In an increasingly connected and contested world, sharing knowledge, ideas and perspectives is crucial if we are to thrive as a nation.
To support this, and as part of our sustained advocacy for maintaining international scientific collaborations, the Academy hosted an event to help researchers in Australia navigate changes to the Defence Export Controls environment, resulting in part from the AUKUS Pillar 2 measures. The recording of this session is now available for you to learn more and help you prepare for the new legislation and regulations.
In July, the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting offered an opportunity for young scientists to begin fostering collaborations that can be career changing. Ten early career researchers from Australia attended the meeting in Germany, where they shared their research (and koalas!) with Nobel Laureates and 635 young scientists from around the world.
The next generation of researchers will solve the challenges facing communities around the world, so international networks and collaboration play an increasingly important role in finding solutions. My research in nanotechnology and semiconductors has been made possible because of some 30 collaborations I maintain across the world, working across borders to build basic science knowledge.
This is why I am so grateful to Emeritus Professor Cheryl Praeger AC FAA and Dr John Henstridge for their generous gift to the Academy that has enabled the establishment of the Early Career Scientists International Fund. Their generosity has inspired my wife Vidya and I to also contribute to the fund.
Earlier this month, the Academy celebrated NAIDOC week, which offers an opportunity to reflect on the rich history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. First Nations knowledges are an essential aspect of addressing global challenges. Many sources of knowledge and evidence are required to solve challenges facing us now and into the future. The better we are at bringing these together, the more empowered our political leaders will be to act in an evidence-informed way. Adaptation to climate change, decarbonising our economies, pandemics, and food and water security require coordinated, multinational and transdisciplinary solutions, with all peoples.
This month I also had the privilege to meet with President of the Royal Society, Sir Adrian Smith PRS, and Executive Director Dame Julie Maxton DBE, strengthening our important connection, which dates back to the Academy’s inception – 70 years ago.
Back home, I am delighted to welcome Prerana Mehta as the next CEO of the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA), the body that bridges Australia’s five learned academies. Prerana brings a wealth of knowledge to the position from both public and private sectors, including her recent tenure at CSIRO where she led the Strategic Partnerships Group. We look forward to working with her.
Finally, registrations have opened for the Academy’s flagship event, Science at the Shine Dome to be held in Canberra from 9 to 12 September. It is a rich celebration of scientific excellence and an opportunity to hear about the breadth and depth of Australian science.
You can read more about all the Academy’s activities in the July edition of the newsletter.
Enjoy!
Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC PresAA FREng FTSE
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
