Supply issues for science academics in Australia: now and in the future

Daniel Edwards, Fred Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Australia, like the rest of the developed world, is in the midst of dealing with notable issues related to the age structure of its academic workforce. These issues are widespread and have been articulated in the Australian context most comprehensively by Hugo (2008). This paper investigates issues with demographic change and other key

factors related to the desirability of a science or mathematics academic career within

Australian universities. It draws on the findings of a research project undertaken in 2008

for the Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations. The findings show that while demographic issues are not as dire for science academics compared to the entire sector, issues relating to tenure, workload and retaining young science academics in

Australia are a threat to the long-term sustainability of science faculties in Australian universities.

DOI 10.1007/s10734-009-9283-0

Original languageEnglish
JournalHigher Education
Volume60
Issue number1
Publication statusPublished - Jul 2010

Keywords

  • Academic workforce
  • HDR
  • science
  • supply
  • university careers

Disciplines

  • Demography, Population, and Ecology
  • Higher Education Administration
  • Public Affairs, Public Policy and Public Administration
  • Science and Technology Studies
  • Sociology

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