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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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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.

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.

Parliament House, Canberra

Federal Budget must mark turning point for Australian R&D investment

The Australian Academy of Science warns the 2026–27 Budget must reverse a decade of declining R&D investment or risk lasting damage to Australia’s economy, security and global competitiveness.

New report provides roadmap to plug national science capability gaps-thumbnail

New report provides roadmap to plug national science capability gaps

In June this year the Federal Treasurer said the government has “an obligation to future generations to deliver a better standard of living than we enjoy today.”

A blue background with the words "Incentivising business investment in R&D"

Incentivising business investment in R&D

The Australian Academy of Science is calling for an urgent national conversation on R&D investment in Australia.

Bringing better science to the justice system: ABC interview with Academy Chief Executive Anna-Maria Arabia-thumbnail

Bringing better science to the justice system: ABC interview with Academy Chief Executive Anna-Maria Arabia

TOPICS: Kathleen Folbigg and creating a more science-aware justice system. Broadcast on Tuesday 27 May 2025

2025–26 Federal Budget: The vital infrastructure of today is supercomputing – not just roads and rail-thumbnail

2025–26 Federal Budget: The vital infrastructure of today is supercomputing – not just roads and rail

Australia’s 2025–26 Budget overlooks crucial investment in supercomputing, risking future scientific capability and security, the Academy warns.

Scientists call for urgent investment in science infrastructure and education-thumbnail

Scientists call for urgent investment in science infrastructure and education

Australia’s leading scientists are calling on the Australian Government to urgently invest in the nation’s supercomputing capability and boost science and mathematics education as critical priorities of the 2025–26 Budget.

Opinion: We cannot supercharge Australia’s economy without fixing this major inefficiency -thumbnail

Opinion: We cannot supercharge Australia’s economy without fixing this major inefficiency

Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC PresAA RSEng FTSE