Australian Academy of Science Newsletter 184

Australian Academy of Science Newsletter May 2024 Number 182

Message from the President

Many sources of knowledge and evidence are required to solve challenges facing us now and into the future. 

Academy’s advice informed Australia’s RNA Blueprint

The Academy welcomes the Australian Government’s RNA Blueprint for Australia.

Young Australian scientists learn from Nobel Laureates

Eleven early-career scientists attended the 73rd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, this year dedicated to physics.

Two early career researchers receive funding

Research aiming to close the gap is being supported by the Douglas and Lola Douglas Scholarship.

Nurturing the next generation

The Early Career Scientists International Fund is made possible by a gift from Emeritus Professor Cheryl Praeger AC FAA and Dr John Henstridge.

Future Earth Australia active internationally and at home

Future Earth Australia is the new Australian member organisation to the Belmont Forum.

Bridging the gap between research and industry in Optimisation

The Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) supports the OPTIMA conference.

National NAIDOC Week 

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on Earth. NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year, to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

The Academy’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist Award empowers Indigenous scientists by building their research networks and facilitating international knowledge exchange. Watch the video to learn more about the research of this year’s recipients Dr Justine Clarke and Dr Joe Greet. 

 

The Academy is proud to see four recipients of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist Award – Dr Justine Clarke, Dr Joe Greet, Dr Jordan Pitt and Vanessa Sewell – featured in the list of 41 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander STEM leaders published by COSMOS magazine. This feature acknowledges individuals for their exceptional work at various stages of their careers, including emerging talents who are paving the way in STEM.


Submissions to government

The Academy made the following submissions to government:


Opportunities for scientists

Find out more about coming opportunities for scientists

  • 25th International Geological Congress Fund
  • 2025 Early- and Mid-Career Researcher Mobility Grants
  • The Abel Prize
  • The Metcalf Prize for Stem Cell Research
  • The SQA PhD Scholarships

Fellows update

Keep abreast of the Academy Fellowship in the Fellows update:

  • Honours and awards to Fellows
  • The Academy and our Fellows in the news 
  • Obituary for Emeritus Professor Robin Warren AC FAA Nobel Laureate

If Fellows have been recognised with an award, please let us know via fellowship@science.org.au so we can consider including it in the next update.

Journey of Australian Science

The journey of Australian science – Le Fèvre and chemistry

Join us for the fourth public speaker event for 2024, focusing on the world of chemistry!

Leading chemistry researchers Professor Rich Payne FAA (University of Sydney) and Associate Professor Rona Chandrawati (UNSW Sydney) will explore the significant scientific contributions of Academy Foundation Fellow Professor Raymond Le Fèvre FAA FRS, how the discipline of chemistry has developed, and how their fields of chemistry are impacting our lives today.

Event details

  • Date: Tuesday 13 August 2024
  • Time: 5.30pm–6.00pm for refreshments, 6.00pm–7.00pm AEST for talks
  • Venue: The Shine Dome Canberra, and online livestream
  • Cost: $17 to attend in person, free to watch online

More information and registration

Falling Walls Lab Australia Finale

On Friday 30 August 2024, the Australian Academy of Science will host the ninth Falling Walls Lab Australia Finale at the iconic Shine Dome in Canberra.

Anyone can join the audience – either online or in-person.

Catering will be provided for those attending in person. Places are limited, so book today!

Event details

  • Date: Friday 30 August 2024
  • Time: 1.30pm to 5.30pm AEST
  • Venue: The Shine Dome, 15 Gordon Street, Canberra

More information and registration

Like our artwork? See the full-size image and image credits

Science at the Shine Dome: Monday 9 – Thursday 12 September 2024

Science at the Shine Dome is the Australian Academy of Science’s flagship event.

Australia’s science community gathers at the Shine Dome in Canberra to celebrate science and to honour outstanding achievements in science. It is also a valuable networking opportunity for Academy Fellows, early- and mid-career researchers, government representatives, politicians, media, science associated organisations, and the science-interested general public.

Registrations are now open. Visit the event website for more information and to register.

Please note capacity is limited. Registrations will close at 11.59pm AEST on Sunday 1 September, if not sold out prior to this date.

For all enquiries, please contact events@science.org.au

Find out more about upcoming events.

Supporting our appeal: Preserve Australia’s scientific legacy

The Academy’s Library and Archives hold one of the most significant histories of Australian science collections in the world, with many thousands of rare and unique items. These intellectual treasures—often hidden behind locked doors—reveal the development of scientific thinking responsible for shaping our modern world. Through meticulous digitisation of archival materials and recording conversations with Australian scientists, we are preserving history whilst providing future generations with access to critical insights and discoveries.

Now in our 70th year, we invite you to support our 2024 appeal to help bring many more of these stories and our collections to life. Through preserving Australia's scientific legacy your donation will support:

  • Digitisation of the archives: to collect, manage and preserve items of scientific importance that hold intrinsic value in Australia’s history.
  • Recording conversations with Australian scientists: in these interviews, outstanding Australian scientists talk about their early life, development of interest in science, mentors, research work and other aspects of their careers.

We invite you to read some of our recently digitised material online.

We hope you will consider a gift to support and preserve Australia’s scientific legacy and help us to bring more of our collections and conversations online, for everyone.

Donate today

To learn more about giving to the Academy visit our website or contact Kate Groves on (02) 6201 9460 or kate.groves@science.org.au


The Honorary editor of the Academy newsletter is Professor Yuri Estrin FAA

 

© 2024 Australian Academy of Science

Top