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
Supporting research to improve the health of Indigenous children

Supporting research to improve the health of Indigenous children

The Academy has awarded the Douglas and Lola Douglas Scholarship to Dr Bianca Middleton for her research on improving the health of Indigenous children.

Academy welcomes new Director of Communications and Outreach Dr Melanie Bagg-thumbnail

Academy welcomes new Director of Communications and Outreach Dr Melanie Bagg

Melanie is a PhD qualified medical research scientist turned professional science communicator. She joins us from the Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) where as Manager of Business Development she was a driving force in the launch of their new breaking science news venture, Scimex.

Placeholder pattern

Polymer science making plastic fantastic

Smarter bank notes, health-protecting wearable electronics, and bendy solar cells are just some of the ways that polymer science is making plastic fantastic. Next week, three Australian researchers will tell audiences in Sydney and Melbourne how they are putting polymers to work.

OPINION—Government needs advice from scientists in many spheres-thumbnail

OPINION—Government needs advice from scientists in many spheres

Australia needs stronger STEM skills and knowledge in parliament so politicians can understand the basics underpinning today’s significant issues, writes Les Field.

Christmas wish granted for 'space nut' and his 9yo son-thumbnail

Christmas wish granted for 'space nut' and his 9yo son

Dear Academy person…

panelists solange alan andrea

Bringing space science to Parliament

Space science and technology was on the political agenda following the Parliamentary Friends of Science breakfast held in Canberra on Tuesday 14 February.

Australia joining the (new) space age

Sixty years ago, the dawn of the space age was marked by the launch of Sputnik. Fifty years ago this April, Australia joined in the space game with the flight of two Skylark rockets from Woomera in April 1967.

Young researchers win support from Academy-thumbnail

Young researchers win support from Academy

The Academy has announced the recipients of the J G Russell Award to help talented younger researchers in the basic sciences.

Taking a gamble—report underlines the impact of risk on society’s decisions

We live in a risky world. Risks from antibiotic resistance, environmental impacts and international security are hot issues in research, but delaying action until the science is settled isn’t always feasible.