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Australia's research system

Understanding the resourcing, policies and structures needed to unleash the full power of Australia’s research and development enterprise.
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Our focus

We are uniquely positioned to understand the resourcing, policies and structures needed to unleash the full power of Australia’s research and development enterprise and to position it as a strategic national asset.

Reconfiguring our R&D ecosystem will elevate Australian research in an era of technological, geopolitical and economic disruption and amidst intense global competition. Maintaining research quality, collaboration and commercialisation are required to meet national needs.

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A graphic outline of Australia with stylised overlay of phone with AI on it, an old lady smiling, a solar panel and a hand holding a petri dish with bacteria growing on it

Fix these eight critical gaps to meet intergenerational challenges

The future outlined in the 'Intergenerational report 2026' (IGR) will be built from science capability that we are on track to lose.
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The crisis facing Aussie science

Homegrown research can lead the world if we fix what’s holding it back, writes Academy President Professor Sam Berkovic AC.
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New National Competitive Grants Program a sensible response to scarcity

The Academy welcomes the renewed focus on supporting discovery research, but emphasises that redesign cannot compensate for declining investment.
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To make AI work for Australia’s interests, we must invest in Australian science

The Academy welcomes new AI announcements but warns coordination isn't enough – Australia needs sovereign AI capability, built on R&D investment.
Professor Sam Berkovic

Message from the President: June 2026

The Academy has launched its biggest campaign in our 72-year history. Join our effort to Restore Science.

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  • Current

Restore Science

The Academy of Science has launched the Restore Science campaign, built on new independent research into Australian public attitudes to science.

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  • Current

Incentivising business investment in R&D

The Australian Academy of Science is calling for an urgent national conversation on R&D investment in Australia.

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  • Planned

Australian Science, Australia's Future

Analysing Australia’s science capability to meet national challenges informed by the forces shaping our economy, the ASAF report identifies the eight science capabilities increasing most in demand over the coming decade.

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Bright Minds Bold Voices

Bright Minds, Bold Voices: From research to reality – Australia's opportunity

What happens when an influential Australian changemaker meets a trailblazing scientist? To find out, join the Australian Academy of Science for the 2026 Public Speaker Series.
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Bright Minds, Bold Voices: Food, science and the stories we swallow

Feed your curiosity with a fresh slice of the science behind what we crave, what we eat, and why.
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The Australian Academy of Science acknowledges and pays respects to the Traditional Owners of all the lands on which the Academy operates, and where its Fellows and employees live and work. The Academy recognises Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first innovators and scientists of this land and honour their enduring connection to Country, from which we are committed to learn. We pay our respects to, and recognise the cultural authority of, their Elders past and present.

© 2026 Australian Academy of Science. All rights reserved.
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