in June 2010.
Higher education research
promotion including learned
academies (supplementation)
In 2009–10, the department provided grants to
nine bodies under the Higher Education Research
Promotion Program to foster an understanding of,
or to promote research and scholarship in, science,
social science and the humanities in Australia.
The total allocation of the grants in 2009–10 was
$5.72 million, consisting of a $4.72 million special
appropriation under the Higher Education Support
Act 2003 and $1 million as an administered item,
‘Learned Academies (Supplementation)’.
The grants were provided to:
■■
the Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social
Sciences;
■■
the Australian and New Zealand Association
for the Advancement of Science;
■■
the Federation of Australian Scientific and
Technological Societies;
■■
the Australian Centre for Child Protection; and
■■
the learned academies, which include
−−
the Australian Council of Learned
Academies, the peak body for the learned
academies (formerly the National
Academies Forum);
−−
the Australian Academy of Science;
−−
the Australian Academy of Technological
Sciences and Engineering;
−−
the Australian Academy of the Humanities;
and
−−
the Academy of the Social Sciences in
Australia.
The academies, the Council for the Humanities,
Arts and Social Sciences and the Federation of
Australian Scientific and Technological Societies
are focal points for contact with their respective
communities and are sources of advice for the
Australian Government in their fields of expertise.
Science Connections Program
The Science Connections Program, known as
SCOPE, is an administered program with average
funding of approximately $4.4 million annually
through to 2010–11. The program supports
initiatives that:
■■
generate increased public appreciation of the
roles that science, technology and engineering
play in contributing to Australia’s continuing
economic, environmental and social wellbeing;
■■
highlight the outstanding contributions to
science and science education made by
Australian researchers and science teachers;
and
■■
encourage Australia’s youth to consider
continuing studies in science, mathematics
and engineering beyond the compulsory
years of schooling, and to consider entry into
science-based careers.
Each year, the government expresses its
appreciation of the dedication and excellence of
Australia’s researchers and science teachers
through the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science
(Australia’s pre-eminent awards for science and
science teaching). The program’s other activities
focus on stimulating general interest in science
through a variety of measures, particularly
National Science Week, the nation’s largest single
celebration of science. In 2009, 1,027 National
Science Week events were registered on the
National Science Week website.
Further projects funded through discretionary
grants include Australian Broadcasting Corporation
(ABC) science information and outreach activities;
the University of Newcastle’s Science and
Engineering Challenge, which reached more
Chapter 6: Department: Outcome 2
71
Part B: Report on performance
and state government agencies in all mainland
capitals. The consultations involved representatives
of 40 of Australia’s 41 universities and higher
education institutions, four higher education peak
bodies and several state agencies.
than 19,136 students in 687 schools in 2009; and
Science in the Suburbs and Science in the Bush,
two outreach activities designed and implemented
by the Australian Museum in partnership with the
University of Sydney. These activities demonstrated
that science outreach can be highly effective as
a result of collaborations between the public and
private sectors. Events were held in more than
57 regions across Australia.
Key achievements in 2009–10 included the award
of the 2009 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science to
John O’Sullivan, and National Science Week with
over 1,000 events and an estimated participation of
over one million Australians.
Infrastructure
Anglo-Australian Observatory
During 2009–10, the Anglo-Australian Observatory
continued to be a world leader in optical
astronomical research, and in the development
of innovative telescope instrumentation, under
the management of the Anglo-Australian
Telescope Board.
In November 2005, the governments of Australia
and the United Kingdom agreed to transfer
the facilities of the observatory to Australian
ownership and control, effective from 1 July 2010,
and that the United Kingdom would reduce its
financial contribution to the observatory over the
period from 2006–07 to 2009–10.
During 2009–10, the Australian Government
provided $9.04 million to support the operations
of the Anglo-Australian Observatory, including
$4.0 million to make up for reduced funding from
the United Kingdom.
The Australian Government is also providing
funding through the National Collaborative
Research Infrastructure Strategy to upgrade the
facilities and support the development of a major
new astronomical instrument for the AngloAustralian Telescope that will extend its scientific
capability and operational life.
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Department of Innovation Annual Report 2009–10
In May 2009, Minister Carr announced new
governance and funding arrangements, under the
Super Science — Space and Astronomy initiative,
to support the operations of the observatory after
the withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the
facility. The Anglo-Australian Observatory will be
renamed the Australian Astronomical Observatory
(AAO) and will be established as a division of the
department, with its staff becoming officers in the
department. The director will be a statutory office
holder with expertise in astronomy, supported
by the AAO Advisory Committee to provide
independent specialist advice in the performance
of the astronomical functions.
Legislation to establish the AAO governance
arrangements and ensure a smooth transition
received royal assent on 11 March 2010 and will
commence on 1 July 2010.
The Australian Government is providing
$27.1 million in new funding from the Budget
over the years 2009–10 to 2013–14, to support
the operations of the AAO in Sydney and at Siding
Spring Observatory near Coonabarabran in
New South Wales.
Clean Energy Initiative — Research
Infrastructure Component
The $4.5 billion Clean Energy Initiative was
announced in the May 2009 Budget. The initiative
is managed by the Department of Resources,
Energy and Tourism. The Department of
Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
manages the Education Investment Fund (EIF)
component of the Carbon Capture and Storage
Flagships and Solar Flagships programs. This
includes the negotiation and management of
EIF contracts with research partners associated
with successful flagships projects once they are
announced (expected to be in late 2010 for Carbon
Capture and Storage Flagships and early 2011 for
Solar Flagships).
The Clean Energy Initiative includes $400 million of
funding from the EIF, for research infrastructure
components associated with the Carbon
Capture and Storage Flagships and Solar
Flagships programs.
Education Investment Fund
Round 2
In December 2009 the government announced that
it would provide $19.5 million for the development
of the Cairns Institute Tropical Innovation Hub,
which will be located at James Cook University’s
Cairns campus. The institute will be a focal point
for innovation, research and research training
relevant to the tropics.
Round 2 of the EIF provides over $900 million
to research, higher education and vocational
education and training sector institutions to
transform Australian tertiary education and
research. Of the 31 successful EIF (Round 2)
projects announced in May 2009, the department
will administer eight, with a total of $321.7 million
in EIF funding. During 2009–10, the department
executed funding agreements for the
following projects:
Up to $44 million will be invested in the hub
for tropical research and innovation. The hub
will address a number of key challenges facing
the tropics, including economic and social
development, environmental sustainability, and
health and disease. It will bring together leading
research groups and enable collaboration and
multidisciplinary approaches to these challenges.
A funding agreement between James Cook
University and the Department of Innovation,
Industry, Science and Research was signed in
June 2010.
Education Investment Fund
Round 1
The EIF is one of three nation-building funds and is
a major component of the government’s education
revolution and innovation agenda.
In December 2008, the Australian Government
announced a $4.7 billion nation-building
infrastructure package to support Australia’s
economy during the global financial crisis. As
part of the package, $580 million was fasttracked to universities through Round 1 of the
EIF, which focuses on capital expenditure and
research infrastructure.
During 2009–10, the department administered
two of the 11 successful projects funded through
Round 1 of the EIF. The two projects, the New
Horizons Centre (Monash University) and Institute
for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (University of
Adelaide), are receiving a total of $118.7 million in
EIF funding.
■■
establishing the Centre for Neural Engineering
(University of Melbourne);
■■
establishing the La Trobe Institute for
Molecular Science (La Trobe University);
■■
building the Sydney Institute of Marine Science
into a world-class marine research facility
(Sydney Institute for Marine Science);
■■
establishing the Institute for Marine and
Antarctic Studies (University of Tasmania);
■■
developing the National Centre for Synchrotron
Science: Outreach and Research Support
Facilities (Australian Synchrotron);
■■
establishing the facilities of the Australian
Institute for Innovative Materials (University of
Wollongong); and
■■
establishing the Centre of Climate Change
and Energy Research (University of Western
Sydney).
A funding agreement for the remaining project, the
Smart State Medical Research Centre (Queensland
Institute for Medical Research), will be executed in
2010–11.
Education Investment Fund
Round 3 and Sustainability Round
In August 2009, the then Deputy Prime Minister
and the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science
and Research opened EIF Round 3 and the EIF
Sustainability Round.
The Government announced 19 successful projects
which will receive a total of $550 million through
EIF Round 3 and the Sustainability Round. Nine of
Chapter 6: Department: Outcome 2
73
Part B: Report on performance
Cairns Institute — Tropical
Innovation Hub
these are research projects which will be managed
by the department and will receive a total of
$305.8 million. They are:
■■
Australian Future Fibres Research Innovation
Centre (Deakin University);
■■
Sustainable Energy for SKA (CSIRO);
■■
Indian Ocean Marine Research Centre
(University of Western Australia);
■■
Retrofitting for Resilient and Sustainable
Buildings (University of Wollongong);
■■
Australian Institute for Nanoscience (University
of Sydney);
■■
Centre for Advanced Imaging and
enhancement of the National Imaging Facility
(University of Queensland);
■■
Green Chemical Futures (Monash University);
■■
Newcastle Institute for Energy and Resources
(University of Newcastle); and
■■
Australian Geophysical Observing System
(AuScope Limited).
Excellence in Research for
Australia
The Australian Scheme for Higher Education
Repositories (ASHER) and the Implementation
Assistance Program have been funded to help
universities to develop their data systems to
prepare for the Research Quality Framework
which was subsequently replaced by the
Excellence in Research for Australia initiative. The
funding will also allow universities to make their
research outputs more widely available to other
researchers, business and the community.
In 2009–10 the department provided $4.93 million
through ASHER to eligible higher education
providers to establish and maintain digital
repositories. This will allow universities to place
their research outputs, including journal articles
and less traditional outputs such as digitised
artworks or X-ray crystallography images, in an
accessible digital store that will allow it to be used
for a variety of purposes, including assessment of
research excellence.
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Department of Innovation Annual Report 2009–10
Under the Implementation Assistance Program,
the department provided eligible higher education
providers with $4.17 million in 2009–10 to develop
and implement data gathering and reporting
systems for bibliometric and other data as part of
the Excellence in Research for Australia initiative.
Giant Magellan Telescope
In July 2009, the Australian Government
announced that through the EIF it would
provide funding of $88.4 million for Australia to
participate in constructing the international Giant
Magellan Telescope. The telescope, to be built
at high altitude in Chile, is a next-generation
optical telescope that is being constructed by a
consortium of institutions from the United States,
Australia and South Korea.
The funding includes $23.4 million for
infrastructure and instrument development
programs based in Australia (mainly at the
Australian National University’s Mount Stromlo
Observatory) and $65.0 million for Australia
to participate in the international consortium
constructing the telescope in Chile.
Funding for the international project will support
Australia’s two consortium partners — the
Australian National University and Astronomy
Australia Limited — which together will own
approximately a 10 per cent share of the Giant
Magellan Telescope, ensuring that Australia’s
astronomy community will have excellent access
to leading-edge research infrastructure well into
the future.
National Collaborative Research
Infrastructure Strategy
Between 2005–06 and 2010–11 the National
Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy
(NCRIS) is providing $542 million to develop
national research infrastructure projects.
Through NCRIS, the government is implementing a
strategic and collaborative approach to investment
in world-class research facilities, networks and
infrastructure that are accessible to researchers
and meet their long-term needs.
Super Science Initiative
In May 2009, the Australian Government announced
that under the Super Science Initiative it would
provide $1.1 billion in funding for critical areas
of scientific endeavour. As part of the initiative,
$901 million is being provided for investment in
research infrastructure in three areas of worldleading scientific capability: future industries, marine
and climate science, and space and astronomy.
Future industries
Australia’s ability to capitalise on research
outcomes to develop future industries depends on
the underpinning science and research effort on
which new discoveries are built. The application
of technology-driven, knowledge-based advances
will lead to innovation, the development of new
industries and the transformation of existing
industries across a range of applications.
research strengths in marine and climate science
and underpin responses to climate change.
Space and Astronomy
Astronomy excites new generations about the
potential of science and plays a key role in shaping
humanity’s perspective of ourselves and our place
in the universe. Space science and astronomy
enable us to apply fundamental scientific
principles to create important new technologies for
everyday living.
The Super Science — Space and Astronomy
investment will enable Australia to take a lead role
in astronomy and space, building on strengths
in optical and radio astronomy, and earth
observations.
Infrastructure Projects
The infrastructure projects funded under the Super
Science Initiative were identified as priorities in
the Strategic Roadmap for Australian Research
Infrastructure released in September 2008.
During 2009–10, the department executed funding
agreements for 19 research infrastructure projects
announced as part of the Super Science Initiative:
Future industries
The Super Science — Future Industries investment
will provide the infrastructure base needed
to capture the benefits from research into
key enabling technologies: biotechnology and
nanotechnology. In addition, the investment
will provide the underlying ICT infrastructure
that is essential for managing the massive
data sets involved in biotechnology and
nanotechnology research.
■■
Marine and climate science
■■
Marine and climate science are critical for
sustainable development, the management of
Australia’s terrestrial and ocean resources and the
viability of our major commercial enterprises such
as the mineral and energy industries, aquaculture
and fisheries, agriculture, livestock and tourism.
The Super Science — Marine and Climate
investment will enhance Australia’s existing
Biomolecular Platforms ($50 million)
−−
Lead agent: Bioplatforms Australia Ltd
−−
The Biomolecular Platforms project will
enhance and extend the existing multinode NCRIS Bioplatforms Australia
project by investing in biomolecular and
bioinformatics research infrastructure,
with a significant drive towards achieving
‘Systems Biology’ outcomes.
Plant Phenomics ($10 million)
−−
Lead agent: The University of Adelaide
−−
The Australian Plant Phenomics Facility
comprises two nodes — the newly
completed Plant Accelerator at the
University of Adelaide and the High
Resolution Plant Phenomics Centre at
CSIRO Plant Industry and the ANU in
Canberra. The facility is providing highChapter 6: Department: Outcome 2
75
Part B: Report on performance
During 2009–10, implementation of projects
funded under NCRIS continued. Most facilities are
already operational and provide publicly funded
researchers and the private sector with access to
world-class facilities and services. Two facilities —
the Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network and
the Australian Biosecurity Intelligence Network —
were officially opened during the year.
throughput analysis of plant characteristics
(phenomes) to shorten the breeding times
for new crop plants.
■■
■■
■■
■■
Animal Phenomics ($15 million)
−−
Lead agent: The Australian National
University
−−
The Australian Phenomics Network (APN)
provides Australian and international
researchers with mouse models for the
study of human and animal disease. The
multi-node APN brings together mouse
production, strain storage and pathology
capabilities
■■
−−
Lead agent: CSIRO
−−
The Atlas of Living Australia is hosted
by CSIRO and, in collaboration with
partners in government, museums and
the universities, is developing a biodiversity
data management system which will link
Australia’s biological knowledge with
its scientific and agricultural reference
collections and other custodians of
biological information. It will provide a
platform for integrated information on
all Australian species, including data on
specimens held by Australia’s natural
history collections and data from field
observations of living organisms.
■■
−−
Lead agent (data storage: $50 million)
selection process currently underway
−−
The project will deliver a network of
distributed research data stores. −−
Lead agent (collaboration
infrastructure: $47 million): University of
Melbourne
−−
Provision of national collaborative ICT
infrastructure to simplify the combining of
instruments, data, computing, and analysis
applications and enable the development
of research workflows based on access to
multiple resources
Translating Health Discovery ($35 million)
−−
Lead agent: To be decided by facilitation
−−
Partly based at Monash University, and
currently under facilitation, the Translating
Health Discovery project will provide
research infrastructure to support preclinical testing facilities to support new
drug discovery, novel cell therapies, and the
development of nano-medicines.
Nuclear Science Facilities ($62 million)
−−
Lead agent: ANSTO
−−
Located at Lucas Heights in NSW, the
Nuclear Science Facilities Project will
enhance the OPAL research reactor by
expanding ANSTO’s neutron beam facilities
and provide for an upgrade to the Centre
for Accelerator Science. The project will
improve ANSTO’s ability to undertake
research in areas such as materials
science, climate and environmental
science, biological studies, medical physics
and nuclear safeguards work.
National Accelerators ($10 million)
Lead agent: The Australian National
University
Department of Innovation Annual Report 2009–10
■■
This project aims to achieve performance
enhancements and upgrades to the
ANU’s Heavy Ion Accelerator Facility
including ion-implantation and ion-beam
analysis capabilities, and the University of
Melbourne’s 5U Pelletron accelerator.
Data Storage and Collaboration ($97 million
across 2 projects)
Biodiversity Atlas ($30 million)
−−
76
−−
EMBL Partner Laboratory ($8 million)
−−
Lead agent: Monash University
−−
This project will establish a laboratory at
Monash University to partner the European
Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL).
Marine and Climate
■■
Replacement of Australia’s Marine National
Facility ($120 million)
−−
Lead agent: CSIRO
−−
The project will provide for the design and
build of a modern blue-water vessel suited
for operations in Australia’s surrounding
oceans. The new vessel, to be called the
■■
■■
■■
■■
Tropical Marine Research Facility ($55 million)
■■
Sustainable Energy (fusion) ($7 million)
−−
Lead agent: Australian Institute
of Marine Science (AIMS)
−−
Lead agent: The Australian National
University
−−
The new research infrastructure to be
built at AIMS facilities in Townsville and
Darwin will greatly enhance Australia’s
marine science capacity to investigate
the mechanisms controlling health and
resilience in tropical marine ecosystems.
−−
This project will upgrade a range of
infrastructure at the Australian Plasma
Fusion Research Facility including
measurement systems and plasma
generation components. Expected benefits
include: improved research potential
through improved technical abilities;
improved user access to the facility and
opportunities for national and international
collaboration; and increased data
availability, data analysis and information
dissemination.
Terrestrial Ecosystem Research Network ($35
million)
−−
Lead agent: The University of Queensland
−−
The Terrestrial Ecosystem Research
Network is developing a set of dedicated
observation sites, standardised
measurement methodologies, equipment,
and data and information services which
will collectively contribute to meeting the
needs of terrestrial ecosystem research
and natural resource management in
Australia.
■■
Sustainable Energy (biofuels) ($3 million)
−−
Lead agent: AusBiotech Ltd
−−
Further upgrade and development
of the biofuels research infrastructure
at two biofuels research facilities
established as part of the NCRIS
Recombinant Proteins and
Biofuels project: the Queensland
University of Technology Mackay
Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant
(MRBPP) facility and the South Australian
Research and Development Institute
(SARDI ) Photobioreactor Facility. Climate High Performance Computing ($50
million)
−−
Lead agent: The Australian National
University
−−
Based at ANU, the project is expected to
establish an internationally significant HPC
capability and associated data support to
prioritised climate change, earth system
science and national water management
research through an extension of the role of
the National Computational Infrastructure
(NCI).
Climate Geoscience (groundwater) ($15
million)
−−
Lead agent: AuScope Ltd
−−
Coordinated by the University of New
South Wales, this project will establish
groundwater monitoring sites across
Australia to support climate change
■■
Built Environment – Australian Urban
Research Infrastructure Network ($20 million)
−−
Lead agent: The University of Melbourne.
−−
AURIN will provide built environment and
urban researchers, designers and planners
with infrastructure to facilitate access to a
distributed network of aggregated datasets and information services. AURIN will
also provide the mechanisms, protocols
and tools by which data can be accessed,
interrogated, modelled and/or simulated.
This will assist improved design and
management of our cities, by linking the
Chapter 6: Department: Outcome 2
77
Part B: Report on performance
research. A groundwater database will be
created for collation and distribution of
the data obtained from the groundwater
monitoring equipment.
RV Investigator, will replace the ageing RV
Southern Surveyor and improve the ability
of Australian researchers to undertake
world-class marine science
physical and social aspects of the built
environment.
Space and astronomy
■■
■■
Pawsey high-performance
computing (HPC) centre for Square Kilometre
Array (SKA) Science ($80 million)
−−
Lead agent: CSIRO as centre agent for
iVEC, an unincorporated joint venture
between the CSIRO, Curtin University of
Technology, Murdoch University, Edith
Cowan University and University of Western
Australia −−
Based at iVEC, the project is expected to
construct a national HPC facility comprising
a peak HPC capability that meets the needs
of both the radio astronomy research
community and high-end researchers in
other areas of computational science.
Astronomy Australia Limited ($10 million)
−−
Lead agent: Astronomy Australia Ltd
−−
The project will sustain investments
in key elements of national astronomy
infrastructure in line with Australia’s
Decadal Plan for Australian Astronomy.
This will provide advanced instruments
for current and next-generation optical
and infra-red telescopes and state-of-theart data acquisition systems to process
and analyse astronomy data. A funding
agreement for the remaining project,
the National Research Networks, will be
executed in 2010–11.
National Research Infrastructure
council
Announced in May 2009, the National Research
Infrastructure Council has been established
to drive and undertake strategic planning and
mapping across all categories of research
infrastructure and contribute policy advice
to government. During 2009–10, the council
met three times and began to develop a
strategic framework for investment in research
infrastructure and a process for considering
landmark infrastructure projects.
78
Department of Innovation Annual Report 2009–10
European Molecular Biology
Laboratory partner facility
As part of the Super Science Initiative, in May 2009
the Australian Government announced $8 million
funding for the European Molecular Biology
Laboratory (EMBL) partner laboratory in Australia.
This investment will build on Australia’s
associate membership of EMBL by supporting the
establishment of two research groups at the
EMBL partner laboratory at Monash University.
The investment will also support a mirror of the
European Bioinformatics Institute at the University
of Queensland, a distributed bioinformatics
network, secretariat support for EMBL Australia,
and the development of a joint PhD exchange
program.
International
International engagement
The department’s international science
engagement activities enabled Australian
scientists and researchers across the spectrum of
scientific endeavour to participate actively in the
global science system.
Working within the framework of bilateral science
agreements and multilateral science forums, the
department provided funding for collaborative
research projects, workshops, scientific exchanges
and access to major research facilities with key
partners across the globe.
As well as maintaining productive relationships
with established research powers, the
department forged links with emerging leaders in
global science.
International presence
The department established a new presence in
Washington DC in April 2010. This is in addition to
specialist science staff posted in Brussels, Beijing
and New Delhi who not only continued to support
the department’s international science and
research engagement activities but also promoted
Australia’s innovation, industry, science and
research interests more broadly.
The International Science Linkages (ISL) Program
supported 494 international collaborative activities,
including workshops, symposiums, research
exchanges, fellowships, world-class international
research conferences, science and technology
delegations, and research projects in priority areas
of nanotechnology, biotechnology, biosciences,
climate change and clean energy technologies. The
first rounds of projects supported under the ISL —
Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences Academies
Program were announced in December 2009 and
April 2010.
United States
The establishment of the position of MinisterCounsellor for Innovation, Industry, Science and
Research in Washington DC will significantly
strengthen the department’s capacity to engage
with the United States at a time when the
American Administration has embarked on a
major expansion of US science activity.
Europe
The department undertook a range of strategic
activities to support strengthened engagement
with Europe. This included hosting the 11th
meeting of the Australia–European Union Joint
Science and Technology Cooperation Committee,
in June 2010 which resulted in a clear agenda for
cooperation in priority areas. Australian activities
will be supported by a number of agreed research
projects funded through the Australia-Europe
Research Collaboration Fund of the ISL Program.
A new ISL Program initiative launched in February
2010, the $450,000 Australia–Germany bilateral
research seed fund, will lead to future collaborative
research partnerships in key areas of importance
for both countries. Other bilateral activities
included the 8th round of the France–Australia
Science and Technology Program supporting new
collaborative research projects worth $250,000.
India
Australia’s scientific partnership with India was
significantly strengthened as a result of the Prime
Minister’s visit to India in November 2009. The visit
highlighted some of the excellent work already
underway and saw the announcement of a major
expansion in government support for the science
relationship. In a joint statement which set out an
ambitious plan to build a knowledge partnership,
the Prime Minister and the Indian Prime Minister,
Dr Manmohan Singh, announced their agreement
to extend and expand the Australia–India Strategic
Research Fund, with Australia’s contribution
increasing to $10 million per year for the next five
years, matched by India.
The fund assisted Australian researchers to
participate in leading-edge scientific research with
Indian scientists and supported the development
of strategic alliances between Australian and
Indian researchers and institutions. Between
May and June 2010, Minister Carr announced 17
new high-quality projects in the field of science
and technology and biotechnology with a total of
$5.1 million contributed by Australia and matched
by India. These projects will be established over
the next 12 months.
China
During 2009–10, the department continued to
develop its science and technology relationship
with China, one of the world’s top three science
and technology powers. This work included 17
new bilateral science research projects worth
$1.5 million over two years; the highly successful
Australia–China Young Scientist Exchange
Program; and a major bilateral symposium on
coastal and deltaic ecosystems and climate.
The department’s agreement with key Chinese
agencies to jointly host a science and technology
week at the Shanghai World Expo provides a
platform for improving broader understanding of
the bilateral science and technology relationship.
Japan
Recognising the importance of the bilateral
science and research relationship with Japan,
the department continued to strengthen the
Chapter 6: Department: Outcome 2
79
Part B: Report on performance
International Science Linkages
Program
relationship through a range of bilateral
activities and dialogue. Scientific collaboration
initiatives delivered during 2009–10 included a
senior researcher symposium on biodiversity and
the Australian round of a joint exchange program
targeted at mid-career researchers. Three new
joint marine science projects were also initiated,
strengthening strategic links with Japan’s National
Institute of Polar Research and universities in
Nagasaki and Kobe.
Other Asia–Pacific countries and Africa
The department strengthened bilateral science
and research relationships through a range
of bilateral activities with key countries in the
region. New initiatives with Singapore included
an exchange program and energy workshop.
Relationships with Vietnam were strengthened with
the announcement on 9 September 2009 by Prime
Minister Rudd and General Secretary Manh of
Vietnam that Australia and Vietnam will negotiate a
treaty on science and technology cooperation.
Table 6.2: Program 2.2 — performance against key deliverables, 2009–10.
Program 2.2 Science & Research Capacity
Value of
administered
expenses4
($’000)
Number of
(supplier +
recipients1
grants)
Value of
grants
delivered5
($’000)
Value of
concessions
delivered6
($’000))
Awareness
Higher Education Research Promotion
Science Connections Program
9
5,723
5,723
52
4,338
3,708
Infrastructure
Giant Magellan Telescope
1
24,600
24,600
Anglo-Australian Observatory
1
9,037
9,037
Clean Energy Initiative
0
0
0
Education Investment Fund Round 1
2
26,635
26,635
Education Investment Fund Round 2
8
159,628
159,628
European Molecular Biology Laboratory Partner Facility
1
2,000
2,000
Excellence in Research for Australia:
Australian Scheme for Higher Repositories
41
4,927
4,927
Implementation Assistance Program
41
4,166
4,166
National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy
29
105,311
105,102
Super Science — Future Industries
10
109,113
109,000
Super Science — Marine and Climate
9
71,000
71,000
Super Science — Space Science and Astronomy
1
20,000
20,000
International Education and Training (Australia-India
Strategic Research Fund)2
53
5,726
5,576
International Science Linkages Program3
75
10,070
10,070
333
562,274
561,172
International
Total
1 The definition of a recipient is those receiving benefits/entitlements and does not include enquiries, unsuccessful applicants or
customers of intermediaries. It includes recipients of payments for services.
2 AISRF provided funding to these 53 recipients for 63 activities.
3 ISL program provided funding to these 75 recipients for 494 activities.
4 Administered expenses includes supplier grant costs incurred.
5 The value of administered grants provided to grant recipients by the department.
6 Value of assistance provided not requiring payment by the department (e.g. revenue forgone programs).
Note: All amounts are based on accrual figures and are GST exclusive
80
Department of Innovation Annual Report 2009–10
Program 2.3 components contributed to achieving
Outcome 2 by:
■■
advancing Australia’s bid to host the Square
Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope;
■■
supporting the activities of the Chief Scientist
for Australia;
■■
raising science awareness within the
Australian community through Questacon and
other science awareness programs; and
■■
effectively and efficiently developing,
implementing and delivering measures and
initiatives supporting the government’s science
and research policy interventions.
High level deliverables and key performance
indicators have been developed for Program 2.3
and include the following:
Deliverables:
■■
targeted science awareness exhibitions and
outreach programs;
■■
participation in and influence on international
SKA decisions;
■■
administrative and secretariat support for the
Chief Scientist;
■■
efficient delivery of activities supporting
government science and research policy
interventions; and
■■
effective and efficient administration of the
department.
Key Performance Indicators:
■■
maintain effective and efficient usage of
Questacon and increase outreach programs;
■■
meet all milestones in support of Australia’s
bid to host the SKA radio telescope; and
■■
maintain the level of administrative and
secretariat support for the Chief Scientist.
Due to the number and diversity of the components
falling under Program 2.3, it was not possible to
establish aggregate level targets at the beginning
of the reporting year. Each of the components
under Program 2.3 contributes in some way to the
achievement of the high level deliverables and key
performance indicators described.
High level deliverables and key performance
indicators have been revised and updated for
2010–11, and baseline data is being established for
reporting in future years.
In addition to the range of policy advisory activities
outlined above, the department delivered an
ongoing policy advisory service under Program
2.3 across the full range of sectors and program
activities covered under Programs 2.1 and 2.2.
Awareness
Questacon
Questacon, a division of the department, aims
to increase awareness and understanding of
science and innovation through inspirational
learning experiences, including interactive science
exhibitions, travelling programs, online content
and science theatre. Questacon is a national
leader in science communication and is a node
of influence in the Asia–Pacific region. Questacon
is supported by the Questacon Advisory Council,
which advises the executive and the Minister for
Innovation, Industry, Science and Research on
matters relating to Questacon’s strategic direction.
From July to September 2009, Questacon
conducted an Australia-wide stakeholder
consultation to support the development of a
national science communication strategy. The
resulting report, Inspiring Australia: a national
strategy for engagement with the sciences, was
released by the Minister for Innovation, Industry,
Science and Research in February 2010. The report
provides a framework for a coherent, nation-wide
approach to engaging the Australian public in
the sciences.
Questacon won the 2009 Canberra and Capital
Region Tourism Award in the tourist attraction
category and in early 2010 was awarded the 2009
Australian Tourism Award in the same category.
These awards recognise tourism excellence and
Chapter 6: Department: Outcome 2
81
Part B: Report on performance
Program 2.3: Program
Support
highlight Questacon’s role as a significant national
tourist attraction.
Questacon’s achievements in 2009–10 included the
following:
Enhancing the visitor experience was a key focus of
the year. Improvements to visitor facilities included
a new cafe and the completion of the rear science
court as part of the humanities and science
campus, with a new amphitheatre providing space
for outdoor science theatre. Also completed
was a new multimedia studio to greatly increase
community access and reach through interactive,
digital broadband technology.
■■
There were 446,038 visitors to Questacon in
Canberra compared to 419,153 in 2008–09.
■■
Questacon outreach programs had 186,566
visitors and reached 1,065 schools in all
Australian states and territories.
■■
Eight travelling exhibitions to 10 venues
in Australia and overseas had 698,098
visitors. The Imagination Factory travelling
exhibition, sponsored by Raytheon, toured to
Scitech (Perth) and the Queensland Museum
(Brisbane) during 2009–10. The Strike a
Chord travelling exhibition toured to Jakarta,
Indonesia between November 2009 and
March 2010.
■■
There was a total of 1,028,552 visitor sessions
on Questacon administered websites.
■■
A website promoting the Square Kilometre
Array (www.ska.edu.au) to young Australians
and their educators was developed as a
partnership between Questacon, CSIRO and
Scitech. It was launched in December 2009
by the Parliamentary Secretary for Innovation
and Industry.
■■
2,034 school bookings from across Australia
resulted in 111,282 student visitors
to Questacon.
Questacon provided input to a number of initiatives
of national relevance through the director’s role as
the chair of the Education Advisory Group of the
Square Kilometre Array Telescope Project and as a
member of the Inter-Departmental Committee for
the Centenary of Canberra.
Questacon remained an active member of the
international science communication sector
and maintained links to international science
centre networks to support global science
awareness activities:
■■
■■
■■
82
The Questacon director served as a member
of the board of directors of the Association of
Science-Technology Centers (ASTC), the peak
body of the science centre sector.
Questacon representatives attended and
presented at a number of international science
centre network conferences, including the
ASTC conference in the United States in
October 2009; the combined Australasian
Science and Technology Exhibitors Network
and Asia Pacific Network of Science and
Technology Centres (ASPAC) conference
in New Zealand in March 2010; and the
European Network of Science Centres and
Museums conference in Germany in June 2010.
Questacon is a key supporter of ASPAC through
the provision of executive director services.
Questacon hosted a number of international
science centre delegations, including from
the United States of America, Canada, Japan,
South Africa, China and Brazil.
Department of Innovation Annual Report 2009–10
Questacon’s exhibition development program for
2009–10 included:
■■
The launch of the Questacon Perception
Deception travelling exhibition in July 2009.
This new exhibition gives visitors the
opportunity to explore the science of visual,
auditory and tactile perception. A science
show to complement the Perception Deception
exhibition was created and launched in
August 2009.
■■
The launch of the new Our Water travelling
exhibition by the Minister for Climate Change,
Energy Efficiency and Water in May 2010 as
part of a partnership between Questacon
and the National Water Commission. This
new exhibition invites visitors to investigate
■■
The Awesome Earth exhibition was upgraded
to incorporate the Weather Watch exhibition
during 2009–10. This exhibition upgrade has
enhanced the educational outcomes of the
visitor experience.
In 2009–10, 1,330,702 people visited Questacon
in Canberra, a Questacon outreach program or a
travelling exhibition.
The Questacon Volunteer Program is celebrating
its 30th anniversary in 2010. Volunteers work in
the galleries, providing science explanations to
visitors, and operate discovery trolleys (portable
science exhibits) and Curiosity Corner (a hands‑on
science experiment station). In 2009–10, 84 active
volunteers contributed a total of 8,157 hours
at Questacon.
Questacon continued to promote its Q Club
membership program. At the end of 2009–10,
memberships had increased by 9.5 per cent,
bringing the total to 5,332 memberships, which
included 18,117 people.
Questacon teams visited 10 per cent of all
Australian schools and 15 per cent of schools
outside capital cities (five per cent of all school
students in Australia). In addition, digital events
further extended Questacon’s outreach audience.
Table 6.3 shows the number of schools visited and
the total number of visitors to each Questacon
outreach program in 2009–10.
Table 6.3: Questacon outreach programs in
schools, 2009–10
Number
Number of of schools
visitors
visited
Shell Questacon Science
Circus
81,422
351
Tenix Questacon Maths
Squad
13,170
94
Questacon Science Squad
26,038
121
Questacon Smart Moves
43,049
245
Questacon Science Play
4,063
91
StarLabs
5,941
54
Digital
3,737
85
Other programs, including
Q2U
9,146
24
186,566
1,065
Total
The Shell Questacon Science Circus is celebrating
its 25th anniversary in 2010. The original Science
Circus’s first tour was to Goulburn 25 years ago
and the anniversary celebrations commenced
with a visit to Goulburn by the 2010 Science Circus
team. Several members of the first Science Circus
team joined the event.
Questacon delivered national outreach programs
in 2009–10:
■■
The Shell Questacon Science Circus is a portable
science centre that tours to regional and
remote Australian communities. The Science
Circus is the major component of an Australian
National University Graduate Diploma in Science
Communication for 16 graduates each year.
■■
The Questacon Science Squad presents shows
and workshops in schools, libraries, holiday/
after-school centres and shopping centres
and at special events, predominantly in the
greater metropolitan Sydney area. The Science
Squad aims to improve attitudes to science
and to increase scientific literacy and student
retention rates in science courses.
■■
The Questacon Smart Moves program
focuses on secondary school students,
showcasing science and innovation and
stimulating students to consider new ideas
and entrepreneurship in science, engineering
and technology. With support from the
Chapter 6: Department: Outcome 2
83
Part B: Report on performance
water from urban, agricultural, industrial and
environmental perspectives.
National Water Commission, a segment of
the presentation is designed to increase
awareness of science and innovation in water
management and to encourage more people to
take up water industry careers. Smart Moves
uses a combination of multimedia in-school
presentations by young science graduates,
an interactive website and the Questacon
Smart Moves Invention Convention. The
invention convention is a week-long program
for innovative secondary school students to
build entrepreneurial skills to further develop
their ideas.
■■
The Tenix Questacon Maths Squad aims to
increase numeracy by positively influencing
attitudes towards maths and highlighting the
broad application and relevance of maths in
everyday life. In 2009–10 the program has
included talks, lectures and workshops at
teachers conferences and sessions for preservice teachers at university.
■■
Questacon Science Play is an early childhood
outreach program recognising the value of
informal education in early childhood learning.
Science Play travels to regional, rural, remote
and metropolitan Australia presenting handson science sessions for children, their parents
and carers, as well as providing professional
development for early childhood educators. The
program engages young children in fun and
interactive science discovery and introduces
young children to many elements of science,
literacy and numeracy.
■■
Star Labs are portable, inflatable planetariums
that bring the wonder of astronomy to
thousands of students in their own schools
and communities. These units are provided to
partner organisations to support astronomy
outreach programs.
Questacon’s national role is supported by longterm strategic partners and corporate sponsors.
These include the support provided by Tenix for
the Tenix Questacon Maths Squad, a partnership
with the National Water Commission for a national
water education and awareness program, and
Raytheon Australia’s support for the Imagination
84
Department of Innovation Annual Report 2009–10
Factory – invent and play travelling exhibition. In
2010 Questacon celebrates the 25th anniversary
of the Shell Questacon Science Circus which
was established in partnership with the Shell
Companies in Australia and the Australian
National University. The outstanding support that
Questacon continues to receive from its partners
and sponsors is an important part of Questacon’s
ongoing success.
Office of the Chief Scientist
Professor Penny D Sackett was appointed as
Chief Scientist for Australia for a five-year term in
November 2008. In addition to providing highlevel advice to the government, Professor Sackett
plays a role in fostering relationships with science
organisations and industry groups, stimulating
community thinking on the big scientific issues
of our time, promoting Australian capabilities
towards international scientific cooperation and
encouraging young Australians to take up careers
in science and engineering.
As Chief Scientist, Professor Sackett serves as the
Executive Officer of the Prime Minister’s Science,
Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC). In
June 2009, Professor Sackett introduced a new
‘foresighting’ framework, which involves determining
potential futures for Australia as well as assessing
how best to steer towards or avoid each possible
outcome. PMSEIC’s model has been well received
both within Australia and internationally, with several
countries interested in the process.
At the 21st meeting of the PMSEIC held in March
2010, the council considered a report prepared by
an expert working group, Transforming learning
and the transmission of knowledge, as well as
findings from the national health, wellbeing and
security thematic foresight cluster.
During 2009–10, the office sought to improve
engagement with students and women in science
through various activities, including a presentation
by Professor Sackett at a Women in Science
workshop held in Parliament House; the domestic
and international launch and promotion of the Bell
report, Women in Science: Maximising productivity,
diversity and innovation; and the launch of the
The office also sought to improve Australia’s
science diplomacy efforts. Professor Sackett
continued to develop strong international networks
to promote Australia’s research capabilities and
attract collaborative work to Australia. Professor
Sackett has also been a strong advocate in
fostering international cooperation to address the
complex problems presented by climate change
which cannot be resolved by any one nation or
institution in isolation.
Within Australia, Professor Sackett delivered
a considerable number of speeches and
presentations covering key science and research
issues. They included a keynote address on
climate change science and the importance of
urgent action as well as presentations to business
communities, government departments and
school students on various science, innovation,
education and research issues.
In 2009, the office launched a new Chief Scientist
website to engage with the broader Australian
community. The website is constantly updated,
featuring activities of the Chief Scientist and
more general science news and stories. It can
be accessed at www.chiefscientist.gov.au. The
Chief Scientist is also reaching out to the broader
Australian community through Facebook, where she
can be found at www.facebook.com/chiefscientist.
Square Kilometre Array Telescope
Project
The department continues to coordinate the
Australian Government’s involvement in a joint
bid to host the $2.5 billion international SKA
radio telescope. The Australian Government is
collaborating with the governments of Western
Australia and New Zealand on the bid.
In August 2009, Minister Carr and the New
Zealand Minister for Economic Development, Gerry
Brownlee, signed an arrangement committing the
governments to work together on the joint bid.
The addition of New Zealand to the bid provides
the opportunity to extend the SKA’s ‘baseline’ (the
distance between the core site and the furthest
antenna) to over 5,000 kilometres, significantly
improving the possible science outcomes.
In November 2009, an Indigenous land use
agreement with representatives of the Wajarri
Yamatji native title claim group was registered with
the National Native Title Tribunal. The agreement
validates CSIRO’s lease on the Murchison
Radioastronomy Observatory in the mid-west of
Western Australia, for the purpose of building and
operating the CSIRO Australian SKA Pathfinder
telescope (ASKAP). ASKAP is a major precursor to
the SKA, demonstrating a range of new technologies
required for the SKA (including a world-leading
digital radio camera) and the radio-quiet excellence
of the Australian candidate core site.
Construction of the ASKAP is due to be completed
in 2013. ASKAP received its first signals in March
2009 and shortly after participated in a successful
correlation of data across a very long baseline
involving radio telescopes at Mopra in New South
Wales and Warkworth in New Zealand.
In September 2009, Minister Carr launched
the Pawsey High Performance Computing
Centre for SKA Science in Perth, funded under
the government’s Super Science — Space and
Astronomy initiative. The centre will feature a petascale supercomputer which will greatly expand
access to cutting-edge computational facilities
for radio astronomy and other research fields in
Western Australia and be among the 20 biggest
computers in the world. The Pawsey centre will be
linked to ASKAP and the Australian candidate core
site by a National Broadband Network project that
commenced in May 2010.
The department continued to play an active role
in the international process to develop the SKA
project, including collaborating with potential
international partner agencies on plans for the
governance and funding of the SKA and the site
selection process.
In June 2010, Minister Carr along with Dr Wayne
Mapp, the New Zealand Minister for Science
Chapter 6: Department: Outcome 2
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Part B: Report on performance
National Youth Science Forum. A highlight for the
year was organising events for women and students
surrounding a visit by Australia’s first female Nobel
Prize Laureate, Professor Elizabeth Blackburn.
Table 6.4: Program 2.3 — performance against key deliverables, 2009–10.
Program 2.3 Program Support and Departmental Funding
Value of
Departmental
funding1 ($’000)
Total
64,497
1The funding for this program is administered by the department over all activities. it is not broken down in the Portfolio Budget
Statements.
and Research and Ms Helen Morton, Western
Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the
Treasurer; Commerce; Science and Innovation
led a joint Australia New Zealand contingent of
scientists, SKA program officials and industry
representatives to the International SKA Forum
2010 held at Assen in the Netherlands to present
the credentials of Australia and New Zealand as
the premier candidate site for the SKA project.
Evaluations
Higher education research data
collection
The department, in collaboration with deputy and
pro-vice-chancellors responsible for research
from Universities Australia, undertook a review
of provisions for income data collection relating
to research activity for the purposes of research
block funding. The review commenced in May 2009
and was completed in September 2009.
The review led to the removal of notional joint
venture provisions from the 2010 higher education
research data collection specifications. Because
calculations for research block grants use income
averaged over two years for the allocations, any
impact of the removal of notional joint venture
income will be staggered across 2010 and 2011.
By the time the 2012 research block grants are
allocated, the full effect of the removal of joint
venture income will be in place.
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Department of Innovation Annual Report 2009–10
International Postgraduate
Research Scholarship Program
The evaluation of the International Postgraduate
Research Scholarship Program took place from
August to December 2009 as part of the annual
work program for the Portfolio Budget Statements
for 2009–10.
The evaluation considered the contribution of
the program to the Australian Government’s
higher education research policy agenda.
The evaluation also considered work being
undertaken on Australia’s research workforce
and identified existing information on trends in
research workforce participation by International
Postgraduate Research Scholarship recipients.
The evaluation found that the program is meeting
its objectives and continues to make a significant
contribution to current government policy in
the area of higher education research. The high
quality of International Postgraduate Research
Scholarship recipients and the excellent research
outputs that they produce contribute to the
program’s high level of effectiveness.
Australian Competitive Grants
Register
In February 2010, the department commenced
a review of the administration of the Australian
Competitive Grants Register. The aims were to
examine the processes involved and consider
opportunities to streamline them, and to ensure
that any possible changes to administrative
arrangements are consistent with the policy intent
of research block grants.
Other public sector research
income (Category 2)
In the first half of 2010, the department
commenced a review of the allowable inclusions
under category 2 (Other public sector research
income) of the Higher Education Research Data
Collection specifications.
The review will ascertain whether higher
education providers are applying a consistent
and transparent definition for their reporting of
category 2 income under the Higher Education
Research Data Collection and make sure that the
income being included is fit for purpose.
In addition to examining the definition of research
used for the Higher Education Research Data
Collection and under category 2, the review will
examine whether the classification of income
sources identified is still relevant for higher
education providers conducting research for
national, regional and local benefit.
The outcomes of the review will be considered in
the revision of the 2011 Higher Education Research
Data Collection specifications.
Higher Education Research
Promotion Program
Funding for the Council for the Humanities,
Arts and Social Sciences and the Federation
of Australian Scientific and Technological
Societies is due to end in 2010. In 2009, the
department completed a review of funding of these
organisations.
National Collaborative Research
Infrastructure Strategy program
In 2009–10, the department conducted an
evaluation of the NCRIS program. An evaluation
report was published in June 2010 and is available
at: http://ncris.innovation.gov.au.
NCRIS is providing $542 million from 2005–06
through to 2010–11 for the development of
national research infrastructure. The aim of the
program is to provide researchers with access
to major research facilities and the supporting
infrastructure and networks necessary to
undertake world-class research.
The evaluation was conducted by an evaluation
team chaired by Mr Barry Jones, head of the
Industry and Small Business Policy Division. The
team was supported by a science panel chaired
by Professor Kurt Lambeck, President of the
Australian Academy of Science, and by the Allen
Consulting Group as economic consultants.
There was wide consultation, including surveys of
NCRIS facility managers and users, and interviews
with other research sector and government
stakeholders.
The findings of the evaluation were
overwhelmingly positive. The evaluation noted
several key strengths of the NCRIS model that
should be retained for future programs for funding
research infrastructure, namely collaboration
from the outset; consultative road mapping; the
use of facilitation to develop investment plans;
and the provision of funding for skilled staff and
the operating costs associated with research
infrastructure. The findings of the evaluation will
inform the development of policy proposals for
future research infrastructure funding programs.
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87
Part B: Report on performance
The intent of the review was to analyse the
current arrangements of the Australian
Competitive Grants Register and identify possible
improvements in relation to the number, size
and breadth of schemes listed; the assessment
criteria; and related procedures within the context
of the policy intent of research block grants.
INSPIRING AUSTRALIA
A 2008–09 review of the Science Connections
Program (SCOPE) suggested that a replacement
program for SCOPE be developed before its
termination in June 2011. From July to September
2009, Questacon conducted an Australia-wide
stakeholder consultation to support the
development of a national science communication
strategy that included a recommended program
to replace SCOPE. The Minister for Innovation,
Industry, Science and Research released the
resulting report, Inspiring Australia: a national
strategy for engagement with the sciences,
in February 2010. The report, incorporating
an analysis of Australian and international
approaches and stakeholder inputs, provides a
framework for a coherent, nation-wide approach to
engaging the Australian public in the sciences.
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Department of Innovation Annual Report 2009–10