News and views
New report reveals glaring gaps between Australia’s future needs and science capabilities
Since 1945, three-quarters of all global economic growth has been driven by technological advances. Since 1990, 90% of that advance has been rooted in fundamental science, according to Michael M. Crow, president of Arizona State University.
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.”
Speech – Australian Science, Australia’s Future: Science 2035
This is the transcript of a speech by Professor Ian Chubb AC, Chair of the advisory panel for the report Australian Science, Australia’s Future: Science 2035. It was delivered on 4 September 2025 at a national symposium hosted by the Australian Academy of Science.
Are brilliant scientists born or made? These new videos shed some light.
Above: Professor Helen Christensen’s international work on mental health is just one of the 26 inspiring stories in the new Fellows videos.
National productivity won’t be boosted with flatlining business investment in R&D
The Australian Academy of Science says ABS data released today reveals Australian business expenditure on R&D is flatlining as a percentage of GDP, as leaders consider how to improve the nation’s productivity.
Latest figures show total government spending on R&D is in decline, again
The Australian Government’s commitment to investing in R&D is being called into question after new figures reveal a continued decline in investment in R&D and a potential $400 million underspend on the Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF).
Speech: Building a robust, responsive, and interconnected ecosystem
This is the transcript of a speech by the President of the Australian Academy of Science President, Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC PresAA FRS FREng FTSE, delivered on 8 August 2025 at the KTSI Conference in Indonesia.