News and views
Budget contains science measures but misses opportunity to secure research base
The 2022–23 Federal Budget contains some welcome measures for science but falls short on the vision needed to support Australia’s economic recovery and protect our future.
Australian scientists’ leading research recognised with Academy awards
Twenty researchers from around Australia have been recognised by the Australian Academy of Science today, receiving prestigious honorific awards for their contributions to the advancement of science at the early, mid and career level.
Top scientists support ARC reform
The current application of the ministerial veto in the Australian Research Council (ARC) introduces "a randomness in a system that should be designed to preclude it to the maximum extent possible," says the Academy, in a submission made this month to the Senate Standing Committees on Education and Employment.
Academy urges science advice to government must continue post-pandemic
Australia was well served by policymakers being able to access scientific evidence during the pandemic, and mechanisms that now bring science to the heart of government should not be lost during or after our recovery, the Academy’s submission to the 2022–23 Federal Budget reads.
Five Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander scientists awarded
Five promising researchers from universities around Australia are the 2022 recipients of the Australian Academy of Science Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist Award.
Independent selection of research grants essential for integrity of Australia’s research system
The Australian Academy of Science says political interference in the selection of research grants is eroding Australia’s international reputation and the integrity of Australia’s research system. Of the four known occurrences of political interference, three have occurred in the last three years.
Academy welcomes mRNA vaccine manufacturing capability
The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the announcement of an Australian mRNA vaccine manufacturing capability. The agreement reached between the Victorian Government, the Commonwealth Government and Moderna will significantly grow our sovereign capability to respond to future pandemics, as well as respond to uniquely Australian problems.
Australian experts’ new ideas to better protect World Heritage sites from climate change
Australian experts are calling for the challenges of climate change to be used as a catalyst for positive changes to help conserve the world’s most precious heritage places.