Researchers must show 'national interest' to get grants

The Federal Government is facing criticism over a new plan to make researchers seeking government grants prove their topics of study are in the national interest. It comes a week after a former Coalition education minister was criticised for personally blocking research grants during his time in the position.

Students sit on the lawn near the Faculty of Law building at The University of Sydney, in Sydney on Wednesday, May 8, 2013. Source: AAP Image/Paul Miller