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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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Is Australia ready for our supercomputing future?

Is Australia ready for our supercomputing future?

The nation is at risk of being left behind when it comes to high-performance computing. Experts at an Academy roundtable are calling for an international exascale computing facility to be hosted in Australia.

Credit: Isabella Robinson

Race to identify Australia’s unknown species before they’re gone

As Australia’s taxonomists gather in Canberra to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the body established to document Australia’s plants, animals and fungi, one issue is top of mind: their ambitious goal to name all undescribed species in Australia within a generation may remain out of reach without more government and philanthropic support.

Summary of 2023 Symposium: Professors Steven Chown and Frances Separovic-thumbnail

Summary of 2023 Symposium: Professors Steven Chown and Frances Separovic

We have now come to the end of the 2023 Symposium. Today we have heard from a range of thought leaders from Defence, foreign affairs, our security agencies, the university and research sectors, and industry. The big question we sought to answer today was: “have we got the balance right between national security and research openness?”

2023 Symposium closing remarks: Professor Chennupati Jagadish-thumbnail

2023 Symposium closing remarks: Professor Chennupati Jagadish

Thank you, Professors Steven Chown and Frances Separovic for your summary of the Academy's 2023 Symposium.

Kathleen Folbigg

Scientists call for law reform following release of final report into Kathleen Folbigg’s convictions

The Australian Academy of Science welcomes today’s report by former Chief Justice of NSW Tom Bathurst AC KC confirming reasonable doubt regarding the convictions of Kathleen Folbigg.

A woman with shoulder length brown hair is interviewed on camera

‘Masterful and thorough research’ by Academy Fellow led to Kathleen Folbigg pardon

The role of science in overturning one of Australia’s biggest miscarriages of justice has featured in a national TV documentary broadcast to more than half a million Australians.

Michelle Simmons portrait photo, wearing a black top and smiling at the camera. Blurred backround.

Fellow’s ‘extraordinary journey’ leads to PM’s Science Prize

Academy Fellow Professor Michelle Simmons AO FAA FTSE FRS has been awarded the 2023 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for her world-leading research in quantum electronics.

Aussie researchers extend a helping hand to Ukraine-thumbnail

Aussie researchers extend a helping hand to Ukraine

Three emerging innovators to represent Australia at Falling Walls Lab in Germany-thumbnail

Three emerging innovators to represent Australia at Falling Walls Lab in Germany

Dr Emma-Anne Karlsen is the winner of the eighth Falling Walls Lab Australia event, hosted by the Australian Academy of Science on 18 September.