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NATIONAL RESEARCH PRIORITIES<br />

2012 PROCESS TO REFRESH THE PRIORITIES<br />

CONSULTATION PAPER<br />

February 2012


DISCLAIMER<br />

This paper has been prepared by the Compacts and Coordination Branch, <strong>Research</strong> Division, <strong>Department</strong><br />

<strong>of</strong> <strong>Industry</strong>, <strong>Innovation</strong>, Science, <strong>Research</strong> and Tertiary Education for the purpose <strong>of</strong> supporting<br />

consultations in respect <strong>of</strong> updating and refining the <strong>National</strong> <strong>Research</strong> <strong>Priorities</strong>. Issues and ideas<br />

canvassed in the paper are not Australian Government policy and should not be represented as such.<br />

© Commonwealth <strong>of</strong> Australia 2012<br />

This work is copyright. Apart from any use as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, no part may be<br />

reproduced by any process without prior written permission from the Commonwealth. Requests and<br />

inquiries concerning reproduction and rights should be addressed to the Commonwealth Copyright<br />

Administration, Attorney General’s <strong>Department</strong>, Robert Garran Offices, <strong>National</strong> Circuit, Canberra ACT<br />

2600 or posted at www.ag.gov.au/cca.<br />

2


TABLE OF CONTENTS<br />

HOW TO MAKE A SUBMISSION ................................................................................................................... 4<br />

INTRODUCTION ............................................................................................................................................. 5<br />

BACKGROUND ........................................................................................................................................... 5<br />

CONTEXT OF REFRESH............................................................................................................................ 6<br />

SCOPE AND PROCESS ............................................................................................................................. 7<br />

A NEW PRIORITY FOR THE HUMANITIES, ARTS AND SOCIAL SCIENCES ............................................ 7<br />

KEY FINDINGS OF THE REVIEW .............................................................................................................. 7<br />

CURRENT RECOGNITION ......................................................................................................................... 7<br />

A PROPOSED NEW NATIONAL RESEARCH PRIORITY.......................................................................... 8<br />

REFRESHING THE PRIORITY GOALS ....................................................................................................... 10<br />

KEY FINDINGS OF THE REVIEW ............................................................................................................ 10<br />

AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA........................................................................... 10<br />

PROMOTING AND MAINTAINING GOOD HEALTH ................................................................................ 12<br />

FRONTIER TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUILDING AND TRANSFORMING AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIES .. 13<br />

SAFEGUARDING AUSTRALIA ................................................................................................................. 15<br />

CONCLUSION ........................................................................................................................................... 16<br />

APPENDIX 1 ................................................................................................................................................. 17<br />

THE NATIONAL RESEARCH PRIORITIES AND THEIR ASSOCIATED PRIORITY GOALS.................. 17<br />

APPENDIX 2 ................................................................................................................................................. 20<br />

SUBMISSION TEMPLATE ........................................................................................................................ 20<br />

3


HOW TO MAKE A SUBMISSION<br />

Submissions are invited from stakeholder groups in the Australian research system, including Australian<br />

university peak groups.<br />

Public consultation<br />

The department is seeking feedback and comments on options outlined in this paper. Feedback and<br />

comments received will help to inform the government’s proposed approach to updating and refining the<br />

<strong>National</strong> <strong>Research</strong> <strong>Priorities</strong>.<br />

Interested parties are invited to consider this paper and to provide written comments through the response<br />

template at Appendix 2 (or from the consultation website). Please keep responses concise and address the<br />

questions posed in the paper. Where possible, please identify in your response which specific question you<br />

are addressing. You may attach additional material to your response if you wish.<br />

Submissions<br />

Information about submissions and the submission process is available from:<br />

www.innovation.gov.au/<strong>Research</strong>/Pages/RefreshingThe<strong>National</strong><strong>Research</strong><strong>Priorities</strong>.aspx<br />

Submissions should make use <strong>of</strong> the response template, available from Appendix 2 <strong>of</strong> this paper or from<br />

the website above. Please email submissions to: nrp@innovation.gov.au<br />

Email is the preferred mode <strong>of</strong> submission. For accessibility reasons, please email responses in Word or<br />

RTF format. You are welcome to submit an additional PDF version.<br />

Written submissions can be mailed to:<br />

Refreshing the <strong>National</strong> <strong>Research</strong> <strong>Priorities</strong><br />

Compacts and Coordination Branch<br />

<strong>Research</strong> Division<br />

<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Industry</strong>, <strong>Innovation</strong>, Science, <strong>Research</strong> and Tertiary Education<br />

GPO Box 9839<br />

CANBERRA, ACT 2601<br />

For inquiries please call:<br />

Prue Torrance (02) 6213 7803 or Alex Aitkin (02) 6276 1520<br />

Compacts and Coordination Branch<br />

<strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Industry</strong>, <strong>Innovation</strong>, Science, <strong>Research</strong> and Tertiary Education<br />

Consultation period<br />

The consultation period opens on Tuesday 7 February 2012 and closes at 5pm on Monday 5 March 2012.<br />

Confidentiality<br />

All information (including name and address details) contained in submissions will be made available to the<br />

public on the website <strong>of</strong> the <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Industry</strong>, <strong>Innovation</strong>, Science, <strong>Research</strong> and Tertiary Education<br />

unless you indicate that you would like all or part <strong>of</strong> your submission to remain in confidence. Automatically<br />

generated confidentiality statements in emails do not suffice for this purpose. Respondents who would like<br />

part <strong>of</strong> their submission to remain in-confidence should provide this information marked as such in a<br />

separate attachment.<br />

4


INTRODUCTION<br />

This is a consultation paper on refreshing the Australian Government’s <strong>National</strong> <strong>Research</strong> <strong>Priorities</strong><br />

(NRPs). The paper invites you to help identify how the language <strong>of</strong> the NRPs might be refreshed.<br />

The process to refresh the NRPs is being undertaken by the <strong>Department</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Industry</strong>, <strong>Innovation</strong>, Science,<br />

<strong>Research</strong> and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE). The process will take into account the outcomes <strong>of</strong> this<br />

consultation and potentially result in modifications to the existing NRPs and their associated priority goals.<br />

BACKGROUND<br />

On 5 December 2002, the Australian government announced that it had selected four national research<br />

priorities to focus investment on research in key areas that can deliver significant economic, social and<br />

environmental benefits to Australia. The NRPs announced were:<br />

• An Environmentally Sustainable Australia<br />

• Promoting and Maintaining Good Health<br />

• Frontier Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries<br />

• Safeguarding Australia.<br />

Each <strong>of</strong> the NRPs was further defined and focused by up to seven associated priority goals which were<br />

outcome focused and covered research in a range <strong>of</strong> disciplines.<br />

As part <strong>of</strong> the implementation <strong>of</strong> the NRPs, a range <strong>of</strong> Australian Government research and research<br />

funding bodies were asked to submit plans to the government outlining how they proposed to support the<br />

four priorities. Public reporting against the NRPs principally took place based upon the content <strong>of</strong> these<br />

plans, and through the Australian Government’s annual <strong>Innovation</strong> Report, produced from 2003-4 to<br />

2006-7. Reporting against the NRPs consisted <strong>of</strong> case-studies <strong>of</strong> research that reporting agencies were<br />

performing or supporting, across each priority goal.<br />

In 2007 the NRP Standing Committee observed that the NRP initiative had been an effective strategy to<br />

enhance the quality and impact <strong>of</strong> Australia’s research effort by building critical mass in the NRP areas and<br />

by promoting collaboration between research organisations and with industry. In 2009 the government<br />

reaffirmed its support for the NRPs through Powering Ideas: An <strong>Innovation</strong> Agenda for the 21st Century<br />

stating that Commonwealth investments in public sector research would continue to be guided by the NRPs<br />

and that they would be updated periodically to reflect changing circumstances. Through Powering Ideas the<br />

government also announced seven <strong>National</strong> <strong>Innovation</strong> <strong>Priorities</strong> to complement the NRPs.<br />

Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences<br />

Leading up to the 2002 announcement <strong>of</strong> the NRPs, priority-setting focussed on public sector research in<br />

science, engineering and technology. Later, during 2003, a further priority setting exercise was aimed at<br />

addressing humanities and social science perspectives. This latter process resulted in some editorial<br />

enhancements to the original goals and the identification <strong>of</strong> four new goals (one each under each <strong>of</strong> the<br />

four NRPs), namely:<br />

• Responding to climate change and variability (An Environmentally Sustainable Australia)<br />

• Strengthening Australia's social and economic fabric (Promoting and Maintaining Good Health)<br />

• Promoting an innovation culture and economy (Frontier Technologies)<br />

• Understanding our region and the world (Safeguarding Australia)<br />

5


The new goals and editorial enhancements were designed to promote more effective targeting <strong>of</strong> social<br />

sciences and humanities research and to stimulate more <strong>of</strong> the cross cutting research that the NRP<br />

framework seeks to foster. Overall, the enhancements sought to ensure that scientific and technological<br />

applications, many <strong>of</strong> which have significant economic, social or ethical implications, take account <strong>of</strong> the<br />

community’s capacity to initiate and respond to change.<br />

The NRPs and their associated priority goals are at Appendix 1.<br />

CONTEXT OF REFRESH<br />

On 3 November 2011, the Australian Government released the Maximising the <strong>Innovation</strong> Dividend:<br />

Review Key Findings and Future Directions report which sets out the key findings and the<br />

recommendations <strong>of</strong> the Focusing Australia’s Publicly Funded <strong>Research</strong> Review (‘the review’).<br />

The review found that there was no evidence <strong>of</strong> significant shortfalls in Australia’s current framework for<br />

publicly funded research. It noted, however, that there are opportunities for the Australian Government to<br />

achieve a more coordinated, coherent approach to maximise the returns from its investment.<br />

Other key findings were that:<br />

• there needs to be clarity in the roles <strong>of</strong> the various participants in the Australian research system;<br />

• research activity undertaken by the key participants in the Australian research system is<br />

complementary, rather than overlapping and duplicative;<br />

• a national strategic dialogue and better coordination <strong>of</strong> research effort and investment are critical to<br />

Australia given its need for scale and world-class capability in areas <strong>of</strong> research <strong>of</strong> national importance;<br />

and<br />

• it is critical to Australia’s future productivity that Australian businesses are informed by leading edge<br />

thinking derived from excellent research.<br />

The Australian Government has accepted the four major recommendations from the review, as follows:<br />

• the establishment <strong>of</strong> a new committee <strong>of</strong> senior Australian Government <strong>of</strong>ficials, led by Australia’s<br />

Chief Scientist, to guide Australian Government research investment;<br />

• DIISRTE to lead a process to update and refine the <strong>National</strong> <strong>Research</strong> <strong>Priorities</strong>, so they are relevant<br />

as broad statements <strong>of</strong> the Government's aspirations for publicly funded research;<br />

• DIISRTE to conduct a feasibility study on possible approaches for developing an assessment<br />

mechanism for evaluating the wider economic, social and environmental benefits <strong>of</strong> research; and<br />

• consideration <strong>of</strong> initiatives to lift the intensity <strong>of</strong> collaboration between universities and industry and<br />

other end users.<br />

In relation to the NRPs, the review also found that they are generally appropriate as a broad overarching<br />

framework for signalling the Australian Government’s aspirations in relation to public research. To continue<br />

to be relevant, however, the review concluded that the description <strong>of</strong> the NRPs needs to be refreshed and,<br />

in particular, that the NRPs should be augmented to better reflect the priority <strong>of</strong> the humanities, arts and<br />

social sciences (HASS) disciplines to the national research enterprise.<br />

This process to refresh the NRPs is not intended to be a wholesale review. Through Powering Ideas the<br />

Australian Government endorsed their continuation, updated as required. The parameters <strong>of</strong> this update<br />

are provided by the Focusing Australia’s Publicly Funded <strong>Research</strong> Review, as noted above.<br />

6


SCOPE AND PROCESS<br />

In November and December 2011, the department undertook preliminary consultation with stakeholders –<br />

from government and the research sector – to gain some initial ideas regarding:<br />

• the addition <strong>of</strong> an NRP to better reflect the priority <strong>of</strong> humanities, arts and social science (HASS)<br />

disciplines in Australia’s research enterprise; and<br />

• possible refinements to the priority goals under the NRPs, including consideration <strong>of</strong> more explicit<br />

recognition <strong>of</strong> non-defence national security issues.<br />

This consultation paper has been developed on the basis <strong>of</strong> these preliminary consultations. Use <strong>of</strong> a<br />

*yellow highlight* indicates proposed amendments to the NRPs and their associated priority goals 1 .<br />

Following the completion <strong>of</strong> consultations, a final report will be provided to the Minister for Tertiary<br />

Education, Skills, Science and <strong>Research</strong> for consideration.<br />

A NEW PRIORITY FOR THE HUMANITIES, ARTS AND<br />

SOCIAL SCIENCES<br />

KEY FINDINGS OF THE REVIEW<br />

The majority <strong>of</strong> stakeholders consulted during the recently completed review <strong>of</strong> publicly funded research<br />

agreed that the HASS disciplines were important to innovation. Moreover, a number <strong>of</strong> stakeholders<br />

considered that there would be value in augmenting the existing research priorities with the inclusion <strong>of</strong> an<br />

additional priority to better acknowledge the strategic goals <strong>of</strong> HASS in the national research endeavour.<br />

This was considered to be an effective way for the substantive contributions <strong>of</strong> these research disciplines to<br />

be acknowledged in their own right, rather than as an adjunct to the natural sciences. In addition, HASS<br />

was seen as essential to ensuring community acceptance <strong>of</strong> current and future innovation.<br />

A range <strong>of</strong> views were expressed on the importance <strong>of</strong> the HASS disciplines, including their role in<br />

knowledge transfer and their function in providing Australia with the capacity to understand other cultures,<br />

languages, societies and places. Views were that the 2011 Strategic Roadmapping process for research<br />

infrastructure has demonstrated that the inclusion <strong>of</strong> a HASS-related priority is possible, and that the<br />

augmentation <strong>of</strong> the NRPs in a similar manner by government would clearly signal the importance <strong>of</strong> HASS<br />

to research endeavour and generating creative solutions, as well the disciplines’ role in engendering true<br />

cultural shifts for critical debates (e.g. climate change).<br />

CURRENT RECOGNITION<br />

In Powering Ideas, the government recognised the value <strong>of</strong> Australia’s public research capacity in the<br />

humanities, arts and social sciences and their critical role in delivering important economic, social,<br />

environmental and cultural benefits for Australia. A number <strong>of</strong> other recent government initiatives have<br />

given explicit recognition to HASS disciplines, including:<br />

• Inspiring Australia: A <strong>National</strong> Strategy for Engagement with the Sciences (DIISR, 2010) acknowledges<br />

that the sciences – comprising the natural and physical sciences, the humanities, the arts and the<br />

social sciences – are fundamental elements <strong>of</strong> a 21st century creative economy.<br />

1 All yellow highlit text is preceded and followed by an asterisk shown in 2 point font, to make the<br />

highlighting machine readable.<br />

7


• Eligibility under the Cooperative <strong>Research</strong> Centre (CRC) program was broadened to include the<br />

humanities, arts and social sciences, following the 2008 review <strong>of</strong> the program (which took place as<br />

part <strong>of</strong> the broader review <strong>of</strong> the <strong>National</strong> <strong>Innovation</strong> System). The two most recent selection rounds<br />

(in 2010 and 2011) have included ‘Social <strong>Innovation</strong>’ as a priority area.<br />

• The 2011 Strategic Roadmap for Australian <strong>Research</strong> Infrastructure (DIISR, 2011) included<br />

‘Understanding Culture and Communities’ as a priority area in mapping Australia’s capability areas for<br />

strategic investment in research infrastructure (refer Box 1 below).<br />

BOX 1: 2011 STRATEGIC ROADMAP FOR RESEARCH INFRASTRUCTURE<br />

The 2011 Strategic Roadmap for Australian <strong>Research</strong> Infrastructure articulates the priority research<br />

infrastructure areas <strong>of</strong> a national scale (capability areas) to further develop Australia’s research capacity<br />

and improve innovation and research outcomes over the next five to ten years.<br />

The capability areas described in the 2011 Roadmap were identified through a broad consultative process,<br />

which sought input directly from researchers and other stakeholders regarding future research directions<br />

and research infrastructure requirements at the national, collaborative scale.<br />

The 2011 Roadmap used Australia’s <strong>National</strong> <strong>Research</strong> <strong>Priorities</strong> as an organising framework for<br />

considering capability areas, but also included an additional capability area, Understanding Cultures and<br />

Communities, reflecting the importance <strong>of</strong> the humanities, arts and social sciences.<br />

The capability areas identified in the 2011 Roadmap contribute in a multitude <strong>of</strong> ways to Australia’s NRPs<br />

and generally support research across more than one research priority, thereby demonstrating the benefits<br />

<strong>of</strong> a national, collaborative approach to research infrastructure investment.<br />

The 2011 Roadmap identified three research outcome areas with the potential to contribute specifically to<br />

the additional capability area <strong>of</strong> ‘Understanding Cultures and Communities’:<br />

• Urban Settlements – understanding the physical, social, economic and ecological aspects <strong>of</strong> urban<br />

settlements is essential to improve the environmental sustainability <strong>of</strong> cities and other urban areas, and<br />

in improving economic prosperity and quality <strong>of</strong> life.<br />

• Population Health <strong>Research</strong> Platforms – understanding the interplay <strong>of</strong> social, environmental and<br />

biological factors in causing and controlling major health problems.<br />

• Cultures and Communities – understanding <strong>of</strong> identity, cultures, histories and change and delivering<br />

solutions to challenging questions and complex issues facing society, including in health, the<br />

environment, social cohesion and security.<br />

A PROPOSED NEW NATIONAL RESEARCH PRIORITY<br />

During the preliminary consultations, stakeholders considered possible wording for a new NRP and<br />

underlying priority goals that would better acknowledge the strategic goals <strong>of</strong> HASS in the national research<br />

endeavour. An upper limit <strong>of</strong> seven priority goals was set, so as not to exceed the existing maximum<br />

number <strong>of</strong> priority goals under an NRP.<br />

Stakeholders indicated their preference that the existing HASS-related priority goals within the existing four<br />

NRPs be kept, but noted that the wording <strong>of</strong> these priority goals might need to be altered to avoid overlap<br />

with new priority goals. Stakeholders also indicated the important role that the NRPs play in articulating<br />

8


Australia’s strategic research goals and that the NRPs should recognise current areas <strong>of</strong> Australian<br />

research strength.<br />

Based upon the outcomes <strong>of</strong> preliminary consultations, draft language for the new NRP and its goals is<br />

provided below as a basis for discussion.<br />

*ENHANCING SOCIETY, CULTURE AND COMMUNITIES<br />

Stimulating the development <strong>of</strong> an Australia which celebrates culture, knowledge, inclusion, wellbeing and<br />

active citizenship<br />

• Fostering a creative and imaginative Australia<br />

Creating a vibrant Australia through art, sport, cultural industries, social innovation, and digital and other<br />

technologies.<br />

• Culture, heritage and identity<br />

Understanding Australia’s identity, culture, heritage and histories.<br />

• Social inclusion, diversity and equity<br />

Fostering tolerance, diversity, multiculturalism and social engagement.<br />

• Quality <strong>of</strong> life<br />

Maximising the wellbeing <strong>of</strong> Australians by understanding the factors conducive to its growth, including<br />

supportive social and working environments and liveable human settlements.<br />

• Knowledge and society<br />

Effecting change through the transformative power <strong>of</strong> education, lifelong learning and community<br />

development, and increasing the skills needed for innovation, leadership, and making connections between<br />

people and organisations.<br />

• Effective institutional governance<br />

Developing a stronger civil society through active democracy, institutional effectiveness and enhanced<br />

management <strong>of</strong> public resources<br />

• Indigenous Australia<br />

Fostering understanding, improving wellbeing and celebrating the knowledge and creativity <strong>of</strong> indigenous<br />

Australians. *<br />

CONSULTATION QUESTIONS<br />

1. Does the proposed wording <strong>of</strong> the new Enhancing Society, Culture and Communities NRP and its<br />

associated priority goals provide an opportunity for researchers within the humanities, arts and social<br />

sciences to contribute to Australia’s research priorities?<br />

2. Do you consider that those suggested adequately cover the areas <strong>of</strong> national priority <strong>of</strong> particular<br />

importance to the HASS disciplines? Please provide specific example <strong>of</strong> any alternate goals and the<br />

context to explain your comments or suggestions.<br />

9


3. Do the descriptions underneath the draft NRP and each priority goal adequately explain their<br />

purposes? Please provide specific example <strong>of</strong> any alternate text and the context to explain your<br />

comments or suggestions.<br />

REFRESHING THE PRIORITY GOALS<br />

KEY FINDINGS OF THE REVIEW<br />

In addition to the option <strong>of</strong> including a new NRP to recognise the role <strong>of</strong> the HASS disciplines in<br />

contributing to Australia’s innovation dividend, the review also recommended that consideration be given to<br />

whether the priority goals under each <strong>of</strong> the NRPs needed to be refreshed. For example, concern was<br />

raised that the NRP <strong>of</strong> Safeguarding Australia does not adequately cater for non-defence national security,<br />

which has grown in prominence since the NRPs were introduced (refer Box 2).<br />

BOX 2: NON-DEFENCE NATIONAL SECURITY PRIORITY SETTING<br />

The Australian Government’s <strong>National</strong> Security Science and <strong>Innovation</strong> Strategy (NSSIS), published in<br />

November 2009 provides a framework for enhancing the application <strong>of</strong> science and innovation to<br />

Australia’s national security. The NSSIS foreshadowed the publication <strong>of</strong> Annual Statements <strong>of</strong> <strong>Priorities</strong>,<br />

the first <strong>of</strong> which was published in November 2011.<br />

The NSSIS 2011 Annual Statement <strong>of</strong> <strong>Priorities</strong> identifies six national security themes where a strong<br />

national security science and innovation focus is particularly important over the next one to five years to<br />

help support NSSIS objectives and deliver capability gains to members <strong>of</strong> the national security community.<br />

While the priorities will be reviewed annually and updated as required, they are intended to be relatively<br />

enduring. The priorities are expressed in terms <strong>of</strong> outcomes and capabilities that the Australian national<br />

security agencies are seeking to achieve. The priorities are deliberately not expressed as science and<br />

innovation tasks requiring technology or system specific solutions and so are discipline-neutral and<br />

designed not to restrict the application <strong>of</strong> novel ideas and technologies.<br />

The 2011 Annual Statement <strong>of</strong> <strong>Priorities</strong> is available from<br />

http://www.dpmc.gov.au/nsst/annual_statement.cfm<br />

Possibilities for refreshing priority goals within each <strong>of</strong> the existing NRPs are considered below.<br />

AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA<br />

Preliminary stakeholder consultations have suggested some changes for the priority goals within this NRP,<br />

including that:<br />

• reference be made to population pressures and governance <strong>of</strong> resources within this NRP<br />

• removal <strong>of</strong> the overlap between ‘Transforming existing industries’ and ‘Developing deep earth<br />

resources’<br />

• the language used within ‘Reducing and capturing emissions . . .’ may require updating.<br />

Based upon the outcomes <strong>of</strong> preliminary consultations, possible amendments to this NRP and its<br />

associated priority goals are provided below as a basis for discussion.<br />

10


AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA<br />

Transforming the way we utilise our land, water, mineral and energy resources through a better<br />

understanding <strong>of</strong> human and environmental systems and the use <strong>of</strong> new technologies.<br />

• Water – a critical resource<br />

Sustainable ways <strong>of</strong> improving water productivity, using less water in agriculture and other industries,<br />

providing increased protection <strong>of</strong> rivers and groundwater and the re-use <strong>of</strong> urban and industrial waste<br />

waters.<br />

• Transforming existing industries<br />

New technologies for *resource-based* industries to deliver substantial increases in national wealth while<br />

minimising environmental impacts on land and sea.<br />

• Overcoming soil loss, salinity and acidity<br />

Identifying causes and solutions to land degradation using a multidisciplinary approach to restore land<br />

surfaces.<br />

• Reducing and capturing emissions in transport and energy generation<br />

Alternative transport technologies and clean combustion and efficient new power generation systems and<br />

capture and sequestration <strong>of</strong> carbon dioxide.<br />

• Sustainable use <strong>of</strong> Australia’s biodiversity<br />

Managing and protecting Australia’s terrestrial and marine biodiversity both for its own value and to develop<br />

long term use <strong>of</strong> ecosystem goods and services ranging from fisheries to ecotourism.<br />

• Developing deep earth resources<br />

Smart high-technology exploration methodologies, including imaging and mapping the deep earth and<br />

ocean floors, and novel efficient ways <strong>of</strong> commodity extraction and processing (e.g. minerals, oil and gas)<br />

while minimising negative ecological and social impacts.<br />

• Responding to climate change and variability<br />

Increasing our understanding <strong>of</strong> the impact <strong>of</strong> climate change and variability at the regional level across<br />

Australia and addressing the consequences <strong>of</strong> these factors on the environment and on communities.<br />

CONSULTATION QUESTION<br />

4. Are there any amendments which should be considered to the existing language <strong>of</strong> An Environmentally<br />

Sustainable Australia NRP and/or its associated priority goals to refresh its relevance to contemporary<br />

Australia? Please comment on the proposed amendments provided above, provide specific examples<br />

<strong>of</strong> any new proposed amendments and provide the context to explain your comments and suggestions.<br />

11


PROMOTING AND MAINTAINING GOOD HEALTH<br />

Preliminary stakeholder consultations have suggested some changes for the priority goals within this NRP,<br />

including that:<br />

• increased reference should be made to mental health within this NRP in recognition <strong>of</strong> the importance<br />

<strong>of</strong> this issue to Australia<br />

• there might be value in including an additional priority goal on Indigenous Health.<br />

Based upon the outcomes <strong>of</strong> preliminary consultations, possible amendments to this NRP and its<br />

associated priority goals are provided below as a basis for discussion.<br />

PROMOTING AND MAINTAINING GOOD HEALTH<br />

Promoting good health and well being for all Australians.<br />

• A healthy start to life<br />

Counteracting the impact <strong>of</strong> genetic, social and environmental factors which predispose infants and<br />

children to ill health and reduce their well being and life potential.<br />

• Ageing well, ageing productively<br />

Developing better social, medical and population health strategies to improve the mental and physical<br />

capacities <strong>of</strong> ageing people.<br />

• Preventive healthcare<br />

New ethical, evidence-based strategies to promote *physical and mental* health and prevent disease<br />

through the adoption <strong>of</strong> healthier lifestyles and diet, and the development <strong>of</strong> health-promoting products.<br />

• Strengthening Australia’s social and economic fabric<br />

Understanding and strengthening key elements <strong>of</strong> Australia’s social and economic fabric to help families<br />

and individuals live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.<br />

• *Indigenous health<br />

Understanding and improving the health <strong>of</strong> Indigenous Australians.<br />

• Finding cures for disease<br />

Developing new medical technologies to improve health outcomes*<br />

CONSULTATION QUESTION<br />

5. Are there any amendments which should be considered to the existing language <strong>of</strong> the Promoting and<br />

Maintaining Good Health NRP and/or its associated priority goals to refresh its relevance to<br />

contemporary Australia? Please comment on the proposed amendments provided above, provide<br />

specific examples <strong>of</strong> any new proposed amendments and provide the context to explain your<br />

comments and suggestions.<br />

12


FRONTIER TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUILDING AND<br />

TRANSFORMING AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIES<br />

Preliminary stakeholder consultations have suggested some changes for the priority goals within this NRP,<br />

including that:<br />

• examples should be removed from the priority goals within this NRP to maintain consistency with other<br />

priority goals and to ensure that the goals remain as relevant over time<br />

• there would be value in amending the language <strong>of</strong> this NRP beyond ‘industry’ so as to include social<br />

institutions more broadly<br />

• the language <strong>of</strong> the HASS-related priority goal within this NRP be amended to include the role <strong>of</strong><br />

citizens in determining which innovations they wish to adopt.<br />

Services represents approximately 80 per cent <strong>of</strong> the Australian economy and are understood to be<br />

important to the economy for a number <strong>of</strong> reasons, including as a support to technological innovation, as a<br />

source <strong>of</strong> market differentiation and for the value they generate between industries. Consideration could<br />

therefore also be given as to whether (and how) services should be referred to in this NRP.<br />

Based upon the outcomes <strong>of</strong> preliminary consultations, possible amendments to this NRP and its<br />

associated priority goals are provided below as a basis for discussion.<br />

13


FRONTIER TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUILDING AND TRANSFORMING<br />

AUSTRALIA*N INDUSTRIES*<br />

Stimulating the growth <strong>of</strong> world-class Australian industries, *institutions and services* using innovative<br />

technologies developed from cutting-edge research.<br />

• Breakthrough science<br />

Better understanding <strong>of</strong> the fundamental processes that will advance knowledge and facilitate the<br />

development <strong>of</strong> technological innovations.<br />

• Frontier technologies<br />

Enhanced capacity in frontier technologies and *associated services* to power world-class industries <strong>of</strong> the<br />

future and build on Australia’s strengths in research and innovation * (examples include nanotechnology,<br />

biotechnology, ICT, photonics, genomics/phenomics, and complex systems) *.<br />

• Advanced materials<br />

Advanced materials for applications in energy, manufacturing, construction, communications, transport,<br />

agriculture and medicine * (examples include ceramics, organics, biomaterials, smart material and fabrics,<br />

composites, polymers and light metals) * and the creative industries.<br />

• Smart information use<br />

Improved data management services for existing and new business applications and creative applications<br />

for digital technologies * (examples include e-finance, interactive systems, multi-platform media, creative<br />

industries, digital media creative design, content generation and imaging) *.<br />

• Promoting an innovation culture and economy<br />

*Optimising* Australia’s creative and technological capability by understanding the factors conducive to<br />

*realising* innovation and *commercialisation. This includes promoting the impact <strong>of</strong> innovation on social,<br />

economic and environmental wellbeing*.<br />

CONSULTATION QUESTION<br />

6. Are there any amendments which should be considered to the existing language <strong>of</strong> the Frontier<br />

Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries NRP and/or its associated priority<br />

goals to refresh its relevance to contemporary Australia? Please comment on the proposed<br />

amendments provided above, provide specific examples <strong>of</strong> any new proposed amendments and<br />

provide the context to explain your comments and suggestions.<br />

14


SAFEGUARDING AUSTRALIA<br />

Preliminary stakeholder consultations have suggested some changes for the priority goals within this NRP,<br />

including that:<br />

• there may be advantages in incorporating some <strong>of</strong> the language within the <strong>National</strong> Security Science<br />

and <strong>Innovation</strong> <strong>Priorities</strong> within these priority goals<br />

• there may be value in including a new priority goal on Extreme Events<br />

• food security might be given greater prominence.<br />

Based upon the outcomes <strong>of</strong> preliminary consultations, possible amendments to this NRP and its<br />

associated priority goals are provided below as a basis for discussion.<br />

SAFEGUARDING AUSTRALIA<br />

Safeguarding Australia from terrorism, crime, invasive diseases and pests, strengthening our<br />

understanding <strong>of</strong> Australia’s place in the region and the world, and securing our infrastructure, particularly<br />

with respect to our digital systems *and food production*.<br />

• Critical infrastructure<br />

Protecting Australia’s critical infrastructure including our financial, energy, communications, and transport<br />

systems.<br />

• Understanding our region and the world<br />

Enhancing Australia’s capacity to interpret and engage with its regional and global environment through a<br />

greater understanding <strong>of</strong> languages, societies, politics and cultures.<br />

• Protecting Australia from invasive diseases and pests<br />

Counteract the impact <strong>of</strong> invasive species through the application <strong>of</strong> new technologies and by integrating<br />

approaches across agencies and jurisdictions.<br />

• Protecting Australia from terrorism and crime<br />

By promoting a healthy and diverse research and development system that anticipates threats and<br />

supports core competencies in modern and rapid identification techniques.<br />

• Transformational defence technologies<br />

Transform military operations for the defence <strong>of</strong> Australia by providing superior technologies, better<br />

information and improved ways <strong>of</strong> operation.<br />

• *Extreme events<br />

Improving our ability to manage extreme economic, environmental or social events through preparedness<br />

and planning, recovery structures and processes, risk analysis, response technologies and protocols. *<br />

15


CONSULTATION QUESTION<br />

7. Are there any amendments which should be considered to the existing language <strong>of</strong> the Safeguarding<br />

Australia NRP and/or its associated priority goals to refresh its relevance to contemporary Australia?<br />

Please comment on the proposed amendments provided above, provide specific examples <strong>of</strong> any new<br />

proposed amendments and provide the context to explain your comments and suggestions.<br />

CONCLUSION<br />

As previously noted, the current process to refresh the NRPs, including the addition <strong>of</strong> a new HASS-related<br />

priority, may require alteration to the wording <strong>of</strong> existing priority goals to avoid overlap or duplication within<br />

the priorities. Consideration should also be given as to whether the NRPs taken collectively appropriately<br />

articulate Australia’s strategic research goals and recognise current areas <strong>of</strong> Australian research strength.<br />

CONSULTATION QUESTION<br />

8. Are there any further amendments or refinements which should be considered to the NRPs and/or their<br />

associated priority goals in order to reduce repetition or duplication?<br />

16


THE NATIONAL RESEARCH PRIORITIES AND THEIR<br />

ASSOCIATED PRIORITY GOALS<br />

The NRPs are underpinned by a number <strong>of</strong> priority goals.<br />

AN ENVIRONMENTALLY SUSTAINABLE AUSTRALIA<br />

Transforming the way we utilise our land, water, mineral and energy resources through a better<br />

understanding <strong>of</strong> human and environmental systems and the use <strong>of</strong> new technologies.<br />

• Water – a critical resource<br />

APPENDIX 1<br />

Sustainable ways <strong>of</strong> improving water productivity, using less water in agriculture and other industries,<br />

providing increased protection <strong>of</strong> rivers and groundwater and the re-use <strong>of</strong> urban and industrial waste<br />

waters.<br />

• Transforming existing industries<br />

New technologies for resource-based industries to deliver substantial increases in national wealth while<br />

minimising environmental impacts on land and sea.<br />

• Overcoming soil loss, salinity and acidity<br />

Identifying causes and solutions to land degradation using a multidisciplinary approach to restore land<br />

surfaces.<br />

• Reducing and capturing emissions in transport and energy generation<br />

Alternative transport technologies and clean combustion and efficient new power generation systems and<br />

capture and sequestration <strong>of</strong> carbon dioxide.<br />

• Sustainable use <strong>of</strong> Australia’s biodiversity<br />

Managing and protecting Australia’s terrestrial and marine biodiversity both for its own value and to develop<br />

long term use <strong>of</strong> ecosystem goods and services ranging from fisheries to ecotourism.<br />

• Developing deep earth resources<br />

Smart high-technology exploration methodologies, including imaging and mapping the deep earth and<br />

ocean floors, and novel efficient ways <strong>of</strong> commodity extraction and processing (e.g minerals, oil and gas)<br />

while minimising negative ecological and social impacts.<br />

• Responding to climate change and variability<br />

Increasing our understanding <strong>of</strong> the impact <strong>of</strong> climate change and variability at the regional level across<br />

Australia and addressing the consequences <strong>of</strong> these factors on the environment and on communities.<br />

PROMOTING AND MAINTAINING GOOD HEALTH<br />

Promoting good health and well being for all Australians.<br />

• A healthy start to life<br />

Counteracting the impact <strong>of</strong> genetic, social and environmental factors which predispose infants and<br />

children to ill health and reduce their well being and life potential.<br />

17


• Ageing well, ageing productively<br />

Developing better social, medical and population health strategies to improve the mental and physical<br />

capacities <strong>of</strong> ageing people.<br />

• Preventive healthcare<br />

New ethical, evidence-based strategies to promote health and prevent disease through the adoption <strong>of</strong><br />

healthier lifestyles and diet, and the development <strong>of</strong> health-promoting products.<br />

• Strengthening Australia’s social and economic fabric<br />

Understanding and strengthening key elements <strong>of</strong> Australia’s social and economic fabric to help families<br />

and individuals live healthy, productive, and fulfilling lives.<br />

FRONTIER TECHNOLOGIES FOR BUILDING AND TRANSFORMING<br />

AUSTRALIAN INDUSTRIES<br />

Stimulating the growth <strong>of</strong> world-class Australian industries using innovative technologies developed from<br />

cutting-edge research.<br />

• Breakthrough science<br />

Better understanding <strong>of</strong> the fundamental processes that will advance knowledge and facilitate the<br />

development <strong>of</strong> technological innovations.<br />

• Frontier technologies<br />

Enhanced capacity in frontier technologies to power world-class industries <strong>of</strong> the future and build on<br />

Australia’s strengths in research and innovation (examples include nanotechnology, biotechnology, ICT,<br />

photonics, genomics/phenomics, and complex systems).<br />

• Advanced materials<br />

Advanced materials for applications in construction, communications, transport, agriculture and medicine<br />

(examples include ceramics, organics, biomaterials, smart material and fabrics, composites, polymers and<br />

light metals).<br />

• Smart information use<br />

Improved data management for existing and new business applications and creative applications for digital<br />

technologies (examples include e-finance, interactive systems, multi-platform media, creative industries,<br />

digital media creative design, content generation and imaging).<br />

• Promoting an innovation culture and economy<br />

Maximising Australia’s creative and technological capability by understanding the factors conducive to<br />

innovation and its acceptance.<br />

SAFEGUARDING AUSTRALIA<br />

Safeguarding Australia from terrorism, crime, invasive diseases and pests, strengthening our<br />

understanding <strong>of</strong> Australia’s place in the region and the world, and securing our infrastructure, particularly<br />

with respect to our digital systems.<br />

• Critical infrastructure<br />

Protecting Australia’s critical infrastructure including our financial, energy, communications, and transport<br />

systems.<br />

18


• Understanding our region and the world<br />

Enhancing Australia’s capacity to interpret and engage with its regional and global environment through a<br />

greater understanding <strong>of</strong> languages, societies, politics and cultures.<br />

• Protecting Australia from invasive diseases and pests<br />

Counteract the impact <strong>of</strong> invasive species through the application <strong>of</strong> new technologies and by integrating<br />

approaches across agencies and jurisdictions.<br />

• Protecting Australia from terrorism and crime<br />

By promoting a healthy and diverse research and development system that anticipates threats and<br />

supports core competencies in modern and rapid identification techniques.<br />

• Transformational defence technologies<br />

Transform military operations for the defence <strong>of</strong> Australia by providing superior technologies, better<br />

information and improved ways <strong>of</strong> operation.<br />

19


APPENDIX 2<br />

SUBMISSION TEMPLATE<br />

1. Does the proposed wording <strong>of</strong> the new Enhancing Society, Culture and Communities NRP and its<br />

associated priority goals provide an opportunity for researchers within the humanities, arts and social<br />

sciences to contribute to Australia’s research priorities?<br />

Your response:<br />

Rationale:<br />

2. Do you consider that those suggested adequately cover the areas <strong>of</strong> national priority <strong>of</strong> particular<br />

importance to the HASS disciplines? Please provide specific example <strong>of</strong> any alternate goals and the<br />

context to explain your comments or suggestions.<br />

Your response:<br />

Rationale:<br />

3. Do the descriptions underneath the draft NRP and each priority goals adequately explain their<br />

purposes? Please provide specific example <strong>of</strong> any alternate text and the context to explain your<br />

comments or suggestions.<br />

Your response:<br />

Rationale:<br />

4. Are there any amendments which should be considered to the existing language <strong>of</strong> An<br />

Environmentally Sustainable Australia NRP and/or its associated priority goals to refresh its relevance<br />

to contemporary Australia? Please comment on the proposed amendments provided above, provide<br />

specific examples <strong>of</strong> any new proposed amendments and provide the context to explain your<br />

comments and suggestions.<br />

Your response:<br />

Rationale:<br />

20


5. Are there any amendments which should be considered to the existing language <strong>of</strong> the Promoting and<br />

Maintaining Good Health NRP and/or its associated priority goals to refresh its relevance to<br />

contemporary Australia? Please comment on the proposed amendments provided above, provide<br />

specific examples <strong>of</strong> any new proposed amendments and provide the context to explain your<br />

comments and suggestions.<br />

Your response:<br />

Rationale:<br />

6. Are there any amendments which should be considered to the existing language <strong>of</strong> the Frontier<br />

Technologies for Building and Transforming Australian Industries NRP and/or its associated priority<br />

goals to refresh its relevance to contemporary Australia? Please comment on the proposed<br />

amendments provided above, provide specific examples <strong>of</strong> any new proposed amendments and<br />

provide the context to explain your comments and suggestions.<br />

Your response:<br />

Rationale:<br />

7. Are there any amendments which should be considered to the existing language <strong>of</strong> the Safeguarding<br />

Australia NRP and/or its associated priority goals to refresh its relevance to contemporary Australia?<br />

Please comment on the proposed amendments provided above, provide specific examples <strong>of</strong> any<br />

new proposed amendments and provide the context to explain your comments and suggestions.<br />

Your response:<br />

Rationale:<br />

8. Are there any further amendments or refinements which should be considered to the NRPs and/or<br />

their associated priority goals in order to reduce repetition or duplication?<br />

Your response:<br />

Rationale:<br />

21

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