Australian Science, Australia’s Future: Science 2035
Australian Science, Australia’s Future: Science 2035
A 10-year plan for how science will support our national ambitions
The Australian Academy of Science is developing a 10-year plan that will position science to support our national ambitions.
‘Australian Science, Australia’s Future: Science 2035’ will examine the capability of Australia’s science system, its ability to compete and collaborate globally, and its contribution to the nation’s economy, security, health and quality of life.
Our nation’s multiple challenges, from health to climate change, complex geopolitics and supply chain interruptions, along with technological and digital transformation, highlight the critical need for a strategic national approach to science to ensure we have the capacity and the talent to secure our future and our place in the world.
This initiative will:
explore ways to ensure Australia has the necessary scientific capability to meet an unpredictable future
evaluate national capability in science across the entire system, including schools, universities, VET, science-based institutions, industry and government
consider how science needs to evolve or change to meet our challenges and advance Australian interests locally and globally.
Why do we need a plan for science?
All Australians should have access to the underpinnings of a proud, secure and prosperous modern nation: quality education, leading healthcare, economic stability and a strong and resilient environment. They should benefit from the opportunities provided by a country that is fair, prosperous, secure and an exemplary global citizen.
Australia’s challenge is to ensure sovereign capability in science to adapt to an increasingly contested world.
Australia faces four major challenges:
Demographic change: Australia’s population is changing and ageing. It is growing, culturally and ethnically diverse and, while increasingly urban, is dispersed widely across regional and remote areas, creating unique challenges for the delivery of healthcare, education and food supply.
Technological transformation: Technological advances are accelerating at unprecedented speeds, including digitalisation and artificial intelligence. Sovereign capability will be critical for responsible adoption and implementation, security and economic resilience.
Climate change, decarbonisation and the environment: Australia must rapidly mitigate climate change and transform into a carbon-neutral nation. Simultaneously, it must anticipate, manage and adapt to a changing climate and build resilience across its economy, infrastructure, communities and environment.
Supply chain resilience: Australia lacks industrial diversity and onshore end-to-end capabilities for advanced manufacturing, making it susceptible to external shocks like trade disputes, extreme weather events, pandemics and military conflicts.
Get involved
Submissions to nominate scientific disciplines to underpin the four challenges and to nominate experts have now closed.
This decadal plan is being developed through untied funding from the Michael Dopita FAA bequest. The Academy gratefully acknowledges Professor Michael Dopita FAA whose gift was made “in the sure knowledge that the money will be well-spent in securing a more healthy, literate rational and science-driven future for all Australians”.
