We hope this newsletter finds you safe and well during this challenging period. Whether it’s bushfires, hailstorms or global health pandemics, each rely on science to inform our response and our recovery. Science has never been more critical to securing our health and wellbeing and restoring our way of life. The Australian Academy of Science works to place science at the service of the nation.
Much as the Academy made available the knowledge and expertise of its Fellowship for the bushfires, we are similarly responding to COVID-19. There is no doubt that only science will solve this. Some of our activities include the launch of a National COVID-19 Expert Database as a collaborative initiative with Australia’s other learned academies. The database connects experts with decision-makers so that they are able to make the most informed decisions possible about the many aspects of Australia’s immediate and long-term response to COVID-19.
In addition, to assist the public better understand the rapidly changing COVID-19 environment, the Academy is producing articles and videos which provide essential advice in plain language and allow the public to hear directly from scientific experts engaged in tackling COVID-19.
The Academy has called on governments to make public the data and evidence supporting decision-making so as to allow all scientific knowledge to be brought to bear to solve this global crisis. This is having some traction as we expect modelling underpinning federal government decision-making to be released early in April.
Finally, the Academy’s education team is working hard to prepare science and mathematics education resources for parents and carers and students who have set up classrooms in the home. The Academy’s STEM education resources are evidence based and are a highly valued by primary and secondary school teachers.
If you would like to support science, your valuable contribution will enable us to continue placing science at the service of the nation. You can donate or partner with us.
Even though COVID-19 has affected our many events planned for 2020, there is still a good deal happening that we’d like to share with you—so please enjoy reading this month’s newsletter.
Wishing you good health,
Anna-Maria
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
