The five Education Department (ED) programs described in this paper provide services that are like those of Regional Education Laboratories in some ways, and unlike them in others. The laboratories are expected to achieve efficiencies by providing most of their help indirectly, by working "with and through" other agencies and…

Australia's Cooperative Research Centres Program, a system of 52 research and development (R&D) units, links researchers from public and private sectors, helping industry and scientific community coordinate research efforts. The program represents 6% of the national R&D effort and spans six major R&D and industry sectors. (MSE)

The history of direct government funding of research in Australia's higher education institutions is chronicled, focusing on the evolution of research policy and emphasis on excellence. The establishment of the Australian Research Council and its statement of specific mission and priorities is also detailed. (MSE)