As a leading science organisation, the Academy is again taking a strong stand on a critically important challenge for Australia. In a statement published upon the release of the 2021 State of the Environment report, Academy President Professor Jagadish clearly articulates the precarious outlook for the country’s unique natural systems and biodiversity, and welcomes the inclusion of Indigenous voices and their cultural knowledge for the first time. The only option, he says, is real action made possible by greater national leadership. The Academy continues to support meaningful action, with many of our Fellows directly involved in environmental research and policy advice. This was demonstrated recently by the appointment of two Academy Fellows to an independent panel to review the operation of carbon credits. We look forward to reporting our evidence-based contributions to address this historic challenge to you over the coming years.
Professor Jagadish has also welcomed the introduction of the government’s Climate Change Bill 2022 into the Australian Parliament, urging parliamentarians to support it as an important first step. He urged the government to explore how to deliver stronger emissions reductions over the next decade to limit warming to 1.5° C, which is not achievable on the current 2030 trajectory. It is clear that a realistic path to decarbonise Australia and the world will require advances in science and development of technology at scale.
In early July, the Academy joined NAIDOC Week celebrations by publishing an interview with leading Indigenous water researcher Associate Professor Bradley Moggridge, Kamilaroi man, from the University of Canberra. He also took part in our livestreamed webinar later that week, which focused on embracing Indigenous Knowledges in STEM. With him on the webinar panel were Indigenous health champion and Academy Fellow, Professor Tom Calma (as panel host), Aboriginal Elder from the Kungarakan tribal group, and Chancellor of the University of Canberra; Susan Beetson, Ngemba/Wayilwan and Wiradjuri woman, from the University of Queensland; and Vanessa Sewell, Worimi woman, from the University of New England. The large online audience enjoyed a lively and informative panel discussion, and there were many questions for the panel members. Thank you to the panel and audience for your involvement, and if you missed the live event the recording is available via this newsletter.
It is wonderful to see more of Australia’s leading young scientists gaining experience and understanding in international settings. Congratulations to the 12 scientists who, with the support of the Academy and the Science and Industry Endowment Fund, participated in the 71st Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting in Germany. Congratulations also to Dr Georgina Gurney who is Australia’s nominee for APEC’s ASPIRE Prize, and to the two Australian runners-up, Dr Rebecca Runting and Professor Qilin Wang. The overall winner of the international prize will be announced in August.
With the importance of biosecurity very much in the news, it’s timely that the Academy recently worked with the Centre of Excellence for Biosecurity Risk Analysis (CEBRA) to produce videos on the research behind biosecurity and its practical implications. I encourage you to watch the videos and share them with your networks.
We’re excited to see the public response to our Celebrate Science campaign. For a donation of $1000, individuals, families, work colleagues and not-for-profit organisations can dedicate a Shine Dome roof tile in the name of an Australian scientist or team of scientists who made a significant contribution to science, or to a school teacher who has influenced a scientist’s career. These donations support the valuable work of the Academy; please consider this unique opportunity to celebrate the fantastic people of Australian science.
And finally, have a look at our handy tips for spotting misinformation to figure out if a source of information online is legitimate, reliable and can be trusted.
I hope you enjoy the July newsletter.
Anna-Maria Arabia
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
