Editorial

摘要

David and I welcome you to the final issue of the Gazette for 2015. We began the year with an air of pessimism as regards funding for science and mathematics, research and universities. We end the year with a new Prime Minister and optimism about recognition of the importance of science and mathematics, research and universities to the future of Australia. Quoting from The Sydney Morning Herald (http://www.smh.com.au/federal-politics/political-news/why-malcolm-turnbullgot- a-standing-ovation-from-the-nations-top-scientists-20151022-gkfhn3.html#ix zz3pL1xXq3A): “Australian scientists had been badly bruised, alienated even, by his predecessor Tony Abbott’s deep cuts to research funding, which had brought the country’s investment in research and development to a 30 year low”. Prime Minister Turnbull said “The best accolade I can give Ian Chubb is to assure him that we’re working to put into effect the very ambitious agenda he set us. We have to be and we will be a country that invests in science and puts it right at the centre of our national agenda.” Of course some academics will have concern about an article in the November 16, 2015 edition of The Age referring to a possible change to the way research funds will be allocated to universities, which could place a lot less weight on journal publications.