It's often said that Australia "punches above its weight" when it comes to internationalisation and research volume and impact. But could recent funding cuts take the wind out of its sails? 

THE's Asia Pacific editor John Ross talks to digital editor Sara Custer about the funding landscape, international researchers and a special nudge for the higher education sector from Australian of the Year and physicist, Michelle Simmons. 

Ana Deletic, pro vice-chancellor for research at the University of New South Wales, Sydney, joins later to discuss research for the public good, open access and if the academy stymies blue skies thinking. 

THE will host the Research Excellence Summit: Asia-Pacific at UNSW, Sydney 19-21 February.