Australian Academy of Science Newsletter 145
Message from the President
2020 will be remembered as a year that science came to the service of the nation in a significant way.
Celebrating science
2020: it’s been big. Join us as we reflect on the challenges and successes experienced by the Academy over the last 12 months.
Ground-breaking research forum set to expand with Minderoo Foundation commitment
The highly successful Rapid Research Information Forum (RRIF) will continue and expand with support from Minderoo Foundation.
Fellows' favourites: your summer reading and listening recommendations
Our Annual Fellows’ Christmas Book and Podcast List contains 37 favourite reads (and listens) recommended by the Academy’s Fellows.
Maths and photography combine in the 2020 scienceXart schools competition
Find out the winners of our scienceXart competition, showcasing the talent of our next generation of scientific and creative thinkers.
Conferences to explore dynamics of the Southern Ocean and the conservation of Australian plants
The Academy has contributed funding towards two scientific conferences focusing on the Southern Ocean and the conservation of Australian plants.
Thomas Davies grants to support advancements in marine, soil and plant biology
Meet the six recipients of the 2021 Thomas Davies research grants.
Geoffrey Frew and Selby fellowships to bring distinguished scientists to Australia
Professor Ania Bleszynski Jayich and Professor Matthias Wessling will visit Australia to share their expertise and insights.
More news
Science policy update
The Academy has released a position statement on international science collaboration, saying modern science is built on partnerships and collaborations across national borders in pursuit of solutions to global challenges. The Academy recognises the need to maintain national security protections to safeguard Australian science, and says such regulation must be evidence-based, proportional and designed to encourage the continuation of international scientific engagement. The Academy holds that all scientists should be free to go about their work, and promote their research in appropriate fora without fear of intimidation or violence from individuals, groups or governments.
National Committees update
The Academy congratulates Professor Alex Mazzolini of Swinburne University, who is the first Australian to be awarded the prestigious Physics Education Medal from the Commission on Physics Education of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). The award recognises Professor Mazzolini’s ‘outstanding contributions to physics teaching of a kind that transcends national boundaries’ over 40 years of education practice, covering six continents and 40 countries. The Academy represents Australian physics at the IUPAP as the National Member for Australia, and is supported by the National Committee for Physics.
Opportunities for scientists
Find out about current opportunities for scientists:
- Indigenous Media Mentoring Program
- Order of Australia Honours
- Mahathir Science Award
- Volvo Environment Prize
- Lefoulon-Delalande Grand Prize
- A.M. Turing Award
- AOGS Axford Medal
- Welch Award in Chemistry
- WISE Prize for Education
- The Royal Society Awards
Fellows update
Keep abreast of the Academy Fellowship in the Fellows update:
- Honours and awards to Fellows
The Honorary editor of the Academy newsletter is Professor Yuri Estrin FAA