August brings National Science Week, seeing many across our community celebrating science in their lives and recognising the brilliant work of scientists.
The Federal Government released the National Science Statement, along with the National Science and Research Priorities, illustrating the critical underpinning role science and research play in our economy, wellbeing, job creation and national security. In response, the Academy highlighted that the priorities must be supported by a robust implementation plan to drive action across government portfolios, industry and the research sector.
At the Shine Dome this month, we explored chemistry and the remarkable scientific impact of Academy Foundation Fellow Professor Raymond Le Fèvre FAA FRS. I wonder if Professor Le Fevre could have ever imagined that his seminal contributions to chemistry could lead to life-saving drug design and nanosensing to monitor food spoilage and contamination. If you missed the event, the recording is available now.
This month, I also had the privilege of connecting with Fellows from across Australia during my visits to South Australia, Victoria and Perth. It was great to meet many of our new Fellows during these visits and visit the workplaces of Fellows undertaking extraordinary discovery science. Our Fellows are the heart and soul of our Academy, and it is an honour to visit their institutions and learn about their work.
This month we marked a significant milestone in the establishment of the Pacific Academy of Sciences with the call for nominations for the 12 Foundation Fellows, who will form the inaugural Council of the Academy. The establishment of this Academy will provide a mechanism for scholars to convene local knowledge and provide scientific advice to governments and other decision makers. The Australian Academy of Science, along with the Royal Society Te Aparangi (New Zealand), has provided extensive advice on the establishment of a Pacific Academy of Sciences over several months. I congratulate all those involved in this historic achievement.
This is your last chance to secure tickets for the Academy’s flagship event, Science at the Shine Dome. We are so excited to be welcoming 400+ guests to the Shine Dome on 9 September for a four-day celebration of scientific excellence. It is the only conference in Australia where you can hear about the breadth and depth of scientific discovery in the one place from Australia’s very best. Register here, before 1 September or before we sell out.
Please enjoy the August newsletter, jam packed with lots of terrific science stories, including a magnificent account written by former Academy President Professor Andrew Homes AC about Matthew Flinders’ reinterment after his remains were unearthed during excavations to make way for the London to Birmingham high speed rail line.
Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC PresAA FREng FTSE
© 2025 Australian Academy of Science
