Visit STEM Women

Australian women in STEM will be more visible thanks to a new resource showcasing the depth of talent of those working in the field.

STEM Women is an online directory of women in Australia working in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

The Australian Academy of Science developed the directory in partnership with the CSIRO, Science & Technology Australia, and the Australian Science Media Centre, with financial support from the Australian Government.

Academy President, Professor John Shine said seeing and hearing from women in STEM is a priority.

“When women from diverse STEM careers speak in the media, at public events, and in boardrooms and classrooms, they can inspire girls and women to follow in their footsteps,” Professor Shine said.

“I’d like to see more women in STEM being part of the public discourse. It’s good for gender equity, science communication and it’s good for the next generation of would-be scientists coming up through the ranks.

“And if you’re in the media looking to interview a woman in STEM or you are organising a conference or event, I urge you to use this resource.” 

STEM Women links a diverse range of women with opportunities to progress their careers and personal capabilities such as speaking at conferences, being part of committees and boards, being nominated for awards and being interviewed in the media.

Users of the database can search for women in STEM based on their expertise, location and other search fields. Users can create their own shortlist and then message experts directly.

Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews urged Australian women in STEM to take part.

“To all the talented Australian women in STEM out there, I say hop online and sign up to STEM Women,” Minister Andrews said.

“You would be a visible STEM role model and a positive force for inspiring more women and girls into STEM.”

Australia’s Women in STEM Ambassador, Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith said the great scientific and technological transformation Australia is currently experiencing belongs to STEM professionals of all genders and backgrounds.

“Let’s tell those stories in full, without prejudice—to inspire all Australians,” Professor Harvey-Smith said. 

For more information: stemwomen.org.au

Nutrition science offers huge untapped potential to boost the health and wealth of the nation. But what does the typical Australian diet look like? How can it be improved—from paddock to plate—to target health and wellbeing for all Australians, at all ages? And how can consumers make sense of the blizzard of unreliable and conflicting nutrition advice?

These and other major questions are addressed in Nourishing Australia: a decadal plan for the science of nutrition, developed by the Australian Academy of Science.

The 10-year plan, launched today at Parliament House by the Minister for Agriculture, Senator Bridget McKenzie, outlines four essential areas where the science of nutrition will contribute to enhancing the health of Australians:

1. social factors that determine dietary choices
2. nutrition mechanisms underpinning healthy and productive lives
3. precision and personalised nutrition that account for differences between people
4. education and research training to ensure that Australians are empowered to make knowledgeable dietary choices.

The plan outlines how these four pillars will generate a greater understanding of why individuals make dietary choices and how we can develop and incorporate new knowledge of nutritional genomics and individualised nutrition therapies. It recognises that Australians are hungry for information about nutrition, foods and dietary patterns and the effects they have on the body. 

Chair of the Academy’s National Committee for Nutrition, Professor Mike Gidley from the University of Queensland, said Australia does not currently have large-scale longitudinal data on food intake, nutrition status and relationships with societal determinants and health outcomes for its population.

“National nutrition surveys are infrequent and irregular, resulting in a lack of current information on the relationship between food intake and health outcomes for Australians,” Professor Gidley said.

“There is an urgent need to utilise new tools and digital technologies to assess the national diet on a population-wide scale,” Professor Gidley said.

“Bringing nutrition data together from a range of new data sources, such as citizen science, national surveys, prospective cohort studies, clinical trials and more, has the potential to provide much richer datasets and will give us a clearer picture of how diet relates to health outcomes over time.

“Indeed, without a strengthened contribution from the social, economic and environmental disciplines to the science of nutrition, traditional approaches will not deliver their potential benefits in translating all this new knowledge into improvements in our health.”

Co-chair of the plan’s Expert Working Group, Professor Stephen Simpson from the University of Sydney, said Australia enjoys a global reputation for its nutrition science, one of many disciplines where we punch above our weight.

“In combination with established strengths in our agrifood industry, medical technology, social sciences and higher education sectors, Australia is entering an era of opportunity to be a regional and global leader in broadening the science of nutrition and linking it to health, social, and economic outcomes for the benefit of all Australians,” said Professor Simpson, who is also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.

“Nourishing Australia outlines steps that need to be taken over the next ten years to secure our future.”

The Academy acknowledges the financial support from the Australian Research Council’s Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects fund to develop this plan. The plan is aspirational and further consultation is needed prior to implementation.

Emeritus Professor Chris Rizos, an observer on the Academy’s National Committee for Earth Sciences, was voted in as President-Elect of the International Union for Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) during the General Assembly on 16 July.

The IUGG is a non-profit global organisation dedicated to promoting international cooperation in earth sciences.

Through his new role, Professor Rizos hopes to raise visibility of IUGG and communicate its continued relevance for global science, as well as increase engagement with early-career scientists in developing countries.

Professor Elaine Sadler AO FAA, the Academy’s Foreign Secretary, commended Professor Rizos on his election and its impact on science in Australia.

“Professor Rizos’s appointment is an excellent example of Australia’s reputation as an active and valuable member of the international science community,” she said, “His service will enhance Australia’s authority on the international stage and cultivate relationships that can facilitate meaningful research.”

Professor Rizos is the second Australian President in the union’s 100-year history. He is a professor of geodesy and navigation at UNSW Sydney, a member of the bureau of the IUGG, and previously served as Chair on the union’s Visioning Committee and the Strategic Planning Committee.

The IUGG meeting also saw Academy Fellow Professor Brian Kennett AO FAA FRS awarded the International Association of Seismology and Physics of the Earth’s Interior (IASPEI) Medal 2019 for his contributions to seismology and to IASPEI.

The medal, presented on 13 July, recognises his scientific achievements and efforts to sustain IASPEI goals and activities.

Professor Trevor McDougall AC FAA FRS was also elected President of the International Association for the Physical Sciences of the Oceans (IAPSO), the primary body responsible for maintaining and improving oceanographic standards and practices. Professor McDougall was previously Vice-President of IAPSO and he is Scientia Professor at the UNSW School of Mathematics and Statistics.

The Academy’s involvement in the IUGG General Assembly included a networking reception to celebrate Australian geodesy and geophysics, commemorate the IUGG’s centenary and recognise Australia’s role as one of the union's nine founding members.

Regulatory barriers that limit timely access to population and health data must be resolved to achieve better health outcomes for Australians, according to leading scientists and medical health researchers.

The Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences are calling for the COAG Health Council to address health data availability and linkage as a priority at its next meeting later this year.

The call follows a roundtable convened by the two academies that brought together some of Australia’s leading health and medical researchers, clinicians and other experts to identify areas for improvement.

President of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, Professor Ian Frazer, said that there is a real opportunity to harness the power of data to drive improvements in health outcomes—by creating an environment in which the safe and secure use of patient data is balanced with the rights and interests of individuals.

“The intelligent use of health data gathered from the community is a critical part of moving towards better and more cost-effective health systems. Research studies using aggregated data revealed, for instance, the link between smoking and lung cancer, and the unfortunate consequences of iodine deficiency in infants.

“There are some valuable initiatives in Australia that are improving data access and linkage for legitimate research purposes, but more needs to be done to make data available and hence broaden the impact of such efforts.

“There remains a plethora of complex jurisdictional, legal and ethical regulations that limit the ability of researchers and clinicians to effectively access and use aggregated health data to improve care. Access to health data for research can lead to interventions that have real and immediate impact on community health, and can also potentially avert unwanted rare but significant health problems associated with drugs and implanted devices” said Professor Frazer, who is also a Fellow of the Australian Academy of Science.

A 2018 ‘Flying Blind’ report by the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre and CMCRC cites a NHMRC-funded study which took three years to gain Commonwealth approval. In the study cancer notifications were linked with de-identified Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) data. Researchers found an increased cancer risk for some individuals exposed to CT scans. The case study is explained further below.

The Australian Academy of Science’s Professor Michael Barber said recent advances in health and medical technologies and research methods means there is a significant opportunity for Australia to realise innovation and improvement in preventative health, medicine and healthcare.

“Australia, led by action from federal and state and territory health ministers, needs to build on existing efforts to enable efficient, rigorous, safe and secure use of data for research, while protecting the rights and interests of individuals,” Professor Barber said.

The academies are calling for renewed and expanded action in the following areas:

• Resolve regulatory barriers limiting timely access to existing population and health data collected at state and national levels. In this context, Australia can learn from jurisdictions such as Scotland, Canada and New Zealand. In addition, better access to private sector held data will help resolve inefficiencies.
• Enhance medical and community understanding of, and protocols for safe and ethical collection, storage, synthesis and analysis of health data.
• At Commonwealth level build upon successful state-based linkage programs such as the Public Health Research Network.
• Develop new approaches to accessing and utilising data from novel sources, including the Internet of Things, social media and wearables.
• Ensure continued engagement with and respect for Indigenous data sovereignty.
• Further improve the quality and reliability of health and medical data collections.
• Bolster efforts to generate a data-skilled clinical and research workforce through expanded professional and post-graduate training programs.

Read the communique: Improving accessibility and linkage of data to achieve better health outcomes for all Australians

Background information—Flying Blind Case Study

In 2008, researchers at the University of Melbourne received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) to investigate whether CT scans increased the risk of cancer by linking cancer notifications (held by the states and territories) with de-identified Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) data. However, the study was seriously delayed: Commonwealth approval took three years to gain. After linking the necessary data, the researchers found that cancer risk was increased by an average of 24% for individuals exposed to CT scans before the age of 20; for those exposed at ‘very young ages’, the risk was 200% higher. The results were published in the British Medical Journal in 2013 (39) and led to the development of educational materials a year later aimed at making both radiologists and the public aware of the risks. The delays encountered by the researchers may well have led to a number of unnecessary exposures to CT radiation, and, in the longer run, unnecessary cancers. Source

Five Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science are among the recipients of the Australian Research Council’s Linkage Projects scheme, announced today by the Hon. Dan Tehan MP, Minister for Education.

The Linkage Projects scheme supports university researchers to find practical solutions to problems and challenges in real-world, industry-based settings.

The funding for research partnerships includes:

• $484,189 for Queensland University of Technology to lead a project to revolutionise water-quality monitoring in the information age with automated low-cost sensors and novel statistical methods. The research will be led by Professor Kerrie Mengersen FAA and collaborators.
• $442,000 for the Australian National University to research more comprehensive 3D models of the seismic structure of Southwest Australia to enhance assessment of seismic activity and improve understanding of the mineral resource potential. The research will be led by Associate Professor Meghan Miller, Professor Brian Kennett AO FAA FRS and colleagues.
• $664,511 for UNSW Sydney to improve productivity in emergency services personnel by evaluating a program that reduces stress reactions and increases cognitive functioning in high-stress work environments. The research will be led by Professor Richard Bryant AC FAA and Associate Professor Samuel Harvey.
• $206,100 for Deakin University to research next-generation solid-state batteries to drive an automotive revolution. The project seeks to generate new knowledge in battery materials and design. The research will be led by Associate Professor Patrick Howlett, Professor Maria Forsyth FAA and colleagues.
• $612,074 for the University of Melbourne to research high-fidelity, long lasting, single-neuron brain machine interfaces—knowledge that is critically important to the development of technologies that interface electronics with the human body. The research will be led by Professor Steven Prawer FAA and colleagues.

More information about the grants and awardees from previous rounds of funding who are Fellows of the Academy

The Academy has announced the recipients of the France and Europe early- and mid-career (EMCR) mobility grants for 2019, who have been awarded a share of the total $71,785 in funding. These grants are intended to strengthen international research networks, providing support of up to $5000 for Australian researchers to travel to France and Europe and work with leading researchers at major science and technology organisations for a period of between 14 and 28 days. 

The Rod Rickards Fellowship, which supports researchers to travel to Europe for collaborative research in chemistry or biology, has been awarded to 11 Australian early- and mid-career researchers. The recipients are:

• Dr Jessica Allen, University of Newcastle
• Dr Ryan Burrows, Griffith University
• Dr Xiaoying Cui, University of Queensland
• Dr Tim Gould, Griffith University
• Dr Meiling Han, Monash University
• Dr Clarissa House, Western Sydney University
• Dr Jennifer Macleod, Queensland University of Technology
• Associate Professor Alister Page, University of Newcastle
• Dr Onisha Patel, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research
• Dr Mohammad Pourkheirandish, University of Melbourne
• Dr Christian Rinke, Australian Centre for Ecogenomics.

Additionally, four Bede Morris Memorial Fund grants have been awarded to support researchers to travel to France for research in any field of natural sciences. The 2019 recipients of the Bede Morris grants are:

• Professor Igor Aharonovich, UTS
• Dr Kirill Glavatskiy, University of Sydney
• Dr Margaux Le Vaillant, CSIRO
• Dr Peta Neale, Griffith University.

These mobility grants are possible due to the generous support of the Rod Rickards Fellowships and the Bede Morris Memorial Fund, which continue the legacy of two outstanding scientists, Professor Bede Morris FAA (1927–1988) and Professor Rod Rickards FAA (1934–2007).

More information on the France and Europe EMCR Mobility Grants

The Australian Academy of Science welcomes Louise Moes to the role of Manager Diversity and Inclusion, and the appointment of Paul Richards as Director Communications and Outreach.

Louise Moes brings significant experience having developed diversity and social inclusion strategies, policy and solutions across not for profit, government and education sectors in Australia and the UK. Louise has undertaken work in relation to Indigenous and gender national policy, health and domestic and family violence and has led strategies focusing on economic development, education and the future of work. 

Academy Chief Executive Anna-Maria Arabia said Louise has a strong track record of effecting change at a national level and has much experience in engaging with a wide range of stakeholders.

“Louise will play a key leadership role as the Academy aims to be a national leader in diversity and inclusion in the science sector,” Anna-Maria Arabia said.

Paul Richards steps into his new role from July, having previously managed the Academy’s digital strategy and video production capability. He replaces Dr Melanie Bagg who will commence as CEO of the National Youth Science Forum.

Paul joined the Academy two years ago after a 17-year journalism career including 10 years at Channel Seven’s Sunrise program, which remained Australia’s number one breakfast TV program while Paul was in the role.

Ms Arabia said Paul has played an integral role in the success of the Academy’s communications and outreach initiatives since joining the organisation.

“Our online audience has exploded in the past two years from 9000 followers on Facebook to over 1.5 million. Paul has seamlessly meshed his deep experience in journalism with scientific excellence and will lead further growth of the Academy’s outreach activities.

“The Academy extends its gratitude to Melanie Bagg for her outstanding contribution and wishes her every success in her next chapter,” Anna-Maria Arabia concluded.

Seven Academy Fellows have been recognised in this year’s Queen’s Birthday honours list, including three who have received Australia’s highest accolade for their work, named as Companions in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

Professor David Burke AC FAA FTSE has been named a Companion for his eminent service to neurophysiology, to innovative treatments for spinal cord and brain trauma injuries, and to professional medical organisations.

Professor Alan Cowman AC FAA FRS has been honoured for his eminent service to the biological sciences, notably to molecular parasitology, to medical research and scientific education, and as a mentor.

Emeritus Professor Leo Radom AC FAA has been recognised for his eminent service to science, particularly to computational chemistry, as an academic, author and mentor, and to international scientific bodies.

Four Academy Fellows have also been recognised as Officers in the General Division of the Order of Australia.

Professor Linda Richards AO FAA has been recognised for her distinguished service to medical research and education in the field of developmental neurobiology, and to community engagement in science.

Professor Frances Separovic AO FAA has been awarded for her distinguished service to science education, particularly to biophysical chemistry, as an academic, and to young women in science.

Professor Michelle Simmons AO FAA FRS FTSE has been acknowledged for her distinguished service to science education as a leader in quantum and atomic electronics, and as a role model.

Professor Mark von Itzstein AO FAA has been recognised for his distinguished service to medical research and education in the field of structural biology and glycochemistry, and as a mentor.

Delivered 9 am Wednesday 29 May 2019, Shine Dome, Canberra

Check against delivery

Australian Academy of Science President, Professor John Shine

Fellows of the Academy, colleagues. distinguished guests, friends

Welcome to Science at the Shine Dome 2019.

Before I begin, I too would like to acknowledge the traditional custodians of the land on which we meet, the Ngunnawal people.

I would also like to add my personal thanks and acknowledgement to the sponsors mentioned by Anna-Maria whose generosity has made this event possible and allowed it to reach more people.

It is customary for the President to deliver an annual address at Science at the Shine Dome.

In this 65th anniversary year of the Academy and 60th year of the Shine Dome I would like to use the opportunity to reflect on the Academy’s beginnings, the role it has played in the science sector and to raise awareness of the Academy’s priorities going forward.

From its inception, the Academy was critical in shaping the architecture that supports scientific research practice as we know it today.

By way of example, as early as 1958, just four years after the Academy was established and before this very building existed, the Academy’s Council discussed the idea of establishing an Australian National Science Trust to fund scientific research. 

It took two years for those discussions to materialise into a formal proposal which was handed to then Prime Minister Menzies in 1960.

Eventually, in 1965 the Prime Minister wrote to the Academy President to announce the establishment of an Australian Research Grants Commission, a body analogous to the National Science Trust that has been proposed by the Academy some 5 year earlier.

The Australian Research Grants Commission was to become the modern-day ARC—a fundamental component of our research ecosystem.

From its earliest days the Academy has been concerned with science policy in Australia.

In this area too, the Academy played a fundamental role in shaping the research landscape familiar to us today.

In 1967, the Academy recommended the establishment of an Advisory Committee on Science and Technology. 

Finally, five years later, in 1972 Prime Minister William McMahon announced the formation of such a body. 

Subsequent governments changed the composition of the Committee and its Terms of Reference with the Howard Government transitioning this body to the Prime Minister’s Science and Technology Council.

Today, this committee is known to you all as the National Science and Technology Council.

Much has changed, but much has remained the same. 

Through the advent of electronic communications, we have become less patient and more expectant of rapid change—but in reality, we would be wise to remember that it still takes decades for structural change to occur in the science sector.

We should also take comfort in the things that remain the same.

Not in the least, the Academy, 65 years on, still seeks to influence decision makers so as to ensure the foundations of scientific endeavour are robust and enable and facilitate the work of scientists across the country and across the globe.

And 65 years on the Academy’s commitment to excellence is as strong as it was amongst its founding fathers.

Provision of independent scientific advice

In addition to providing advice on the practice of science, much like in its early years, the Academy continues to provide independent scientific advice on a range of policy matters.

Such matters in the early years were described as ‘political’—issues such as Antarctica, international relations, climate change and preservation of the biosphere. 

In early 1970, when nuclear tests in the Pacific were planned by the French Government, Prime Minister Whitlam wrote to the Academy on 12 February seeking the Academy’s advice on the actual and potential harm to Australia from the explosions by France in the Pacific. The report was requested by the end of March—a six-week period.

The full account of this policy request is eloquently outlined in the Frank Fenner-edited book ‘The First Fifty Years’ of the Academy of Science. 

I encourage you to read it.

Upon close inspection the policy request challenged the Academy much as similar requests do today.

At the time, the Academy vehemently protected its independence. As it does today. 

In the early 1970s, the Academy was powerless to stop the politicisation of the advice it provided but it concluded that injection of the scientific evidence base into the controversial topic of nuclear testing in the pacific was not just necessary but a fundamental role of the Academy.

Today the Academy still seeks to provide independent and influential scientific advice. 

For example, I am particularly proud of the scientific advice the Academy was able to provide earlier this year to shed light on the causes of the mass fish deaths in the Darling River in NSW.

This issue was also mired in political controversy, but Fellows of this Academy in collaboration with Fellows of the other learned academies were able to remain focused and provide the necessary independent scientific evidence base in a four-week timeframe that allowed it to inform deliberations and drive policy changes.

Broadly, the principles that guide all advice provided by the Academy are clearly articulated and this advice is always made public on the Academy website. 

We are dispassionate, disinterested, apolitical and founded in expertise, and our advice follows standards of excellence, quality, independence and transparency.

I am pleased to say that the Academy enjoys a direct relationship with many ministers in government and across the parliament.

We operate in an environment where evidence and track record are questioned and challenged, institutions are given less credence and individual opinion is amplified more than ever before. 

In this often confused and conflicting environment, I would argue that the role of national academies as independent advisers to government and to the broader parliament has never been more important. 

Academies must use their convening power to bring to the table the voice and expertise science can and must provide to inform decision making.

Excellence and diversity

There is one aspect of the Academy which I am pleased has evolved significantly—our approach to diversity.

Many accounts of the early years spoke of the need to develop the Fellowship such that it comprised all scientific disciplines in both basic and applied science. The founding fathers were concerned with equipping the Academy with excellence and expertise such that it could adequately represent Australian science.

Today we know that we also make better decisions when the fellowship reflects the depth, breadth and diversity of the scientific sector. Diversity of discipline, geography, gender, culture, and more.

We cannot be excellent if we are not diverse and truly represent the diversity in the broader community.

I congratulate the 22 new Fellows and two Corresponding Members who were admitted to the Academy yesterday evening and who we will hear from this morning.

And I congratulate the award recipients who we will learn more about tomorrow.

Over the past five years, we have focused on diversity and inclusion, looking to ensure barriers and biases are removed and that the Academy applies and models best practice in nominating and electing Fellows and in conferring its awards.  

I am pleased that the culmination of those efforts has seen that of the 22 Fellows elected this year, 36 per cent are women. This is a result of a unified and committed effort by all in the Academy, including the Council, the Equity and Diversity Reference Group, and our 20 ‘Champions of Diversity’—Fellows who have identified, encouraged and mentored diverse nominees for Fellowship and awards.

I am also delighted that the Academy will confer the inaugural Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist Travelling Research Awards tomorrow.

Under-representation of senior women in the science pipeline remains one of the sector’s biggest challenges.

And it remains a challenge for the future election of diverse Fellows to the Academy. 

But we know that the Academy’s Fellowship can only be as diverse at the science pipeline.

I encourage leaders in this room to do what they can to actively address the under-representation of women and minorities in the science pipeline and to nominate women and under-represented groups for awards and fellowship.

[Diversity video plays]

To focus the efforts of all parts of the science or STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) ecosystem in addressing under-representation of women in STEM, in April this year the Academy delivered the Women in STEM Decadal Plan, a 10-year roadmap for achieving sustained increases in girls’ and women’s STEM participation and retention from school through to careers.

I pause to thank the University of Sydney who once again have supported accessibility, childcare and carer grants to enable participation by all here at Science at the Shine Dome. 

We know participants with caring responsibilities, whether they are caring for a young family, elderly parents or indeed managing any other circumstance, benefit from this support. We know because they tell us.

School STEM education

The Academy has had a long and fulfilling association with science education in schools.

From its inception, the Academy had a desire to assist science teachers to carry out research projects. These initial attempts proved to be unsustainable and led to the Academy developing a textbook for year 11 and 12 science students, The Web of Life, which adopted the inquiry approach to teaching.

In its day The Web of Life was the most successful curriculum development project in the world. 

It exerted a deep influence on the teaching of secondary biology and at the time was the most significant source of income for the Academy, enabling many of the Academy’s activities.

I recount this history, because today I am thrilled that in our audience we have 10 NSW Science Extension course students and their teachers. The Science Extension course is an innovative NSW course for year 12 students with an interest in scientific research.  Many of the students collaborate with practicing scientists and undertake research projects. 

Importantly they learn critical problem solving and analysis skills.

The student’s own words say it best.  An attending student from Gosford High School, in response to the question ‘Why are you interested in research?’ answered:

“Until beginning year 11 science courses, I was unaware of the full scope of academic and research sciences; however, through undertaking self-guided and self-chosen research, I have developed an appreciation for the process of science. Further, through participating in research I have identified my own curiosity and seen it manifest into a desire to question and understand the unknown.

Asking a question is inspiring but seeking the answer is what motivates me. Research sates curiosity, no matter the nature nor the person.”

The Academy has warmly welcomed the introduction of the NSW Science Extension Course and commends it for adoption by other states and territories.

In many ways, it realises the original education vision of the academy—to assist teachers carry out research projects for their students.

I would like to thank 3M, the STEM Education presenting partner, who has made this initiative possible.

International engagement

I also welcome international early- and mid-career (EMCR) researchers from Malaysia and Indonesia to this year’s Science at the Shine Dome. In the past year, the Academy has facilitated access to global science and technology and promoted strategic partnerships between Australian and overseas researchers, supported the formation of the International Science Council, and delivered international science activities on behalf of the Australian Government.

Australia continues to play a significant role internationally due to its strong representation on inter-Academy bodies and international scientific societies and unions.

Last month the Academy launched a report outlining the economic and scientific benefits of Australia’s membership of major global science organisations.

Unsurprisingly to many in this room, the direct economic benefits to Australia by hosting scientific meetings is significant, as are opportunities created by international research collaboration.

Scientific literacy

In the area of scientific literacy, the Academy continues to build public awareness and understanding of science both locally and internationally.

Our digital content is not only engaging and reaching large audiences across social and mainstream media, but importantly all of our content is rigorously fact checked by at least five Fellows.

We are informing the general public about the science that matters in their lives as well as presenting an integral source of information and truth to combat the global fight against fake news.   

On Facebook alone, 1.5 million people have opted to follow the Academy as a credible source of scientific information after connecting with our engaging videos, compelling articles and eye-catching images.

I thank the many Fellows who have been crucial to the success of the Academy’s video production capability, with 188 Fellows having either featured in or reviewed Academy digital content.

Close

In closing I would like to acknowledge the contribution made by outgoing member of the Executive Committee, Dr TJ Higgins, Secretary for Biological Sciences, and welcome the incoming secretary Professor Helene Marsh.

I also acknowledge outgoing Council members Professors Sam Berkovic, Steve Rintoul, and the late Scott Sloan who very sadly and suddenly passed away last month, and welcome incoming members Professors Ivan Marusic, Malcolm Sambridge, Carola Vinuesa and Bob Williamson

I also thank Professor Sue O’Reilly and Professor Ian Chubb for their continuing service.

Last but not least I would like to acknowledge and thank all of our partner organisations for this event.

Without their support, Science at the Shine Dome would not be the dynamic meeting of minds that it is today.

One of the unique aspects of this event is the dedicated EMCR program. I would like to thank our EMCR Engagement Partner, UniBank, and the many organisations who have sponsored individual EMCRs to attend.

Partnerships are deeply important for the future of the Academy, with many of our core activities only possible with the support of likeminded, independent organisations and individuals.

That ends my formal 2019 address. 

Ten of New South Wales’ brightest science students converged on Canberra in May to meet leading Australian scientists.

The new STEM education initiative by the Australian Academy of Science saw the group of Year 12 HSC Science Extension students and their teachers attend the Academy’s annual showcase of science, Science at the Shine Dome, for the first time.

Science Extension is a NSW Higher School Certificate course designed for Year 12 students with an interest in scientific research. It is the only science course of its type in Australia. Students undertake scientific research, in collaboration with a practising scientist to develop research and critical analysis skills and to apply evidence-based decision making.

The Academy’s Secretary for Education and Public Awareness, Professor Hans Bachor, said picking only ten students from 67 applications was no easy task.

“It is clear from meeting with this group of students that they are absolutely passionate about science, and after spending three days with some of Australia’s top scientists they have left with plenty of inspiration,” Professor Bachor said.

“What young people see of STEM professionals shapes their beliefs and career aspirations. The Academy’s Women in STEM 10-year plan published last month highlights the importance of role models.”

The students got the chance to have a Q&A session with Dr Andy Thomas, the first Australian-born citizen to fly as a NASA astronaut in space.

The ten students and their teachers attended Science at the Shine Dome thanks to the generous support of the Academy’s STEM education partner 3M. It’s Australia Managing Director, Makoto Itoh congratulated the Academy on creating a fantastic program to inspire Australia’s future scientists. 

“By providing equal opportunity to all NSW Science Extension students and including their science teachers, we’re creating a winning formula for success and the advancement of science in Australia,” Mr Itoh said.

“In future careers, these students could make their own scientific discoveries and apply them to solve some of life’s biggest problems. They could change the world—and that alone is worth its weight in gold.”

The ten students are:

Regional NSW

• Elijah Kinnane, Bateman’s Bay High—researching alternative recycling methods for PET plastics
• Ella Stephens, Great Lakes College, Forster—researching genetic technology and the role of PRioN proteins in the development of disease
• Jade Dedomenico, Bomaderry High—researching the efficiency and sustainability of algae biodiesel as an alternative to petroleum diesel
• Liam Flew, Gosford High—researching the product standards of carbon monoxide detectors
• Rochelle Hensley, Aurora Virtual College (Narrabri)—researching how the orientation of solar panels can impact on their efficiency.

Sydney Metropolitan

• Syed Taimoor Mansoor, East Hills Boys High—researching the effects of childhood maltreatment on interpersonal relationships during adolescence
• Katherine Willetts, Meriden School, Strathfield—researching published data on synaptic activity in the mouse brain
• Sarah Nelson, Northern Beaches Secondary College—researching the effect of citrus on the red worm’s ability to reproduce in household worm farms
• Caitlin Wartho, Pymble Ladies College—researching the effects of urban environments on local water systems
• April Abela, Glenmore Park High School—researching the available evidence on the consumption of processed meat and the link to colorectal, prostate or pancreatic cancer.

The Academy acknowledges the generous support of 3M.