UPDATES
Concentration and diversity in Australian research funding, output and impact
IRU analysis on the past 20 years of research excellence in Australia
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FEATURED POLICY SUBMISSIONS
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January 19, 2026
IRU Submission on the Universities Accord (Australian Tertiary Education Commission) Bill 2025
Executive summary: The Innovative Research Universities (IRU) strongly supports the reforms from the Universities Accord designed to achieve a more balanced and innovative higher education system with increased student participation and equity to meet Australia’s future needs. The establishment of a new Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC) is a key recommendation of the Accord. The Read More
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November 17, 2025
IRU submission on the Education Legislation Amendment (Integrity and Other Measures) Bill 2025
The Innovative Research Universities (IRU) appreciates the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed Education Legislation Amendment Bill 2025 (ELA Bill). The IRU supports the uncapping of Commonwealth-supported medical places for all Indigenous students, to further enhance access and equity in our higher education system. We welcome ongoing government action to implement the recommendations from Read More
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November 14, 2025
Inquiry into Building Asia Capability in Australia – IRU Response
Context The Innovative Research Universities (IRU) and its members have a long and proud history of engagement with the Indo–Pacific and we welcome the Government’s inquiry into building Australia’s Asia capability. The inquiry aims to identify reforms that may support Australia’s Asia capability, including structural reforms and barriers to its development, best practice models, the Read More
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NEWS
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February 12, 2026
Universities support ATEC for improved stewardship of the tertiary education system
All members of the Innovative Research Universities (IRU) have committed to engage constructively to support the new Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC), to improve stewardship of the tertiary education system in best interests of students and communities. The seven members of the IRU have joined with colleagues across the university sector to endorse a joint Read More
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January 19, 2026
IRU welcomes interim ATEC commissioners
The Innovative Research Universities (IRU) welcomes Professor Tom Calma AO and the Hon Fiona Nash as interim commissioners of the interim Australian Tertiary Education Commission (ATEC). IRU Chair and Vice Chancellor of James Cook University Professor Simon Biggs said Professor Calma and Ms Nash bring decades of experience to the roles and a deep commitment Read More
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December 23, 2025
Stronger links between TNE and research would boost innovation
This week’s visit to India by Australian ministers and vice-chancellors highlights the importance of the bilateral relationship to each country’s goals for education and research. It also highlights a huge opportunity to better connect transnational education (TNE) with our international research collaboration. Australian universities are leading the way on new partnerships in India, following the Read More
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