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In 2020, Anthony Albanese told the nation science would be essential to future economic growth and could unlock our potential as a country. He was right. But we are yet to unlock that potential because we are not investing enough as a nation in research and development (R&D).

Figures released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics show that despite Australia’s reliance on science and research and development (R&D) to navigate a challenging economic landscape, overall national investment in R&D continues its 14-year decline.

Space-derived activities and services underpin much of Australia’s economic, environmental and national security yet are predominantly delivered by foreign entities.

The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the release of the Australian Government’s 2022-23 budget.

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.

​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.

The Australian Academy of Science condemns in the harshest possible terms the unprovoked and unlawful military aggression by Russia on the sovereign country of Ukraine. What the world is witnessing at this time is completely unacceptable and reprehensible. The Academy stands by the people of Ukraine, and in particular the Ukrainian scientific community.

Defence science and innovation is not only critical to maintaining Australia’s military capability but its multi-disciplinary applications are increasingly becoming crucial to the safety and security of the broader community.