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Magazine article
Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt is ‘scared’ about Australia’s research capacity – this is why
The Conversation
28/05/2025
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Abstract
On Wednesday, Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt and economics professor Richard Holden gave a joint address to the National Press Club in Canberra. Their key message? Australia isn’t spending enough money on university research. Schmidt wants to ensure Australia can undertake research vital to our national interests.
“I look around and I am scared,” Schmidt said. “The Australian government investment in its sovereign research capability was 50% higher 15 years ago as a fraction of GDP.”
In his remarks, Holden warned, “we’ve become addicted to funding […] research capability through international student income”.
If this sounds familiar, both Schmidt and Holden have made similar calls before. And their press club presentation follows constant and repeated repeated calls from the university sector for more funds.
How much is Australia spending on research and how does this compare to other countries?
Details
- Title
- Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt is ‘scared’ about Australia’s research capacity – this is why
- Creators
- Brendan Walker-Munro - Southern Cross University
- Publication Details
- The Conversation
- Publisher
- The Conversation Media Group Ltd
- Grant note
- Brendan Walker-Munro has completed paid consultancies for the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and Independent National Security Legislation Monitor. He receives funding from the Australian Government under the Australia-India Cyber and Critical Technologies Partnership.
- Identifiers
- 991013287147502368
- Academic Unit
- Faculty of Business, Law and Arts
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Magazine article