News and views

Australia’s investment in astronomy and our hosting of two of the world’s most powerful telescopes means we are well placed to contribute to more big international breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe, according to a new review.

The coronavirus pandemic has proven the world is capable of a global response to address a crisis. But why haven’t we seen the same type of swift action on climate change? And can we expect our leaders to pay as much attention to scientific advice for other challenges as we emerge from the pandemic?

*EXTENSION OF CLOSING DATE* The closing date for Falling Walls Lab Australia has been extended to Monday 20 July 2020.

Academy Fellows Professor David Vaux and Professor Andreas Strasser have been awarded the 2019 CSL Florey Medal for their research toward understanding the role of programmed cell death, knows as apoptosis, in cancer and autoimmune disease.

The Academy has announced the successful recipients of the Australia–India Strategic Research Fund Early- and Mid-Career Researcher 2020 Fellowships.

An Australian scientist has won Young Innovator of the Year at one of the world’s premier conferences for research and innovation, the first time an Australian has won the Falling Walls Lab award.

Michelle Tapper of the Academy’s Communications and Outreach team has received a Churchill Fellowship to support her to travel across the US, UK and Europe to study science video production with high profile organisations around the world.

The National Research and Innovation Alliance resolutely takes the view that benefits to the nation and the advancement of knowledge are best served by a culture where researchers can put forward views and present data for discussion and scrutiny free from interference and without fear of reprisal.

A roundtable discussion on germline editing in humans was held at Shine Dome in Canberra, including the Minderoo Foundation and the Australian Academy of Science.