The Academy welcomes announcements regarding the protection of the Great Barrier Reef.

Recent marine heatwaves that resulted in damage to the coral cover in the shallow waters of the Great Barrier Reef highlight some of the consequences of a warming planet on this national icon.

While coral is important, it comprises about seven per cent of the Marine Park and the World Heritage Area. The rest is comprised of an extraordinary variety of habitats and species which are susceptible to global warming.

Support for projects that enhance resilience are welcome and necessary, but the only way to reduce the risk of unpredictable and dangerous outcomes for the Reef is to limit global warming as well as preventing environmental damage.

To sustain a functioning reef, there must be substantial action globally to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and it is in Australia’s national interest to lead this change with real action.

Five Academy Fellows are among the Australians recognised in the 2022 appointments to the Order of Australia, including four who were appointed to Companions in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AC).

Companion is currently the highest appointment to the Order of Australia, and recognises ‘eminent achievement and merit of the highest degree in service to Australia or to humanity at large’. Just seven people were appointed to an AC in 2022.

Dr Alan Finkel was appointed to an AC and was also added to the COVID-19 Honour Roll. Distinguished Professor Jenny Graves, Professor Ary Hoffmann and Dr Graeme Moad were each appointed to an AC.

Professor John Church was appointed to an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO), for 'distinguished service of a high degree to Australia or to humanity at large.'

To date, 300 Fellows of the Academy have been appointed to the Order of Australia.

Dr Alan Finkel AC FAA FTSE FAHMS

Dr Alan Finkel, Australia's former Chief Scientist, was the founder of the Rapid Research Information Forum (RRIF), which brought together the country’s science, research and innovation sectors during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic to provide the latest scientific evidence to the Australian Government.

The RRIF's operations were managed by the Australian Academy of Science, and its impact on the nation has been publicly recognised by the Prime Minister, Scott Morrison.

Following his industrial career producing breakthrough scientific instruments for academic neurosciences and pharmaceutical drug discovery, Dr Finkel has distinguished himself in Australia’s scientific and engineering community by his passion for science and engineering education, creative leadership and philanthropy.

He was elected a Fellow of the Academy in 2016, and he currently serves as Special Adviser to the Australian Government on Low Emissions Technology.

Distinguished Professor Jenny Graves AC FAA

Professor Jenny Graves has transformed our understanding of how humans and all vertebrate animals evolved and function. She has kick-started genomic and epigenetic research in Australia, and predicted the disappearance of the Y chromosome.

She has also pioneered the fields of comparative genomics and epigenetics globally, been the driving force behind sequencing the first marsupial and monotreme genomes and won international awards.

Professor Graves was elected to the Academy in 1999, was awarded the Macfarlane Burnet Medal and Lecture in 2006 and the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science in 2017.

Professor Ary Hoffmann AC FAA

Professor Ary Hoffmann is regarded as a leader in evolutionary biology and the applications of evolutionary principles to applied problems.

He has investigated how natural populations evolve in response to environmental stresses, and his work has led to major advances in understanding how stressful periods influence evolutionary rates, and how insects adapt to overcome stressful conditions.

He was elected to the Academy in 2004, serves on the National Committee for Ecology, Evolution and Conservation, and was lead author on an Academy discussion paper on 'gene drive' technology.

Dr Graeme Moad AC FAA FTSE

Dr Graeme Moad is recognised as a world leader in the field of polymer chemistry. His achievements range from fundamental chemistry, in the areas of polymer design and synthesis, and polymerisation kinetics and mechanism, to new materials for industrial uses, nanotechnology, organic electronics and bioapplications.

His research on the development of new synthetic methods for the controlled synthesis of polymers with defined architecture and composition has revolutionised the field.

Dr Moad was elected to the Academy in 2012 and awarded the Academy’s 2020 David Craig Medal and Lecture.

Professor John Church AO FAA FTSE

Professor John Church is one of Australia’s leading oceanographers whose theoretical and observational work on the dynamics of the oceans has led to a deep understanding of the physics of recent sea-level change.

His work has contributed to the assessments of the science of climate change by the Intergovernmental Panel for Climate Change and to the work of the World Climate Research Program, and in the public debate on the evidence for and underlying science of climate change.

He was awarded the Academy’s 2021 Jaeger Medal and serves on the National Committee for Antarctic Research.

Citations

Companion of the Order of Australia (AC)

• Dr Alan Finkel AC FAA FTSE FAHMS, for eminent service to science, to national energy innovation and research infrastructure capability, to climate change and COVID-19 response initiatives, and to science and engineering education.
• Distinguished Professor Jenny Graves AC FAA, for eminent service to science, particularly through leadership and research in evolutionary genetics, to international and national professional societies, for science education in schools, and as a mentor and role model for women.
• Professor Ary Hoffmann AC FAA, for eminent service to science, particularly evolutionary biology and ecological genetics, through research, mentoring and education, and to professional scientific organisations.
• Dr Graeme Moad AC FAA FTSE, for eminent service to science, particularly polymer design and synthesis and radical polymerization, education through mentoring, and to professional scientific organisations.

Officer of the Order of Australia (AO)

• Professor John Church AO FAA FTSE, for distinguished service to climate science through oceanographic and sea-level research and publications.

More information about the Order of Australia

Experts say Australia’s complete reliance on data from foreign-owned satellites – used every day by all Australians – in weather forecasting, resource and water management, and disaster response applications poses a significant sovereign risk.

All satellite data used in Australia comes from foreign sources. Growing environmental, commercial, and geopolitical stresses means there is no guarantee these data will always be readily available, optimal, or meet specific and evolving needs for Australia’s essential industries, defence, government, and everyday living.

Earth observation (EO) data and the services derived from it are also essential for activities such as measuring and mitigating climate change and maintaining and improving food and energy production and distribution, and mapping land use, all of which contribute to sustainable economic growth and particular capability requirements for defence.

Experts say the risk can be mitigated by a stronger investment in a home-grown Earth observation satellite program, which would design, build, launch and operate the satellites and the sensors on-board used to collect a wide range of data types. The recommendation is included in a new national 10-year plan for Australian space science launched by the Australian Academy of Science.

Emeritus Professor Fred Menk is Chair of the Executive Working Group that developed the plan.

“Meeting Australia’s future earth observation needs requires appropriate sovereign capability including enhanced science, observations, analysis and modelling capability,” says Professor Menk, who also Chairs the Academy’s National Committee for Space and Radio Science.

Understanding how Australian environments are changing, and how changes to the space environment impact natural and human systems are critical information sources for all aspects of industries, government and defence’s day to day and long-term operations.

To grow Australia’s ability to do this, the 10-year plan is also calling for a national program of space weather research to help protect Australia’s critical energy, water, information and transport infrastructure, advance space weather forecasting and improve our situational awareness of space.

The plan states that based on our current capability we would only receive about one hours’ warning of a major space weather event that could impact our national power distribution grids, and disrupt global aviation, satellites, and radio communication.

“A major space weather event with catastrophic impacts on the global economy is likely within our lifetimes, however, Australian research can greatly improve our predictive capability,” says Professor Menk.

The 10-year plan also highlights other challenges facing Australia’s space R&D sector that must be addressed to ensure Australia’s space economy is competitive and to mitigate sovereign risk Australia currently faces. These include a significant workforce skills gap, an ad-hoc funding environment, and a lack of a national strategy for space with no long-term plan to address knowledge and capability gaps.

Professor Menk says while the Australian Government’s recent investments in space are stimulating growth of the space industry sector, the space science research and innovation capabilities necessary to develop a sustainable national space ecosystem have not been similarly enabled.

“Australia must have a space industry of its own – one that we can turn into a high-tech manufacturing, knowledge-based, research supported, export industry in a world hungry for it,” says Professor Menk.

“An internationally competitive space industry in Australia will depend on a foundation of excellence in science and technology.”

The call echoes a recently published report by the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Industry, Innovation, Science and Resources, and numerous Australian and international studies on development of space industry capabilities.

The parliamentary report recommended that the Australia Government prioritise and promote the importance of space science as fundamental to innovation and growth of the Australian space sector.

Among the Academy’s 10-year plan’s other recommendations are: establishing a Lead Scientist in the Australian Space Agency; establishing space science as a national research priority and committing to and investing in an ongoing national space program. The plan details three pillars to be built in space science: discovery and exploration, growth and resilience, and health.

Read Australia in Space: a decadal plan for Australian space science 2021-2030.

This decadal plan presents a strategy developed through extensive stakeholder consultation. The Academy acknowledges the financial support that enabled this project, provided by the Australian Space Agency, Australia’s national science agency CSIRO, and the SmartSat CRC. The views represented in this document do not necessarily reflect the views of, nor imply endorsement by, any individual or any working group members’ affiliated organisations.

The Australian Academy of Science says political interference in the selection of research grants is eroding Australia’s international reputation and the integrity of Australia’s research system. Of the four known occurrences of political interference, three have occurred in the last three years.

The Academy, which is made of up Australia’s leading scientists, expressed its concern on Christmas Eve that six ARC Discovery Projects had been rejected using ministerial veto. This was despite the projects being recommended for funding by independent panels, all with deep knowledge of the relevant fields.

Academy President, Professor John Shine, said it is reasonable that governments align some proportion of funding schemes with widely agreed national priorities and strategic objectives, and that they are made clear when calling for proposals.

“However, within those criteria, merit, as identified by independent peer review, should remain the central basis for allocating which research to support,” said Professor Shine.

“Subsequent political control of what gets done, where and by whom is antithetical to the spirit of a democracy that is built on free and open critical enquiry.

“In exchange for responsible and socially conscious conduct in research, researchers and their peers should be free to pursue lines of enquiry that are considered meaningful and important.

“Indeed, researchers are trained to identify problems or gaps in our knowledge and determine the best and most rigorous way to learn more and to understand better the world around us.

“Much of the value provided by research to policy makers and the public is due to its unbiased and independent nature, not its perceived conformity with the personal views of the minister of the moment,” Professor Shine concluded.

Traditionally, Science at the Shine Dome is an annual three-day event in May where Australia's most influential scientists gather at the Shine Dome in Canberra to celebrate science and to honour outstanding achievements in science.

The Academy delivered Science at the Shine Dome in a new format in 2021 to accommodate COVID-19 restrictions while engaging new audiences online. Science at the Shine Dome included online presentations by award recipients, an online symposium exploring the theme Science and the Public Good, and presentations from Fellows elected to the Academy in 2020 and 2021.

Symposium: Science and the Public Good

Held Thursday 12 August 2021 at 1.00pm AEST

Science affects every aspect of our lives. Our health, education, transport, environment, food, communications, work and recreation all benefit from scientific discoveries. This event explored the critical importance of studying mathematics, chemistry, biology and physics, and how this fundamental knowledge is essential to scientific advances.

Presenters:

• Payne-Scott Prof Nalini Joshi AO FAA, University of Sydney
• Prof Laura Mackay, Doherty Institute
• Prof Thomas Maschmeyer FAA FTSE, University of Sydney
• Prof Tanya Monro FAA FTSE, Australian Government Department of Defence
• Prof John Rasko AO FAHMS, University of Sydney
• Prof Veena Sahajwalla FAA FTSE, UNSW
• Prof Michelle Simmons AO FAA FTSE FRS, UNSW
• Prof Robyn Williams, AO FAA, ABC
• Prof Geordie Williamson FAA FRS, University of Sydney

Premier Award Events

Held on Wednesday 12 May and Wednesday 28 July at 7.00pm AEST

These lectures were presented by the recipients of the 2021 Matthew Flinders Medal and Lecture and the Inaugural 2021 Ruby-Payne Scott Medal and Lecture.

2021 Matthew Flinders Lecture

The Matthew Flinders Medal and Lecture is a career award that recognises scientific research of the highest standing in the physical sciences, and honours the contributions of Australia's early scientific researchers.

The 2021 recipient was Professor Andrew Holmes AC FAA FTSE FRS from the University of Melbourne.

Inaugural 2021 Ruby-Payne Scott Medal and Lecture

The inaugural Ruby Payne-Scott Medal and Lecture for women in science is a career medal that recognises researchers of the highest standing in the physical and/or biological sciences. The award honours Ruby Payne-Scott's pioneering contribution to radiophysics and radio astronomy.

The 2021 recipient was Emeritus Professor Cheryl Praeger AC FAA from the University of Western Australia.

Career Award Events

Held on Tuesday 7 September and Tuesday 14 September at 1.30pm AEST

Each year, researchers receive highly sought-after honours for outstanding achievements in their scientific fields. These two online events featured 10-minute presentations by our 2020 and 2021 awardees, followed by live audience Q&As.

Event one

• 2019 Hannan Medal: Professor Alan Welsh FAA
• 2020 David Craig Medal: Dr Graeme Moad FAA
• 2021 Thomas Ranken Lyle Medal: Professor David McClelland FAA
• 2021 Hannan Medal: Professor Mathai Varghese FAA
• 2021 David Craig Medal: Professor Thomas Maschmeyer FAA FTSE

Event two

• 2020 Haddon Forrester King Medal: Professor Ian Campbell
• 2020 Mawson Medal: Professor Allen Nutman
• 2021 Jaeger Medal: Professor John Church FAA FTSE
• 2021 Inaugural Suzanne Cory Medal: Professor Susanne von Caemmerer FAA FRS
• 2021 Inaugural Suzanne Cory Medal: Professor John Endler FAA FRS

New Fellow Presentations

Held on Wednesday 3 November and Thursday 4 November at 9.00am AEDT

Each New Fellow presented their work and achievements in a lecture, followed by live audience Q&As.

Event one

• Applied Physical and Engineering Sciences
  • Professor Kevin Galvin FAA FTSE, University of Newcastle (elected 2020)
  • Professor John Sader FAA, University of Melbourne (elected 2021)
• Chemistry
  • Professor Kate Joliffe FAA, University of Sydney (elected 2020)
  • Professor Alan Rowan FAA, University of Queensland (elected 2020)
  • Professor Alison Rodger FAA, Macquarie University (elected 2021)
• Earth and Planetary Sciences
  • Dr Wenju Cai FAA, CSIRO Oceans and Atmosphere (elected 2020)
  • Professor Dorrit Jacob FAA, Australian National University (elected 2021)
• Inter-Disciplinary Science
  • Professor Lidia Morawska FAA, Queensland University of Technology (elected 2020)
• Physics and Astronomy
  • Professor David McClelland FAA, Australian National University (elected 2019)
  • Professor Susan Coppersmith FAA, UNSW (elected 2021)
  • Professor Tim Bedding FAA, University of Sydney (elected 2020)
• Information, Communication and Quantum Information Sciences
  • Professor Peter Corke FAA FTSE, Queensland University of Technology (elected 2019)
  • Professor Robyn Owens FAA, University of Western Australia (elected 2020)
  • Professor Ping Koy Lam FAA, Australian National University (elected 2020)
  • Professor Ian Reid FAA FTSE, University of Adelaide (elected 2021)
  • Professor Svetha Venkatesh FAA FTSE, Deakin University (elected 2021)
• Mathematical Sciences
  • Professor Gary Froyland FAA, UNSW (elected 2020)
  • Professor Aurore Delaigle FAA, University of Melbourne (elected 2020)
  • Professor Yihong Du FAA, University of New England (elected 2021)
  • Professor Rob Hyndman FAA FASSA, Monash University (elected 2021)
• Earth and Planetary Sciences
  • Professor Andy Pitman AO FAA, UNSW (elected 2021)
• Inter-Disciplinary Science
  • Professor Justin Marshall FAA, University of Queensland (elected 2020)
  • Professor Hala Zreiqat AM FAA FAHMS FTSE, University of Sydney (elected 2021)
  • Professor Gordon Smyth FAA, WEHI (elected 2021)

Event two

• Agriculture, Veterinary Science and Applied Biology
  • Dr Jenny Stauber FAA FTSE, CSIRO Land and Water (elected 2020)
  • Professor Robin Gasser FAA, University of Melbourne (elected 2021)
  • Professor Barbara Nowak FAA, University of Tasmania (elected 2021)
• Animal Sciences
  • Professor Peter Currie FAA, Monash University (elected 2020)
  • Professor Glenda Halliday FAA FAHMS, University of Sydney (elected 2021)
• Ecology, Environmental Sciences and Evolutionary Biology
  • Associate Professor Lee Berger FAA, University of Melbourne (elected 2020)
  • Professor Steven Chown FAA, Monash University (elected 2021)
  • Professor Catherine Lovelock FAA, University of Queensland (elected 2021)
• Plant Sciences
  • Professor Barry Pogson FAA, Australian National University (elected 2021)
  • Professor Harvey Millar FAA, University of Western Australia (elected 2020)
• Immunology and Microbiology
  • Professor Linda Blackall FAA, University of Melbourne (elected 2020)
  • Professor Ian Paulsen FAA, Macquarie University (elected 2020)
  • Professor Brendan Crabb AC FAA FAHMS, Burnet Institute (elected 2021)
• Medicine and Public Health
  • Professor Adele Green AC FAA FAHMS, QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute (elected
• 2020)
  • Professor Andrew Roberts AM FAA FAHMS, WEHI (elected 2020)
  • Professor Arthur Christopoulos FAA FAHMS, Monash University (elected 2021)
• Molecular and Cell Biology
  • Professor Ryan Lister FAA, University of Western Australia (elected 2020)
  • Professor Mark Dawson FAA FAHMS, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre (elected 2021)
• Special Election
  • The Hon Dr Annabelle Bennett AC FAA, Bond University (elected 2020)
  • Dr Andrew Cuthbertson AO FAA FTSE FAHMS, CSL (elected 2020)
  • Dr Cathy Foley AO FAA FTSE, Australia’s Chief Scientist (elected 2020)
• Special Election
  • Professor Lyn Beazley AO FAA FTSE, Murdoch University (elected 2019)
  • Dr Simon Poole AO FAA FTSE, Cylite (elected 2020)
  • Professor Margaret Sheil AO FAA FTSE, Queensland University of Technology (elected 2021)
  • Dr Gregory Clark AC FAA FTSE, Australian National University (elected 2021)

The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the announcement of an Australian mRNA vaccine manufacturing capability. The agreement reached between the Victorian Government, the Commonwealth Government and Moderna will significantly grow our sovereign capability to respond to future pandemics, as well as respond to uniquely Australian problems.

The Academy first called for a sovereign RNA manufacturing capability in our pre-Federal budget submission in February 2021.

With today’s announcement the governments are taking a significant step towards creating an innovative RNA research and development ecosystem in Australia and becoming a global player in this disruptive industry, creating and manufacturing high-value RNA-based products domestically and exporting them to the world.

The Academy looks forward to future actions to ensure that the pipeline of knowledge and skills can adequately support these new facilities long into the future, such as developing a National RNA Science and Technology roadmap and developing the infrastructure and pilot manufacturing to support clinical trials and new applications of this science in areas of Australian strength and needs.

Developing capability to manufacture and use RNA in multiple areas is an opportunity that Australia must seize. We have many world-leading experts in RNA science and biomaterials located within our universities and research agencies.

The Academy is supportive of the establishment of a manufacturing capability with the ability to produce mRNA-based vaccines. The opportunity to take advantage of the potential to develop more advanced uses of RNA therapies and technologies in the future, including the treatment of disorders such as arthritis, cancer and malaria and producing environmentally friendly biopesticides, should be seized.

Background information

In July 2021, the Academy convened the National RNA Science and Technology Roundtable in partnership with the Australia and New Zealand RNA Production Consortium.

The roundtable gathered 38 of Australia’s leading experts in RNA to identify national research priorities and make recommendations for creating a productive and sustainable pipeline of knowledge from discovery research to translation that will lead to clinical stage and commercial RNA manufacturing in Australia. An outcome statement from the roundtable and the full proceedings of the roundtable can be found on the Academy website.

Uniquely Australian problems stand to be solved by RNA science, including sensing new biosecurity threats, and supporting climate change adaptation in agriculture.

Throughout 2021, the Australian Academy of Science has again sought to place science at the service of the nation and to make science available to everyone. Here is month-by-month a snapshot of the year that was.

January

With the pandemic continuing into 2021, and Australia’s vaccination strategy central to the national dialogue, the Academy began the year with our President, Professor John Shine, urging Australians to continue to consult reputable sources of evidence.

We were proud to see five Academy Fellows among the Australians recognised in the 2021 Australia Day Honours List, including Emeritus Professor Cheryl Praeger AC FAA who was among only four Australians to receive the highest honour.

February

In February we announced that work has begun to repair the roof of our home – the Shine Dome – following the 2020 hailstorm. Works are now complete.

We hosted a panel of experts from across New Zealand, Taiwan and Australia to discuss different testing and tracing approaches for COVID-19, and published a pre-budget submission calling for the development of mRNA vaccine manufacturing capability in Australia.

March

The Academy published a petition, signed by 90 scientists, calling for Kathleen Folbigg’s immediate pardon and release from jail based on newly available medical and scientific evidence, led by Academy Fellow Professor Carola Vinuesa. The pardon petition is currently being considered by the NSW Attorney General. This case highlights the urgent need for law reform such that evidence can be appropriately considered by the judiciary.

We published a video looking at La Niña, which contributed to mass flooding in New South Wales and Queensland and has now been declared for a second year in a row.

We also published a landmark report, The risks to Australia of a 3°C warmer world, discussing the climate impacts on the lives and wellbeing of Australians if greenhouse gas emissions remain unchecked.

April

We started the month of April with a message to the future, contained in a time capsule placed under the roof of the Shine Dome, and several days later, we stopped to pay tribute to the passing of HRH Prince Phillip, the Duke of Edinburgh and Royal Fellow of the Academy.

Future Earth Australia, a program hosted by the Academy, held a national climate adaptation summit, outlining critical priorities for Australia’s adaption to climate change. We published the known facts about the AstraZeneca vaccine, a video about a new type of flu vaccine, and an article on how vaccines are safety tested.

We hosted our first event in our Food for Thought series , and launched Science at the Shine Dome 2021, which was successfully delivered in a hybrid format for the first time.

May

In May, we launched a new guide about the science of immunisation to help counter misinformation and uncertainty surrounding vaccines.

We were very proud to announce our 2021 New Fellows and Corresponding Members, who represent some of our best scientific minds. The project to digitise the Academy’s archives continued to reveal some extraordinary material.

Emeritus Professor Cheryl Praeger presented the inaugural Ruby Payne-Scott Lecture, and we hosted a virtual think tank with the Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) called Reboot STEMM.

June

The ‘blue ribbon’ of rivers and oceans surrounding Australia was at the forefront as Future Earth Australia launched a ten-year strategy for a just and environmentally sustainable future, with grassroots initiatives playing a key role in the stewardship of oceans and coasts.

Australia’s rich biodiversity was also found to be rich in more ways than one, with a Taxonomy Australia report finding each $1 invested in discovering all remaining Australian species will bring up to $35 of economic benefits.

The Queen’s Birthday honours were announced, with four Fellows of the Academy joining the Order of Australia, a national roundtable on RNA science and research was held at the Shine Dome, and science funding was broken down in a Science for Australians article.

July

Women in STEM fields across the Asia-Pacific region faced heightened challenges and barriers to progressing their careers due to COVID-19, an Academy report found in July, while the future of the Shine Dome and sustainable cultural heritage research was discussed at the Shine Dome.

The risks and benefits of getting a COVID-19 vaccine were covered in an Academy campaign, we published an explainer about the different variants including Delta (and later, Omicron), and we explored the relationship between pregnancies, periods and COVID-19 vaccines in our COVID-19 partnership with the Department of Health.

Science at the Shine Dome continued with Professor Andrew Holmes presenting the Matthew Flinders Lecture. We also hosted a NAIDOC Week event about challenges in Indigenous health and medical research called Healing Country.

August

The Academy renewed its call for the NSW Governor to pardon Kathleen Folbigg and release her from jail following the exploration of her case by 60 Minutes.

The Academy also continued our sustained focus on climate change by urging decision makers to act on the latest global IPCC report, and together with all other of Australia’s learned academies we proudly outlined our support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, committing to participate in the creation of a harmonised, national research culture through tangible actions.

We made several submissions to government, including on mitochondrial donation law reform, created a series of graphics placing in perspective the risks associated with the Astra Zeneca vaccine and produced several videos on animals including the Antechinus and the brown marmorated stink bug.

As part of Science at the Shine Dome, we hosted a virtual symposium, “Science and the Public Good”, the talks from which were broadcast on ABC Radio National.

September

We launched the STEM Women Asia directory, a platform for women across Asia and Oceania to increase their representation at all stages of their STEM career, and signed a joint statement with science academies in G20 countries on ‘Pandemic preparedness and the role of science’.

Nine researchers from around Australia competed in the sixth Falling Walls Lab Australia event, hosted by the Academy, with three winning the chance to present their ideas on the world stage in Berlin. The Academy’s Career Honorifics presentations were broadcast as part of Science at the Shine Dome.

We also published articles on extreme rainfall variations, Australian agriculture and climate change, and a video on the reintroduction of nearly-extinct bettongs.

October

In October, as the Federal Government announced Australia’s commitment to net-zero by 2050, we launched our Climate Change Hub—which includes educational videos, policy reports, links to experts in renewable technologies and more—as a tool for policymakers, researchers and the public.

The Academy published a seminal report identifying opportunities to advance data-intensive research in Australia by aligning research policy, research infrastructure, skills and education, and recognising data science as a distinct scientific discipline.

We also published an open letter to the NSW Environment Minister, calling for feral horses to be removed to protect the native Australian plants, animals and ecosystems of Kosciuszko National Park and surrounds. The NSW Government has since committed to reducing feral horse numbers from approximately 14,000 to 3,000 by June 2027.

Future Earth Australia also began development of a ‘National Strategy for Just Adaptation’, and the Academy published videos on number of topics, including the effects of microplastics on climate change.

November

The headline in November was the announcement of physicist Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC, who arrived from Australia from India in 1990, as the incoming President of the Academy.

Earlier that month we heard talks from our 2020 and 2021 New Fellows as the final events of Science at the Shine Dome 2021.

As COP26 drew to a close, we issued a joint statement with Australia’s learned academies, promising our collective insights, solutions and knowledge on the path to net-zero emissions, and produced a video on Australia’s current emissions situation.

At the Shine Dome, our Chief Executive Anna-Maria Arabia was awarded one of Italy’s highest civilian honours, while the Academy’s library and manuscript collection was assessed as of ‘immense research significance’.

December

In December we hosted a roundtable with the Australian Academy of Law on World Heritage and climate change, produced an article on ‘long COVID’ and published our 6^th annual Fellows’ Christmas Book and Podcast List.

The Academy would not be able to do all this work without our generous partners and sponsors from the private, government, science and education sectors, along with many generous donors.

Finally, our Fellows are the Academy, and we thank them for their contributions not only to the Academy, but to the success and prosperity of Australia.

We can’t wait to see what 2022 brings!

The Australian Academy of Science is pleased to welcome three new appointments to senior roles: Dr Petra Lundgren, Director of Future Earth Australia; Zach Ghirardello, Director, Diversity and Inclusion and Andrew Hood, Chief Information Officer.

A more sustainable world for all

Dr Petra Lundgren will take up the role leading Future Earth Australia in early 2022.

She brings a diverse and international background to Future Earth Australia, with over 25 years of experience spanning academia, government, development cooperation and the not-for-profit sector.

Petra has worked in Europe, East Africa and Australia, and says her focus has always been on translating and integrating scientific innovation and discovery into policy and environmental conservation.

She says she is driven by the conviction that a more sustainable world for all can only be achieved through a proper transdisciplinary approach, which requires engagement across academia, government, industry and civil society.

“I hope to put my diverse background and global network to good use in forming solutions to global and national sustainability challenges,” says Petra.

“I’m looking forward to being part of FEA as it enters into its next exciting chapter.”

An intersectional lens on science

Zach Ghirardello is joining the Academy’s Diversity and Inclusion team in December.

He brings to the role extensive experience in all aspects of diversity and inclusion, and has worked with all parts of the economy to advance equity in Australia. Zach was most recently Membership and Partnership Manager of Diversity Council Australia.

He is passionate about gender equality, social justice, and environmental issues.

“My background in the corporate sector has also shown me the benefits of harnessing Australia’s scientific contributions with an intersectional lens, through diversity of thought and meaningful representation,” says Zach.

“I am excited for the opportunity to join the Australian Academy of Science at a time when diverse thought and inclusive practices are increasingly acknowledged to drive long-term success.

“I look forward to contributing to the Academy’s commitment to support excellence in science and empower the next generation of scientists.”

An ICT strategy for the future

Andrew Hood commenced his role in November.

Working previously in the public service, his most recent role was as acting CIO at the National Gallery of Australia, where he led infrastructure projects to modernise the National Gallery’s information and communication technology (ICT), including major network upgrades.

“My focus at the Academy will be the development of an ICT strategy for the future,” says Andrew.

“I’m optimistic about providing a valuable contribution to the operations of the Academy.”

Farewells

The Academy is grateful for the contributions and leadership brought to the Academy by outgoing staff in these roles:

• Louise Moes, Manager, Diversity and Inclusion,
• Dr Tayanah O’Donnell, Director of Future Earth Australia, and
• Patricia Leahey, Chief Information Officer.

The Academy wishes them every success in their next chapters.

Australian experts are calling for the challenges of climate change to be used as a catalyst for positive changes to help conserve the world’s most precious heritage places.

The experts suggest that the adoption of a consistent and transparent climate change vulnerability index across all World Heritage processes would help countries better understand and respond when their World Heritage sites are threatened by climate change.

The proposal was among ideas put forward by eighteen experts in natural and cultural heritage, climate change and diplomacy at a national roundtable yesterday.

The roundtable was convened by the Australian Academy of Science in consultation with the Australian Academy of Law.

The experts also proposed a new type or subset of the endangered listing system for World Heritage properties to reflect climate risk and that could also identify those properties facing novel or emerging climate impacts.

The Australian Academy of Science’s Vice President and Secretary for Biological Sciences Professor Helene Marsh AO was one of the experts involved in the national roundtable.

She said it aimed to generate ideas to help the world deal with the operational and legal challenges to World Heritage sites posed by climate change.

“The World Heritage Convention will need to revise its operational guidelines to ensure it can continue to protect places of significance to humankind,” said Professor Marsh.

“We look forward to the ideas from this roundtable being tested and enhanced by others and considered by UNESCO’s World Heritage Climate Policy working group.

“It is also hoped that other countries will be able to gather their experts and generate ideas in a similar way to find the most appropriate solutions for the challenges faced.”

Earlier this year, the operations of the World Heritage Committee made global headlines when it considered whether the Great Barrier Reef should be inscribed on the World Heritage ‘In Danger List’, mainly because of the impacts of climate change.

Australia has a high number of World Heritage properties threatened by climate change. Last year, the International Union for the Conservation of Nature rated 11 of Australia’s 16 natural and mixed World Heritage properties as being at high risk from climate change.

Additional ideas that emerged from the roundtable and the list of roundtable participants can be found in the World Heritage Convention and Climate Change Roundtable Statement.

How do Australia's top minds relax?

The Australian Academy of Science’s 6th Annual Fellows’ Christmas Book and Podcast List has been released, with recommendations from Australia's leading scientists.

Whether you're looking to tickle your grey matter or tug on your heartstrings, there is something for everyone in this year's list.

Below is a small sample of this year's recommendations:

Books

Ciara's gift: Grief Edged with Gold, by Una Glennon

Recommended by Professor Cheryl Praeger AC FAA

"This is an intensely moving, beautifully written account of memories and reflections of a mother about her daughter. Ciara Glennon’s murder was a lasting scar on the Western Australian community, and totally devastating for her family. Una Glennon’s courage in writing this book is a gift to all who have faced the heartbreak of grief."

Cold Coast, by Robyn Mundy

Recommended by Professor David Lindenmayer AO FAA

"An extraordinary epic story about the first woman fur trapper on Svalbard—based on a real Norwegian. Evocative imagery and a classic narrative of a remarkable person and stunning location."

Everything You Need to Know About the Uluru Statement from the Heart, by Megan Davis and George Williams

Recommended by Emeritus Professor John Patrick FAA

"Written by two acclaimed international experts in constitutional law, and deeply involved in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander matters, the text delivers in spades on what the title promises for those not familiar with constitutional law. The reader is taken on an historical journey from 1770 to the present that builds a compelling case for the recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders in the Australian Constitution and the framework upon which this can be achieved—Voice, Treaty, Truth."

The Soul of Genius: Marie Curie, Albert Einstein and the Meeting that Changed the Course of Science, by Jeffrey Orens

Recommended by Professor Fiona Stanley AC FAA FAHMS(Hon) FASSA

"This book describes the Solway Conferences, set up in 1911 by a business man (Ernest Solway) passionate about science and how it could improve society (physics, chemistry and even the social sciences). The issue of this time was the realisation that classical physics was giving way to quantum theory—which would change the course of science (in our world and in the universe). It describes the scientific and personal lives of both Marie Curie and Albert Einstein, the appalling way in which Curie was condemned for her affair with Paul Langevin and how Einstein supported her. Beautifully written."

Transcend: The New Science of Self-Actualization, by Scott Barry Kaufman

Recommended by Professor Robert C Williamson FAA

"Scientists love to talk about their science, but perhaps not their subjective experience of doing it. Kaufman’s book is a detailed exposition of psychologist Abraham Maslow’s thinking on what makes us human. Any non-scientist who wants to understand what makes scientists work so hard at their science will learn, amongst other things, from this book why they do: they have a purpose; a large goal outside themselves, which they pursue with a passion, and, crucially, which provides intrinsic meaning to their lives."

Interestingly Enough... The Life of Tom Keneally, by Stephany Evans Steggall

Recommended by Professor Lois Salamonsen FAA

"Tom Keneally is one of Australia’s most awarded and prolific authors and a great storyteller. This biography provides considerable insight into the influences (particularly of the Catholic church) on his life, his need to be productive in order to support his family, and his unerring nose for a good story. While ‘Schindler’s Ark’ is the best known of his books, this well-written coverage of the widely ranging topics of his books (including a major history of the Irish diaspora and his unforgettable story of Eritrea during its long war) provides insights into Tom’s writing that will delight all of his readers."

Audio and video

Herbert Blomstedt conducting the Vienna Philharmonic in Bruckner (video)

Recommended by Professor The Honourable Barry Jones AC FAA FTSE FAHA FASSA

"Even if you are not familiar with Bruckner’s symphonies, or if complex music has passed you by, it is immensely rewarding to see a master conducting at an exalted level at the age of 94. Start with Symphony No. 4, filmed in September 2021. Or if Mozart is more to your taste, look for Menahem Pressler playing his Piano Concerto No. 20, in his debut with the Berlin Philharmonic, at the age of 90 (I’m serious)."

Cautionary Tales, by Tim Harford (podcast)

Recommended by Professor Brian Schmidt AC FAA FRS Nobel Laureate

"Lessons from history that talk about how people’s decisions and the psychology behind them have profound implications—often with a good and bad side, and always a lesson. Very entertaining and thought provoking, they are great case studies for being an academic leader."