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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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Academy Fellows Professor Frances Separovic and Professor Mary Garson smiling

Australia represented at international science gathering in China

An Academy delegation attended the Beijing Science Dialogue and International Science Council Midterm Meeting.

Professor Akshay Rao

Leading experimental physicist to visit Sydney

Professor Akshay Rao of the University of Cambridge in the UK has been awarded the 2026 Geoffrey Frew Fellowship.

A person's gloved hands cradle a very cute platypus

Research round-up: Return of the platypuses

Also in this edition: don’t judge a sperm by its looks, and rainbowfish at risk.

A server room with blue circuit graphic overlaid and the letters AI

Data centres alone won’t make Australia an AI nation

The Academy is proposing a 2.5% levy on data centre operators, to ensure the AI boom pays off for Australians.

Dr Dingchen Wen and Professor Brian Schmidt pose for a photo together. Both are smiling and wearing conference lanyards.

From Melbourne to Kyoto: How an early-career researcher is building international collaborations

A Japan Society for the Promotion of Science Postdoctoral Fellowship catalysed Dr Dingchen Wen’s research career.

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Leaders unite around case for backing Australian science

A candid conversation at the Science at the Shine Dome Gala Dinner reinforced the Restore Science campaign.

The Australian Lindau delegation of young scientists take a group photo in a park with a tower visible on the skyline in the background

Young Australian scientists learn from Nobel Laureates

Nine early-career scientists joined Nobel Prize winners for a week of scientific exchange at the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting.

A graphic outline of Australia with stylised overlay of phone with AI on it, an old lady smiling, a solar panel and a hand holding a petri dish with bacteria growing on it

Fix these eight critical gaps to meet intergenerational challenges

The future outlined in the 'Intergenerational report 2026' (IGR) will be built from science capability that we are on track to lose.

A large group of people posing for a group photo on a grassy area in front of a building, with a woven mat in the foreground

Pacific leaders and researchers unite to strengthen food systems resilience ahead of COP31

The 'Pacific Resilience by Design Symposium' explored practical pathways for strengthening food security in the face of climate change, economic shocks and growing regional challenges.