FED: Government should improve performance says scientific group

AAP General News (Australia)
12-28-1999
FED: Government should improve performance says scientific group

A peak science group says the government should improve its own performance at commercialising
the field rather than criticise scientists for lack of entrepreneurial attitude.

The Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies says the government's
recent changes to the tax system are a tacit recognition that all is not well.

Federation president Professor SUE SERJEANTSON says many scientists are keenly interested
in commercialising their work.

She says it was surprising to hear Education Minister DAVID KEMP last week criticise
scientists for failing to generate the number of jobs the government would like to see.

Professor SERJEANTSON says the sector's been staggering under the weight of successive
budget cuts which have totalled almost 20 per cent over the last four years.

Under the government White Paper released last week, universities will be encouraged
to develop research specialities and forge closer links with industry.

To obtain government funding, universities would have to develop research plans and
prove their research was high quality.

Professor SERJEANTSON says a study conducted by the Federation earlier in the year
found many scientists are keenly interested in commercialising their work.

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KEYWORD: FASTS (CANBERRA)

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