The impact of collaborative research based in new research centers on the Australian university system is examined, and broad policy implications for academic researchers are outlined. University involvement, required by the research center grants, support from the disciplines, and limiting factors in cooperative research are discussed. (MSE)

The current funding of research in Australia's universities is examined, including the recent forces that have changed the research system and resource allocation, allocations by field, expenditures per researcher by field, and measures of and emphasis on productivity. Prospects for research in the late 1980s are discussed. (MSE)