The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Science and Innovation will hold the final public hearing for its inquiry into research training and research workforce issues at Parliament House on Wednesday (24 September).

“Creativity and innovation in both science and the humanities are at the forefront of today’s knowledge economy as well as efforts to promote understanding and social inclusion,” Committee Chair Maria Vamvakinou said.

Mr Nigel Palmer, President of the Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations, will speak to the Committee about the challenges that postgraduate students of all ages and backgrounds face in achieving higher degree by research qualifications.

The inquiry is examining the adequacy of current research training schemes to support Australia’s future needs for tertiary-qualified professionals in a wide range of disciplines.

The Committee is also examining Australia’s ability to compete internationally for high-quality researchers. “There is a strong consensus among those who have made submissions to the inquiry that more can be done to attract new graduates to research, and to keep hold of our best and brightest researchers here in Australia,” Ms Vamvakinou said.

PUBLIC HEARING PROGRAM

Wednesday, 24 September, 2008 – 10.00am to 10.45am
Committee Room 1R5, Parliament House, Canberra

10.00am Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (submission 90)
Mr Nigel Palmer, National President

The public hearing will be webcast via: webcast.aph.gov.au/livebroadcasting/. Further details, including the terms of reference, membership of the Committee, and transcripts of previous public hearings can be obtained on the Committee’s website at: www.aph.gov.au/isi