the Australian Research Council (ARC) has released the Excellence in Research for Australia (ERA) initiative Consultation Paper.

The Consultation Paper is the first formal step in communicating with the sector regarding ERA and the ARC looks forward to your contribution to this consultation process (it is worth noting that the ERA initiative is being administered by the ARC, whereas its predecessor, the RQF, was administered by DEST).

The Consultation Paper outlines the framework for ERA, the proposed timetable for implementation, and seeks views from the sector and other relevant stakeholders (including postgraduate students and their representative organisations) on specific issues.

Submissions are invited in response to the ERA Consultation Paper. Closing date is COB 30 June 2008.

Further information about the ERA initiative and the Consultation Paper can be found on the Research Excellence pages of the ARC website (below).