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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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Supercomputing investment welcomed but long-term certainty for research infrastructure needed

Facilities for climate modelling, coastal monitoring and advanced computing are essential parts of the nation’s decision-making machinery.
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Ten-year strategy a promising step for health and medical research

The Academy has welcomed the National Health and Medical Research Strategy as a vital step towards building a thriving Australian research system.
Parliament House in Canberra

A starting point, not a solution: The 2026–27 Budget for Australian science

The Academy’s analysis of the 2026–27 Budget highlights first steps to reform Australia’s ailing R&D system, but measures won’t shift the dial on years of underinvestment.
Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC

Message from the President: April 2026

This newsletter marks my last as Academy President. As my term draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on what makes this Academy matter.
Three large telescope buildings under a starry night sky.

As the world looks up, Australia looks away

The Australian Government’s decision to withdraw from its association with the European Southern Observatory (ESO) is short-sighted and risks long-term damage to the country's astronomy capability.

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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.
Read more Register now
  • Face to face
  • Online
Public Speaker Series 2026 - Bright Minds card image

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.
Read more Register now
  • Face to face
  • Online

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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