Hi everyone,
I’ve been reading a bit and came across some discussions suggesting that Australia might have a somewhat anti-intellectual culture, or at least that academia there faces more challenges compared to places like Europe or North America (e.g., fewer opportunities, tighter funding, less value placed on research).
For those of you with experience in the Australian academic system, do you think this is an accurate perception? How is the research environment and culture really like, both in terms of funding and respect for research/academics?
Also, I’m considering doing a PhD in Australia, but my long-term goal is to pursue an academic career (either in Australia or elsewhere). Would you say it’s still a good idea to do a PhD there if I’m serious about aiming for an academic position afterward? Or would it put me at a disadvantage compared to other regions?
Would really appreciate any thoughts or advice—especially from people who have been through the system!
Thanks in advance.
Comments
Australia is a tiny country in terms of research. I wouldn’t say we are any less intellectual than the United States or Britain, it’s just that we have far less money to throw around for our elite institutions. I don’t know if the sciences do very well here (I presume it’s great for geoengineering and mining-related fields) but the humanities is abysmal outside of like legal history.
Australian here. My knowledge of academic culture in other country is a bit limited. But I’m pretty happy with my current lab here. People are friendly. We’re not as competitive. Work-life balance is good and people respect your personal time. Of course, this all depends on the lab.
As for wider public, I don’t think there’s any particular disdain or over-obsession with academia. Of course, there would always be people who dislikes academia or intellectual activities, but that’s probably the case for any place. And if you go scream at the top of your lungs at Bondi Beach about your research, people’d think you’re batshit crazy.
But overall, I’d say a good place to do research. Funding might be restricted in some universities, and there are good and bad apples any where you look. But I wouldn’t worry too much. Coffee is great here