''Australia is not creating sufficient STEM talent domestically, and the talent that is produced often seeks better opportunities overseas''
Funding for STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) research in Australia has faced significant challenges and cuts in recent years. Here are the key points:
1. Funding reductions: Science & Technology Australia's analysis found that new funding formulas would cut funding for STEM degrees by $690 million in 2021[1]. Total research funding for the Australian Research Council (ARC) and National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has remained relatively stagnant, effectively resulting in a funding cut when accounting for inflation[2].
2. Long-term decline: Australia's total research and development expenditure as a percentage of GDP peaked in 2008 and has fallen every year since. The government's contribution to research funding has halved since 1994[2].
3. Shift in focus: There has been a shift away from fundamental research towards applied research. Between 1992 and 2018, spending on fundamental research fell by 17%, while spending on applied research increased by 18%[2].
4. Impact on STEM fields: The funding squeeze has led to the closure of several research labs, particularly in fields like zebrafish research used for studying human cancer[2]. There are concerns about a "hollowing-out" of discovery science capabilities.
5. Policy changes: The Morrison government's higher education reforms, introduced in 2020, reduced overall government contributions to degrees and increased fees for some courses, including humanities, to fund fee cuts in other areas. However, this policy has been criticized for failing to effectively incentivize STEM degrees and for potentially harming universities[3].
6. Funding cliff: Universities are facing a "funding cliff" as transitional funding arrangements that have shielded them from the full impact of funding cuts are set to expire[4].
7. Skill shortages: The funding situation is exacerbating existing skill shortages in critical STEM fields. For example, Australia is short 50,000 engineers, and this number is growing[4].
While there have been some targeted investments, such as additional funding for the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)[5], the overall trend indicates significant challenges and reductions in STEM research funding in Australia. The situation has raised concerns among scientists, university leaders, and industry bodies about the long-term impacts on Australia's research capabilities and skilled workforce.
Australia is experiencing a significant brain drain in the STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, which is impacting innovation and economic growth.
### Key Points:
1. **Interstate Migration**:
- Sydney, in particular, is facing a brain drain as many highly skilled workers, including those in STEM fields, are moving to other states like Victoria and Queensland. This trend is driven by factors such as economic opportunities and living costs, with Sydney's expensive property market being a notable deterrent[1].
2. **International Migration**:
- Australia is not creating sufficient STEM talent domestically, and the talent that is produced often seeks better opportunities overseas. This is partly due to a lack of innovation, funding, and high-profile job opportunities within the country[2][3].
3. **Retention Issues**:
- Despite significant government investment in STEM education and graduates, many professionals in these fields leave for better-paid careers or more promising opportunities. This has led to Australia lagging behind other OECD countries in retaining STEM talent[4].
4. **Innovation and Commercialization**:
- There is a call for targeted government programs to train early and mid-career researchers to commercialize their research, which could help retain talent and boost innovation. This includes proposals to create an elite group of researchers focused on turning research into marketable products and services[5].
### Conclusion:
The brain drain in Australia's STEM fields is a multifaceted issue involving interstate and international migration, retention challenges, and a need for better commercialization of research. Addressing these issues is crucial for maintaining and enhancing Australia's position in global innovation and economic competitiveness.
Citations:
[1] https://www.hiringlab.org/au/blog/2017/10/17/sydney-brain-drain/
[2] https://www.banjoloans.com/knowledg...in-is-stifling-innovation-and-the-sme-sector/
[3] https://www.reckon.com/reckon-blog/is-australias-brain-being-drained/
[4] https://impact.monash.edu/economy/how-do-we-fix-stems-brain-drain/
[5] https://www.abc.net.au/listen/progr...in-commercialise-australian-research/13327980
