The crisis facing Aussie science

Whether it’s developing life-saving vaccines, improving cancer treatments, helping farmers respond to drought, or creating the technologies that will power our future economy, Australians understand the value science brings to their lives.

We rank equal fifth globally for trust in scientists, a level of confidence that has remained consistently high for more than a decade. More than nine in 10 Australians actively seek out news about scientific discoveries and breakthroughs.

Yet science in Australia is in serious trouble. As one fellow scientist told me recently, “Things are indeed bad and getting worse.” They said it has become impossible to sugarcoat the reality facing young researchers.

The data confirms this reality. Among early- and mid-career researchers, nearly 40% are considering leaving academia due to funding shortages and job insecurity, according to a recent survey by the Australian Academy of Science’s Early- and Mid-Career Researcher Forum.

Australia’s scientific brain drain is no longer simply a risk. It’s happening now.

Australia’s Minister for Science, Senator Tim Ayres, recently told the ABC that you wouldn’t want to be anywhere other than Australia’s universities and research institutions. Unfortunately, this doesn’t reflect the reality many researchers face, especially those at the beginning of their careers.

In the same interview, the minister urged Australians to not talk down Australian science.

On that point, I wholeheartedly agree. I too am immensely proud of Australia’s scientists and researchers. They are among the best in the world. But acknowledging the challenges facing the sector is not talking it down. If we genuinely value our scientists, we must be honest about the pressures they face. 

We cannot celebrate their achievements while ignoring the fact that Australia has been underinvesting in science for years. Right now, we invest just 1.69% of GDP in research and development, well below the OECD average of 2.72%, and we continue to fall behind.

When we underinvest in science, we weaken our ability to shape our own future. We’re being left exposed in an increasingly competitive and uncertain world. Without sustained investment in science, Australia cannot deliver on AI, critical minerals and advanced manufacturing as priority areas for the road ahead. Nor can you build the industries of the future without the scientists to power them.

Australia ranks a lowly 40th out of 44 OECD countries for STEM graduates. Our biggest gaps are in STEM fields that support these exact industries, including geoscience, materials science and data science graduates.

In the next 10 years, we’re set to face major gaps in workforce capability – gaps that current policy settings have created and cannot fill.

We owe the next generation more than promises. That is why the Australian Academy of Science is launching Restore Science, a national campaign to mobilise public support for action.

Australians already support restoring science. Most overestimate how much the federal government invests in research, according to new independent research commissioned by the Academy and published today.

But after learning how little is invested in science compared to our peers, 65% of those surveyed say the government should increase funding to internationally competitive levels.

Australians understand what’s at stake. It is time that government, industry and institutions work together to give Australia the science system it deserves.

This article by Academy President Professor Sam Berkovic AC was first published in Australian Geographic.