As seems the case each year, the month of December has flown by. I thank all involved in the Academy’s work for their sustained energy and commitment over the year.
If you would like an overview of what we achieved this year, I encourage you to take a look at our story on 2022 in review.
This month we announced the 17 recipients of six funded awards for 2023. Our grants and lectures support scientists to undertake research projects as well as travel and deliver lectures at a national and international level. Many of these awards go to early- and mid-career researchers and can have significant positive impacts on the careers of scientists. I warmly congratulate the 2023 award recipients and wish them well in their projects.
The Academy’s mid-term review of Australia’s 10-year plan for mathematical sciences found there are significant challenges facing teaching and research in the mathematical sciences in Australia, and includes recommendations to improve school, university and policy outcomes. I thank the National Committee for Mathematical Sciences which oversaw the review and always strives to improve outcomes in mathematics across Australia.
We’ve also published a news story on a joint symposium we held with the Australian Academy of Law. Support for decriminalisation of illegal drug use has grown in Australia and around the world and governments are starting to introduce harm-minimisation approaches. The panellists’ unique perspectives shed light on how Australia continues to treat addiction as a criminal act, rather than a health issue. The recording of the event is well worth watching.
Looking forward, I’m excited about the future of Australian science and especially what the Academy can do to enable Australian science and scientists to be major contributors to our country.
I and my family are looking forward to a quieter time over the Christmas and New Year break. I hope you can relax and spend time doing the things you enjoy most—and if you’re looking for suggestions you can’t go past the fascinating mix of reading, listening and viewing recommendations made by our Fellows.
All the best of the season and take care.
Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC PresAA FREng FTSE
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
