Education Crisis: Australian Universities Reduce Geoscience Programs Amid Financial Challenges

Urgent Call to Preserve Geoscience Education as Universities Slash Programs

Earth science is a critical yet often overlooked field, crucial to Australia's economic and environmental future. Geoscientists play a key role in addressing major challenges, such as sourcing minerals and providing environmental solutions. However, Australia’s earth science capabilities are declining, despite the growing demand for skilled professionals. They are vital to sectors like mining, which contributes 11% to GDP, and other industries such as environmental science, agriculture, construction, and satellite remote sensing.

The urgency of climate change and the transition to net zero has heightened the need for skilled professionals in earth science. Professions such as geologists, geophysicists, and earth science technicians are now listed on Australia's skilled occupation list for immigrants, reflecting the growing demand. Nevertheless, The Australian Geoscience Council reports that the University of Newcastle and Macquarie University have recently closed their earth science departments.

In an interview with Mining.com.au, Suzy Urbaniak, founder of the CoRE Learning Foundation, highlighted the closure of many earth science and geoscience faculties across Australia. As of 2021, fewer than half of Australia's 42 universities offered geoscience degrees. Industry experts noted that financial concerns often drive these cuts, overshadowing the societal value of the disciplines. Dale Sims, President of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists, said universities sometimes consult with institutes before cutting programs. Still, often decisions are made beforehand, as seen with the University of Newcastle and Macquarie University, where little to no consultation occurred before department closures.

The University of Wollongong recently announced a reduction of over 100 academic positions due to a $35 million revenue drop from fewer international student enrollments. Following a viability review 25 disciplines across four faculties were identified for consultation. Janelle Kerr, President of the ASEG, explained that universities prioritize the financial sustainability of courses over their societal importance, with attendance rates being a key factor in these decisions. Nature Reviews Earth and Environment reported a 29% reduction in funding for Australian earth science courses in 2020, equating to a loss of about $10,000 per student annually. This led to smaller course sizes, fewer enrolments, and reduced profits over time. The funding cuts also impacted the quality of the student experience, with academics struggling without support, postgraduate students lacking supervision, and undergraduates transferring to other institutions.

As reported by the AGC Tertiary Education Profile, geoscience enrollments in Australia have declined by 43% between 2013 and 2020. Factors contributing to this decline include the negative perception of mining, high education costs amid inflation, and a lack of awareness about the importance of geoscience. The Engineering Institute of Technology (EIT) also notes a decrease in students pursuing mining engineering, driven by concerns over environmental issues and human rights, widening the gap in skilled professionals.

Andrew Dittmann, author of "Mummy is a Miner," noted a decline in students studying mining engineering, with numbers dropping from around 150 to 70-80 during his school years, and only about 50 graduates nationwide by 2018. Experts suggest urgent action is needed to secure the future of earth science education and ensure Australia has the skilled workforce to meet the demands of a changing world. Suzy Urbaniak emphasized the challenge of developing a skilled workforce as geoscience faculties are disappearing due to declining enrollments. Industry leaders and organizations are raising concerns about this trend. The Geological Society of Australia has gained support from over 200 delegates to preserve earth science programs, while the ASEG promotes geophysics as a promising career. Despite these efforts, many students remain unaware of geoscience's importance due to a lack of emphasis on family discussions, career guidance, education systems, and university websites.

Janelle Kerr noted that an ASEG study found students are influenced by teachers, university websites, and career advisers, but unclear information on university websites can hinder access to resources. She emphasized the gap between the resources sector's activities and the understanding of geoscience's role in sustainability. In response to the skilled workforce shortage, organizations like the Teacher Earth Science Education Program (TESEP) are supporting students and educators, offering online resources to enhance learning and provide teaching support.

These initiatives aim to raise awareness of geoscience and geophysics and provide better resources for teachers. Kerr highlighted partnerships with TESEP that focus on encouraging students to pursue careers in geophysics and training educators to enhance their geoscience knowledge. Kerr mentioned the importance of this approach in motivating students. For those interested in the resources sector, Kerr's work involves data modelling, managing contractors, engaging with landholders, conducting field checks in Queensland, and interpreting geological data. The closure of geoscience departments across Australian universities is considered by the sector to be more than an academic issue and is viewed as a national concern. As Australia navigates the complex challenges of resource management, climate change, and environmental preservation, the country’s future relies on having a skilled, knowledgeable workforce in these critical fields.

Editor's Note:

Australia’s earth science capabilities are in decline, a rising concern as the nation urgently needs skilled professionals to address major environmental and economic challenges. Despite the growing demand for expertise in this field, universities are cutting vital programs due to financial crises and declining enrollments. Contributing factors include unclear information on university websites, limited access to resources, and a lack of clarity regarding the role of geoscientists. Organisations like the Teacher Earth Science Education Program (TESEP) and the Australian Geoscience Council are crucial in raising awareness and supporting education in geoscience. Urgent action is needed to preserve and promote geoscience education, ensuring that Australia can continue to develop and utilize the expertise required to build a sustainable and prosperous future.

Skoobuzz emphasizes the importance of investing in earth science education and training, recognizing it as essential to generating a skilled workforce in resource management and environmental protection.