Yeah, But Does Any Politician With a Power Base Give a Damn? Come to That Does a Significant Proportion of the Voting Public? (September 7, 2004)

    This memorandum was written over three years ago. It is reprinted here in its entirety.

THE AUSTRALIAN NATIONAL UNIVERSITY
__________________________________________________________________________________

SCHOOL OF MATHEMATICAL SCIENCES
 

DEAN: PETER HALL, FAA, FRS

MEMORANDUM
 

TO: Professor Frank Jackson, DVC (Research)

ATTENTION Ms J Bruce, Secretary to the Research Committee

FROM: Professor Peter Hall

DATE: 25 July 2001
 

SUBJECT: Agenda Item for Research Committee, 10 August 2001

The School of Mathematical Sciences is not directly represented on the committee, but (like other Schools and Faculties) is concerned about trends and directions in matters of research. In particular, in respect of the first two responsibilities of the Research Committee (i.e. to make recommendations on (a) research priorities and (b) maximising research performance) it wishes to make two points.

1. Major and continuing strengths of the university are basic research and related developments in the enabling technologies. In these areas the ANU has not only led Australia, but has been a major contributor internationally. It would be very much in the national interest, as well as that of the ANU, if the university’s existing strengths in these areas were exploited. The areas should become priorities for the future, along with appropriate applied fields of research.
    

2. The University should distinguish clearly between maximising research performance and maximising research income. While it is obviously essential to achieve adequate levels of research income, a policy whose focus was maximising research income would be too closely tied to short-term financial goals to provide the long-term vision and guidance that the University requires.

(signed)

Peter Hall
Dean, SMS