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National competitive grants
29 September 2007
Universities are engaged in constant rounds of grant applications. Budgets in the sector are, in general, very tight and the capacity to take on new initiatives depends on success in gaining external, competitive funds.
Against this background, it was particularly gratifying to receive advice on the latest round of the Collaboration and Structural Reform Fund (CASR). As I said in an email to University colleagues a week ago, this took me by surprise. It wasn’t about winning a grant, but being involved in three with overall funding of $1.8 million. With only 11 grants awarded nationally by the Commonwealth Government, the University has had exceptional success.
The outcome confirms that our commitment to our region, and ability to identify project concepts that will make a real difference to future development of the Sunshine Coast are gaining recognition on the national stage. The projects will make a difference.
The first ($336,000) meshes nicely with separate success in obtaining funding to introduce engineering programs at USC. In a region where construction is a dominant industry, there are severe skills shortages. This CASR project will look at how best to promote careers in engineering via schools, TAFE and university and enhance pathways between these three sectors of the education community. The particular focus will be on building and construction and water management.
The second project ($536,000) emanates from last year’s OECD international study on relationships between universities and their regions. The Sunshine/Fraser Coasts were the Australian case study in this high profile benchmarking exercise. One recommendation coming out of this report was the need for educational providers to coordinate assessments of educational need and provision. The current grant will allow USC and the University of Southern Queensland (USQ) to complete this crucial task.
The final project ($893,000), with Charles Darwin University, the University of New England and USQ will focus on producing high-quality teaching materials in the enabling sciences (chemistry, physics and environmental science). USC has already developed very successful programs to: enrich science in schools; provide alternate pathways into science degrees; and support students entering science degrees. This project will allow other regions to benefit from our experience and we from theirs.
We look forward to updating you on the outcomes of these high-profile grants.
Professor Greg Hill is Acting Vice-Chancellor of the University of the Sunshine Coast.