The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia made a submission to the Australian Tertiary Education Commission’s Review of Research Requirements: ‘Australian University Category’ Consultation Paper.
The Academy supports a more differentiated university system and recognises the potential benefits of
research specialisation. However, reforms must be evidence-based, context-sensitive and be designed
with appropriate safeguards to strengthen rather than fragment Australia’s research system. They must also preserve the integrity and public expectations of the Australian University category.
Our submission emphasises that the proposals set out in the consultation paper are complex and create fertile ground for unintended consequences. Australian universities differ substantially and specialisation will present different opportunities and risks across institutions, disciplines and communities.
Drawing on findings from the Academy’s Social Sciences for Australia’s Future Report our submission makes six recommendations aimed to underpin further consultation on a more specialised model where universities can demonstrate research depth, scale and sustainability.