Media Centre

Media Release
 

Research Quality Framework advice on preferred model

28 March 2006

The Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon Julie Bishop MP, today received the Research Quality Framework: Assessing the quality and impact of research in Australia – Final Advice on the Preferred RQF Model paper from Professor Sir Gareth Roberts and approved its release for consideration by Australia’s research sector.

Sir Gareth Roberts chaired the Expert Advisory Group (EAG), which has been developing the
Research Quality Framework (RQF), in consultation with Australia’s higher education and research sectors.

“To progress the work of the EAG, I am now announcing the establishment of the RQF Development Advisory Group (RQFDAG), to be chaired by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Jim Peacock AC,” Minister Bishop said.

“The group will provide advice on the next phase of the RQF process, particularly how the model, if adopted by the Government, could be most effectively implemented.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank the EAG and in particular its chair, Sir Gareth Roberts, for their dedication to this important task.”

The Minister commended the higher education and research sectors for their active engagement in the RQF process to date and strongly encouraged them to examine the paper and to work with the RQFDAG.

The Australian Government’s initiative, to formulate a world’s best practice RQF for evaluating research quality and impact, seeks to assure taxpayers that their money is being invested in research of the highest quality which delivers real benefits to the wider community.

The RQF initiative was announced by the Prime Minister in May 2004 and is part of the $8.3 billion Backing Australia’s Ability package.

The RQF Final Advice paper is available at: www.dest.gov.au/resqual/default.htm