Charles Sturt University’s Pro Vice Chancellor Research & Graduate Training Professor Paul Burnett has been named an Assessment Panel Chair for the Research Quality Framework by the Federal Minister for Education, Science and Training, the Hon. Julie Bishop MP. Describing the Chairs as “senior researchers of international standing”, Ms Bishop said the Panels will assess research which “delivers real benefits to the whole community”. Professor Burnett says the Panels will consider the quality and impact of university research and that, “The amount of money allocated to universities annually on the basis of the assessments will be about $500 million per year.” He says he was “delighted” by the appointment. “This is a critical exercise for the future of Australian research in universities and how it is funded. I am a strong supporter of rewarding research excellence and demonstrating its significant impact.”