Decadal plans for science

The Vision for space science and technology in Australia outlines strategies to lead Australia into a future that embraces a vibrant space sector and space industry, underpinned by space science and technology, and in due course supported by a national space agency.

This 10-year plan outlines strategies to improve the strength and efficiency of agricultural research in Australia in ways that will increase the ability of governments and producers to maintain productivity and efficiency in the face of evolving natural challenges.

This decadal plan summarises key opportunities and challenges facing mathematical sciences, and is accompanied by an ongoing commitment to work collaboratively with universities, school authorities and the Australian Government to deliver the shared vision.

This decadal plan is the first step in advancing Australia’s most important, value-adding manufacturing sector. It identifies the key challenges, barriers and opportunities for Australia in the 21st century and proposes solutions that can help Australia reach its potential as a world class international manufacturing hub.

This plan, launched by the National Marine Science Committee, identifies seven critical challenges facing Australia and provides recommendations about how, in a coordinated way, marine science can support Australia in meeting those challenges.

This document presents the strategic vision for Australian astronomy for the next decade, and is the culmination of over one year’s effort by the Australian astronomical community. The plan is based on the reports of eleven Working Groups, comprising over 150 astronomers, engineers and educators from over 30 Australian institutions across all states and the ACT.

This document defines the vision, key directions and priorities for a national ecosystem science capability that will enable Australia to understand and effectively manage its ecosystems for decades to come.

The Physics decadal plan 2012-2021: building on excellence in physics, underpinning Australia’s future was launched at the Shine Dome on 6 December 2012. It presents the Australian physics community’s strategic vision for the 10 years, from 2012–2021.

Australian astronomy is riding a wave of discovery powered by new technology. This technology has increased the sensitivity of existing telescopes and enabled the construction of new telescopes that can see wider and further than ever before.

This precious and beautiful blue planet on which we live is complex beyond measure, so complex, we argue here, that a whole new science—an integrative science of the Earth system (Earth System Science or ESS)—is needed to understand it.

The Decadal Plan for Australian Space Science was launched in 2009. It presents the Australian space science community’s vision for a long-term, productive presence in space via world-leading innovative space science and technology, strong education and outreach and international collaborations.

This report was prepared by a working group of 16 Academy Fellows and other space science and Earth observation experts in response to the terms of reference assigned to the working group by the Presidents of the Australian Academy of Science (AAS) and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) on 23 December 2008.

Most of the great innovations that have changed the way people live over the past two centuries were enabled by mathematics. Without mathematics, there would be no cars, no planes, no mobile phone networks, no electric lights, and certainly no computers.

The mathematical sciences are fundamental to the well-being of all nations. If Australia is to maintain its place in the technological world, it needs greater investment in its fundamental mathematical sciences infrastructure.

We live in a truly remarkable time. As our understanding of the Universe deepens, we are seeing connections emerge between many formerly disparate fields of research. Astronomy targets some of the biggest questions it is possible to ask. This Decadal Plan presents the Australian astronomical community’s strategic vision for our continued engagement with this great adventure.

Constituted under the auspices of the Australian Academy of Science, the National Committee for Earth Sciences (NCES) presents this plan as a framework within which geoscience can develop its contribution to, and role in, major national and global issues and ensure the maintenance of research excellence.