News and views

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.
Image Description
Shine dome aerial directly overhead
Filters
Clear filters

Wealth of data triggers revised reporting date for Academies’ expert advice on fish kills

The Expert Panel convened by the Australian Academy of Science to investigate the fish kills in the Murray-Darling River system in NSW has requested an additional week to deliver their independent science advice on this important issue.

Academy welcomes independent assessment of fish deaths-thumbnail

Academy welcomes independent assessment of fish deaths

The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the announcement by Minister David Littleproud to appoint an expert panel to assess the deaths of fish in the lower Darling River.

Panel of experts to review fish kill announced-thumbnail

Panel of experts to review fish kill announced

In response to a specific request from the Leader of the Opposition, The Australian Academy of Science, in consultation with the other learned academies, has convened a group of experts to provide scientific advice on the fish deaths in the Murray–Darling river system.

Academy to provide science advice on fish kill-thumbnail

Academy to provide science advice on fish kill

The Australian Academy of Science has been concerned about the fish kill in the Murray-Darling River system in NSW and welcomes the opportunity to provide independent scientific advice to the federal Leader of the Opposition.

Scientists call on NSW Premier to inspect feral horse damage in Kosciuszko

Scientists call on NSW Premier to inspect feral horse damage in Kosciuszko

Australian scientists are calling on NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian to visit Kosciuszko National Park to see firsthand the damage inflicted by feral horses on the natural environment.

Academy welcomes Labor’s commitment to science-thumbnail

Academy welcomes Labor’s commitment to science

The Australian Academy of Science has welcomed the Federal Opposition Leader’s commitment to science and his plan for working with Australia’s science and research sector if elected in 2019.

Geography: Shaping Australia’s Future-thumbnail

Geography: Shaping Australia’s Future

Australia should enhance and capitalise on its existing skills and expertise in geographic information systems (GIS) and big data to address thesocial, economic and environmental challenges of our region and the emergence of the ‘China Century’.

Meningococcal disease spike prompts vaccination call-thumbnail

Meningococcal disease spike prompts vaccination call

The Australian Academy of Science is urging parents to vaccinate their children against all strains of meningococcal disease, after a recent spike in cases in Adelaide and the death of a seven-year-old boy in south-west Sydney.

Academy responds to Minister Tehan’s regional higher education funding announcement

Regional and remote students are underrepresented in higher education—particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. The Academy welcomes the Australian Government acting to improve access and equity through new scholarships and support for regional universities. However, the Academy is very concerned at the Minister’s comments on radio this morning that he intends to fund these new measures by reallocating research support funding for universities. University research plays a critical role in developing the knowledge and skills that benefit all Australians. Australia cannot afford to let our intellectual edge slip as we prepare for the challenges and opportunities of the coming decade.