The development of research centres is in line with the Green Paper's 'Linkages' program. Discontinue the awarding of Murdoch University Postgraduate Coursework Scholarships, effective 2001. For the 2000 scheme, have the Division's determine their top 2 recipients and forward this information to the Research Degrees and Scholarships Committee who would then allocate the scholarship. Associate Professor Stelbovics agreed to convene a working party to discuss how best to implement this scheme and will report back to the Board at the next meeting. Each Division would rank its top 10 honours applicants and the Board could then consider all applications and allocate funds accordingly.
Divisions have the option of increasing the value of the scholarship through use of their own funds.
Consideration should be given to linking the scholarships with industry funding for a continuing scholarship at PhD level. As an incentive to attract research students, Board funds could possibly be used to lease laptop computers for full time research students. Professor Armstrong agreed to look into this possibility and present, at the next meeting, details of the costs involved. It was recognised that current students have a high level of satisfaction at Murdoch, but this is not a tangible item easy to market. It is important that the research budget, including scholarships, is focussed towards research groups that fit in line with the Green Paper's need for internationally recognised research, while still also recognising emerging research strengths.