News and views

Uncovering rare metal-hoarding plants, mangrove desalination techniques and great hammerhead shark populations are the aims of some of the researchers awarded the Australian Academy of Science's 2021 Thomas Davies Research Grant for Marine, Soil and Plant Biology.

Land, water, sky and fire were the focus of two online Academy events for this year’s NAIDOC Week ‘Always Was, Always Will Be’. The events explored how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have nurtured a connection to Country, with a profound sense of responsibility to the natural world, for more than 60,000 years, and the challenges they face. The recordings of the events are compelling watching—we thank the experts involved and all those who joined us online.

Three early-career researchers have been awarded funding for ecology projects in 2021 thanks to the Australian Academy of Science’s Margaret Middleton Fund for endangered Australian native vertebrate animals.

The Australian Academy of Science has committed to reducing its impact on climate change by working towards a net-zero emissions future for the Shine Dome.

With Australia failing to halt species decline and our biodiversity management systems broken, now is the time to establish a new independent agency to manage our nation’s biodiversity data, according to Australia’s leading scientists.

With business spending in manufacturing research and development (R&D) falling over the past decade, a new focus on science and R&D in the Morrison Government’s manufacturing strategy has been welcomed by Australia’s leading science body.

Three geoscientists working in tectonics, water flow of aquifers and the evolution of the lithosphere and mantle are the recipients of the 2019 round of the 34th International Geological Congress Travel Grant Scheme announced recently.

Oceans and bushfires were the focus of two National Science Week events this month, with the Academy hosting webinars which explored how science can help us improve the health of our oceans and manage bushfires. We thank the experts involved, and all those who joined us online.

The Academy has created a message that can be seen from space to highlight the important role of scientists as the world navigates the COVID-19 pandemic and beyond.