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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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Grand support for Future Earth Australia

Grand support for Future Earth Australia

Future Earth Australia is a national initiative based at the Australian Academy of Science that enables Australian researchers, governments, industry, peak bodies and civil society to connect and collaborate on sustainability transitions. This national hub in the international Future Earth network, connects the expertise capable of forming solutions for the sustainability challenges facing Australia, our regional neighbours and the globe.

A collage of five early career scientists including two men and three women

Mining museum venom, bee memories and more: 2023 J G Russell awardees

Analysing venom from museum collections—rather than chasing snakes across mountains or oceans—and what a warming climate might mean for bees’ ability to forage and pollinate: these are two of several science projects receiving additional funding support in 2023.

The smiling faces of two Indigenous women are seen inside gold rings against a background of multicoloured dots above a photo of a glowing dome-shaped building. A banner reads: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist Award, Celebrating Indigenous scientists

Emerging Indigenous women scientists recognised with Academy award

Academy to advise on future of the Great Barrier Reef-thumbnail

Academy to advise on future of the Great Barrier Reef

The Australian Academy of Science will assemble Australia’s leading experts to discuss the future of the Great Barrier Reef under different climate scenarios and ways to boost its health and resilience for the decades to come.

Two kangaroos stand looking at the camera

Developments in Australian science to watch out for in 2023

Environmental reform, new national science and research priorities and stronger scientific engagement in the Asia-Pacific are among the big-ticket items on the agenda for Australian science in 2023.

Improvements in emissions reduction and removal in Australia welcomed-thumbnail

Improvements in emissions reduction and removal in Australia welcomed

The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the release of the final report from the Independent Review of Australian Carbon Credit Units.

‘Pure joy’: nine marine, soil and plant biologists awarded 2023 Thomas Davies Research Grants-thumbnail

‘Pure joy’: nine marine, soil and plant biologists awarded 2023 Thomas Davies Research Grants

Nine early-career and mid-career researchers have been awarded the 2023 Thomas Davies Research Grant for Marine, Soil and Plant Biology.

Left to right: a person with brown hair takes a swab from a small frog, a person stands in the forest

Using smell to disguise vulnerable plants, and protecting frogs from fire: 2023 Max Day awards

Applications for the 2024 awards will open in February 2023.

Elephants, buffalo and baboons: the wild side of the Graeme Caughley Travelling Fellowship

Elephants, buffalo and baboons: the wild side of the Graeme Caughley Travelling Fellowship

Not only did Dr Benjamin Allen have to contend with having his lunch stolen by samango monkeys while fulfilling his Graeme Caughley Travelling Fellowship, there were also the matters of civil unrest and the outbreak of a pandemic.