WA uni cancels Lomborg centre contract

Passionate protests against climate change sceptic Bjorn Lomborg have forced the University of Western Australia to cancel a $4 million taxpayer-funded research centre.

Economist Dr Lomborg was to host the university's new think tank, designed to undertake economic cost benefit analysis in poverty, social justice and food sustainability.

However, the university did not predict the strong emotional reaction from staff, students and the general public against the centre.

"I have stated many times that it is not a centre to study climate change, that the University was not providing any direct funding to the centre, and that Bjorn Lomborg would not be involved in its day-to-day operations," Vice chancellor Paul Johnson said in a statement on Friday.

But he also acknowledged the centre required co-operation amongst people across a wide range of fields.

"(So) it is with great regret and disappointment that I have formed the view that the events of the past few weeks places the centre in an untenable position as it lacks the support needed," he said.

The UWA Student Guild said the decision was a huge victory for the hundreds of people who got involved to save the university's reputation.

"Students, staff and graduates are the key stakeholders at this institution, and it is so important that they are being heard. It is reassuring to know that when decisions cause this kind of public response, we will be taken seriously," President Lizzy O'Shea said in a statement.

Comment has been sought from the Education Minister.