This month we saw the Academy’s sustained advocacy and leadership to strengthen and protect Australia’s research system pay dividends, with the introduction and passing of two major pieces of legislation in Australia’s Parliament.
The Senate passed the Australian Research Council Amendment (Review Response) Bill 2023, which will limit the use of the ministerial veto in research funding decisions.
The review, chaired by Academy Fellow and Council member Professor Margaret Shiel AO FAA FTSE, provided recommendations to the government to ensure there is no political or ideological interference in research funding decisions. The Academy has advocated for these changes since 2018.
We also welcomed the Defence Trade Controls Amendment Bill, which include amendments that exempt fundamental research from the revised export control regime and enshrine the definition of fundamental research in legislation, thereby reducing unintended consequences on the research sector.
Australia benefits immensely from international scientific collaboration and the research system relies on our ability to attract and retain STEM professionals from across the globe. So, it is imperative scientists in Australia can continue their discovery research without breaking the law.
The amendments to the legislation came after months of advocacy from the Academy.
We will continue to work with the Department of Defence to continue to balance our researchers’ and national security interests.
We are delighted to be partnering with the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) to deliver the Global Science and Technology Diplomacy Fund – Strategic Element.
Six million dollars in grants is now available to grow international collaboration in our region, and drive innovation and commercialisation in priority areas.
Expressions of interest are now open and close on 31 May 2024.
Later this year, 10 Australian early-career researchers nominated by the Academy will head to Germany to attend the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting. They will have the opportunity to share their research and learn from emerging scientists and Nobel laureates from around the world.
We are proud to support the Australian delegation, who I’m sure will be excellent representatives for Australian science on the world stage.
I would like to extend my gratitude to everyone who joined us in Brisbane and online for our 2024 National Symposium on the future of food, as part of the World Science Festival.
You can read more about what your dinner plate will look like in the future, how agricultural practices are responding to climate change and the important role agricultural science has in sustaining our economy.
If you missed the event, you can catch up with the recording, which will be posted on our event webpage from 22 April.
Finally, as part of our 70th anniversary celebrations, our much-loved Canberra icon and home of science—the Shine Dome—will be opening its doors to the public on Saturday 27 April.
Pack a picnic blanket, bring your family and friends, and enjoy tours of the Dome and the surrounding gardens. Food can be purchased onsite from a selection of local food vendors.
Stay for our afternoon film screening or join us for Dinner under the Dome with special guests—more details below!
I hope you enjoy the March newsletter.
Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC PresAA FREng FTSE
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
