News and views

Humanity’s move into space is gathering momentum. It’s widely predicted we could feasibly see lunar settlements as soon as the 2030s and crewed missions to Mars just a decade later. But significant hurdles remain—not least, how to ensure a sustainable supply of many survival essentials: food, water, medicines and minerals. University of Adelaide research is meeting the challenge.

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.

A new report launched today by the Australian Academy of Science has found that the impact of COVID-19 on women in the STEM workforce across the Asia-Pacific region has heightened the challenges and barriers they face in progressing their careers.

The Academy’s archives provide an invaluable window into early Antarctic exploration and research, including that of Welsh-Australian geologist Sir Tannatt William Edgeworth David. His involvement with Antarctic research spanned four decades—first as a scientist and explorer, and later as a steadfast advocate for expeditions.

World-leading experts will come together for a national roundtable at Australia’s home of science next month to map out Australia’s national priorities for RNA science and research. The one-day invitation-only event at the Shine Dome will be hosted by the Australian Academy of Science, in partnership with the Australian RNA Production Consortium (ARPC).

International collaboration drives Australia’s scientific output, providing researchers with greater access to the world’s knowledge, expertise, technology, infrastructure and capital.

UniBank’s commitment to STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in the university sector and beyond has seen them continuously support major STEM related events and programs alongside the Academy, including the Women in STEM Decadal Plan, Catalysing Gender Equity 2020, and now Science at the Shine Dome.

85% of Australians live within 50 kilometres of the ocean, placing them within the ‘blue ribbon’—the interconnected waterways, coasts and seas that surround Australia and support major industries, provide recreation and cultural heritage to communities, and offer new economic frontiers like offshore energy.