University of Adelaide welcomes research funds

Thursday, 11 May 2006

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Research) of the University of Adelaide, Professor Alan Johnson, has welcomed a $735 million increase in medical and health research funding for Australian universities, announced in Tuesday's Federal budget.

"We have a fine tradition of being one of the most research-intensive universities in Australia , which we hope to build on with this latest funding injection," Professor Johnson said.

As part of this $735 million pool, up to 25 new health and medical research fellowships worth $170 million will be created.

"This is excellent news. We have a number of outstanding research fellows working at the University, but it is good to know more fellowships are available because research is a major focus of the University," Professor Johnson said.

The University of Adelaide will also compete for a share of the $96 million capital funds for infrastructure projects.

This money is targeted to help universities redevelop and construct world-class facilities, with emphasis on areas with high infrastructure costs, such as science and engineering.

Acting Vice-Chancellor, Professor Fred McDougall said he was delighted to see that $250 million had been allocated over the next four years to secure an additional 250 extra university places for medical students across Australia.

"We would like at least another 40 new places at the University of Adelaide and will be competing for some of these across the board."

Fee loan limits for full-fee paying university students will also increase, with the maximum loan rising from $50,950 to $80,000 for the majority of courses. In medicine, veterinary science and dentistry, students will be able to borrow up to $100,000.

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