Centre for Plant & Water Science - Central Queensland University

Centre for Plant & Water Science 2008 Annual Report
Section E
ISSUES AND COMMENTS
Reported income and outputs (graduations, publications) have levelled off somewhat in 2008
although staffing levels remained essentially the same as in 2007. The Centre was active in preparing
proposals but fewer were funded (more are expected for 2009); hence revenue will continue to
decline, although other academic outputs remain high. Continued focus of CQU staff and resources
into the emerging new flagships and to change within the university further diluted the
competitiveness of the CPWS. Funding support for productive and non-project-constrained postdocs
allows for development and expansion of new activities, catalysing further research income and
outputs. This has resulted in increases in both internal and external funding for 2009.
We believe that 2007 and 2008 have been years of great flux within the Faculty (and University),
and together with the Flagship process these have significantly added to staff workloads, to the
detriment of intellectual input into research. Appointment of Prof Walsh as Associate Dean for the
College of Sciences reduced his time available for Centre activities.
The slow processing of upgrades in infrastructure (e.g. the replacement of Building 205 that includes
realignment of sewage, power and communications, a concrete base and erection of a replacement
building, and erection of an expanded screenhouse facility) and the handing back of funding to the
Office of Research, has reduced the efficiency and scope of research, with the 2009 outlook also
rather bleak. We believe though we will do better in 2009!
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