The Australia Consensus Centre will include a key role for Bjørn Lomborg, who many believe plays down the effects of climate change

This article is more than 5 years old

This article is more than 5 years old

Students at the University of Western Australia are calling on the vice-chancellor to reject $4m in federal government funding for a controversial research centre.



The university announced this month the establishment of the Australia Consensus Centre, which will commission economists to “generate evidence and rational arguments” that will “result in the adoption of smarter, more cost-effective policies”.



Bjørn Lomborg, director of the Copenhagen Consensus Centre think-tank, will play a key role in the research.

The Danish author has been internationally criticised for his research, which many believe plays down the effects of climate change.



The UWA Student Guild described Lomborg as a “climate contrarian”, and said the $4m in “politically motivated” funding should be rejected.



“While Dr Lomborg doesn’t refute climate change itself, many students question why the centre’s projects should be led by someone with a controversial track-record,” guild president Lizzy O’Shea said.



“Students, staff and alumni alike are outraged.”



The National Tertiary Education Union questioned the Commonwealth funding, saying there appeared to have been no competitive process.



Union president Jeannie Rea said the cash “seems to have arisen from discussions between UWA, the government and departmental officials”.



Comment is being sought from UWA vice-chancellor Paul Johnson.