UQ Welcomes Innovation Statement

The University of Queensland has welcomed the $2.9 billion Innovation Statement, Backing Australia's Ability, outlined by Prime Minister John Howard today.

Deputy Vice-Chancellor Professor Paul Greenfield said it was a substantial initiative that would further develop Australia's knowledge base.

'Although Australia in recent years has lagged behind its international competitors in terms of research and development, this strategy is clearly a step in the right direction,' Professor Greenfield said.

'The initiatives outlined alone will not bridge the gap between Australia and its competitors, but it is a positive start.

'Furthermore, it is refreshing to see all major political parties agreeing on the importance of allocating further resources to education, research and development,' he said.

Director of the UQ Graduate School Professor Alan Lawson welcomed the plan to introduce a loans scheme for postgraduate students, describing it as an important link between teaching and research.

'But it should be extended to the full range of disciplines,' Professor Lawson said.

The co-director of UQ's Institute for Molecular Bioscience, Professor John Mattick, said signs were starting to appear that Australia was finally getting serious about investing in education, science and technology.

'We have not been as serious as we could have been over the past 10 or 20 years, and we've let a very competitive position be eroded by lack of science and technology investment,' Professor Mattick said.

'This statement is a very positive and welcome step.'

Media: For further information, contact Jan King on 0413 601 248 or send an email to UQ Communications.