In a proposal for a comprehensive restructure of its funding programs, the Australian Research Council proposes a heresy to the prime article of research faith – that scientific breakthroughs start with somebody having a bath or noticing mould on their toast.
The ARC intends to end the popular perception that its Discovery Grants are for “basic” research and the Linkage program funds “applied.” (Future Campus Feb 25).
Instead, all six of its proposed new funding schemes, down from 15, will look for what a project might deliver. “There should be greater support for the important, but not always visible, work of researchers which can provide a launchpad for the tangible creation of value for the cultural, economic, environmental and social benefits for Australians.”
To which Universities Australia responds, “while innovation may not be linear, it all starts with discovery.” UA warns that almost all recent funding growth in universities is for applied research and experimental development, “with funding for ‘pure basic research’ actually contracting.”
“UA cannot support any policy which would lead to a further shift in public funding away from basic research and will continue to advocate for this to be at the core of the ARC’s raison d’être.”
This puts the peak body out in front of other lobbies. The Australian Academy of Science starts strong, “the ARC is the government’s primary mechanism to invest in basic research and this must remain the central focus … As such, scope creep to focus on later stage research should be carefully guarded against throughout this reform.”
But that is where it stops – the rest of its submission focuses on operational specifics in the ARC plan.
Science and Technology Australia (“the trusted voice for everyone in science, technology, engineering and mathematics) also wants the ARC to back discovery research, but not so it gets in the way. “It is critical it retains a strong focus on enabling researchers to build partnerships and connections across the broader research and development and industry sectors.”
A full-throated argument over eureka moments, which may, or may not, change anything, this is not. Perhaps because the ARC already defines the purpose of its Discovery program by an outcome.
“Discovery funding recognises the importance of fundamental, ‘blue sky’ research to Australia. It supports the national innovation system to build ‘new’ knowledge and a knowledge-based economy through: developing new ideas/knowledge, creating jobs, economic growth, enhanced quality of life.”
Which sounds like it is covered by the Rumsfeld Matrix, with research to answer known unknowns needed but investigations that might turn up unknown unknowns not.
