News and views
Academy welcomes Australian Future Mines Centre commitment
The Australian Academy of Science has welcomed the Federal Opposition’s commitment to establish an Australian Future Mines Centre to co-ordinate exploration work and lead the scientific research and development necessary to explore under deep cover, funded by a $23 million Australian Research Council Special Research Initiative.
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.
Primary Connections makes STEM connection
The Academy recently hosted a Primary Connections showcase professional learning workshop at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). This was the first workshop of its type, with key stakeholders in STEM education observing part of the workshop and engaging with the 30 primary school educators in attendance.
World’s brain initiatives move forward together
A meeting of representatives of some of the world’s major brain research projects, hosted by the Australian Academy of Science in Canberra, has made a declaration to establish an International Brain Initiative.
Academy receives ARC grants for nutrition science and big data projects
The importance of improving our understanding of the changing Australian diet has been recognised with a $118,000 grant to develop a national 10-year plan for nutrition science.