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Explore updates on Academy initiatives, scientific developments, and expert perspectives on issues shaping research and policy. Our commentary reflects the Academy’s role in fostering informed discussion and sharing thought leadership that connects science with society.
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‘Ambitious Australia’ report: There is not a moment to waste

The Academy strongly supports recommendations from the Strategic Examination of Research and Development to stop the long-term decline in research funding and to craft an R&D system that supports scale and focus. Without this, Australia will fall behind.
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A woman sits on a couch surrounded by hands proffering laptops, phones, tablets and a megaphone. She appears overwhelmed and has her hands covering her ears.

The science of resilience: New insights on tackling mis- and disinformation

Investing in our physical and mental health is also an investment in our collective ability to resist harmful information, a new report reveals.

Close up of NSW Premier John T. Lang’s signature

‘The Bearer of this Letter ...’ 

Newly discovered archival letters reveal how early 20th-century Australia deployed its scientists abroad, armed with prime ministerial introductions.

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Academy celebrates the best of Australian science 

Prestigious honorific awards acknowledge outstanding contributions from 23 scientists across disciplines and career stages.

Clockwise from top left: Dr Jing He, Dr Jake Robinson, Dr Rocio Camacho Morales and Dr Jackie Webb.

2026 J G Russell Award recognises diverse research projects 

Four early-career researchers will receive top-up grants to advance their experimental work.

A collage of nine headshots and the Australian Academy of Science logo

Australian scientists bound for Nobel Laureate Meeting

Nine outstanding Australian early‑career researchers have been selected to attend the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, joining Nobel Prize winners and peers from around the world.

Parliament House, Canberra

Game changer: Australia on track to join world's largest research funding program

Academy welcomes Australia's move to join the world's largest research funding program, in a milestone win for international scientific collaboration.

Anna-Maria Arabia standing under the arches of Shine Dome next to the blue water of the moat. She is smiling.

Anna-Maria Arabia OAM to step down as Chief Executive of the Australian Academy of Science

Over a tenure of almost 10 years, Ms Arabia's leadership strengthened the Academy's reach and impact across public policy, STEM education and global scientific engagement.

Anna-Maria Arabia

Academy Chief Executive on the 'Ambitious Australia' report

The report provides a clear-eyed assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the current system – and importantly, it provides a coherent roadmap forward.

From left to right: Professor Louise Baur, President of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences; Professor Kate Darian-Smith, President of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia; Professor Stephen Garton, President of the Australian Academy of the Humanities and Chair of the Australian Council of Learned Academies; Professor Chennupati Jagadish, President of the Australian Academy of Science; and Dr Cathy Foley, President of ATSE

Learned Academies and ACOLA: Joint response to the Strategic Examination of R&D

In a joint media conference, the Australian Council of Learned Academies and Australia’s five Learned Academies respond to the 'Ambitious Australia' report.