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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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Can Australia build a world-leading RNA science-based biotech industry?-thumbnail

Can Australia build a world-leading RNA science-based biotech industry?

Australia has led the world with several RNA research breakthroughs that have changed humans lives. Think: The discovery of the Shine-Dalgarno sequence, enabling high yields of cloned medicines such as insulin and growth hormone, or CSIRO/Peter Waterhouse’s RNAi technology to shut down or turn off genes to protect plants and animals from diseases.

Australian nutritional researcher nominated for international 2021 ASPIRE Prize-thumbnail

Australian nutritional researcher nominated for international 2021 ASPIRE Prize

A local leader in nutritional science has been announced as the Australian nominee for the prestigious 2021 ASPIRE prize.

Sustainable Shine Dome Possible Futures

Exploring possible futures through the Sustainable Shine Dome project

Academy Fellow and renowned immunologist and pandemic expert Professor Peter Doherty didn't mince his words when asked about climate change recently.

Marine and coastal leaders urge government to adopt FEA Sustainable Oceans and Coasts Strategy

Marine and coastal leaders urge government to adopt FEA Sustainable Oceans and Coasts Strategy

Delegates of the 15th Coast to Coast National Conference have formally endorsed Future Earth Australia’s Sustainable Oceans and Coasts National Strategy 2021–2030 and urged the Australian government to adopt and implement its recommendations.

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Interstellar impact

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.

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Facial recognition to identify victims

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.

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QUT research advancing bioenergy crop resilience

A new QUT-US research partnership aims to develop a proof-of-concept for drought resistant bioenergy crops within five years that could lead to our greater use of renewable fuels.

scienceXart: food for thought

scienceXart returns in 2021 to celebrate the International Year of Fruits and Vegetables

Young people will again have the chance to explore science through art! Building on from last year’s success of scienceXart, the Australian Academy of Science is this year giving primary school students the chance to put thought into their food and create a plate, learning about the science of nutrition along the way.

New report: COVID-19 has exacerbated gender inequity in the STEM workforce across the Asia-Pacific -thumbnail

New report: COVID-19 has exacerbated gender inequity in the STEM workforce across the Asia-Pacific

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.