Tabloid derision threatens Australia's research capability, universities head says

Group of Eight's Vicki Thomson defends 'blue sky' research in the academic sector after Daily Telegraph labels some 'nutty'

The derision of academic research by tabloid newspapers risks undermining Australia's research capabilities, the head of the Group of Eight has warned.

This week the education minister, Simon Birmingham, announced the rollout of long-mooted plans to make the $3.5bn in funding that the Australian Research Council dishes out each year more focused on "impacts".