Previous items

February 2013

New interviews with Australian scientists available
The Academy's educational program Interviews with Australian Scientists has a new interview available with Professor Mandyam Srinivasan in conversation with Professor Graham Farquhar. The written transcript and teacher's notes are available here.
More information
(Posted 7 February, 2013)

January 2013

Fellows recognised in Australia Day Honours
Academy President, Professor Suzanne Cory, today extended her warm congratulations to all six Fellows recognised in the Australia Day Honours.  Professor Brian Schmidt was made Companion (AC) in the General Division of the Order of Australia; Officer (AO) in the General Division of the Order of Australia honours went to Professors Robert Graham Clark, Peter Hall, Marilyn Renfree and George Ernest Rogers, and; Professor Michael Dopita was made Member (AM) in the General Division of the Order of Australia.
More information
(Posted 30 January, 2013)

December 2012

Feature Fellow - Michael Archer
The Academy's second Feature Fellow showcases Professor Michael Archer, paleontologist and Fellow of the Academy since 2002. He has over 30 years’ experience in the evolutionary history of marsupials and monotremes.
More information
(Posted 21 December, 2012)

Academy's December newsletter is available
The December issue of the Academy’s newsletter is full of interesting articles including: UK Chief Scientific Advisor at the Shine Dome, visit by Corresponding Member Sir David Attenborough, Science by Doing update and wrap-up of the 2012 public lectures series.
More information
(Posted 21 December, 2012)

PrimaryConnections wins Australian Innovation award
Shelley Peers, the Director of PrimaryConnections, the Australian Academy of Science’s primary science education program, has won the Australian Innovation Challenge award for education. The awards, run by The Australian in association with Shell and with support from the Australian Government, aim to drive innovation breakthroughs to commercialisation or adoption.
More information
(Posted 12 December, 2012)

Postdoctoral and Invitational Fellowships to Japan
The Australian Academy of Science, in association with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science, invites applications from Australian researchers to undertake postdoctoral and invitational fellowships in Japan. Closing date is COB Friday 1 March 2013.
More information
(Posted 11 December, 2012)

Launch of Nanotechnology strategy
The National Nanotechnology Research Strategy was launched by Senator the Hon Kate Lundy, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation, at the Research School of Physics and Engineering at the Australian National University. The research strategy highlights a range of existing and emerging nanotechnology applications to improve community health and environmental stewardship, aid national security and revitalise Australian manufacturing.
More information
(Posted 7 December, 2012)

Grand plan for Australian physics evolution
The Physics Decadal Plan 2012-2021 – Building excellence in physics, developed by a working group of the Academy’s National Committee for Physics was launched by Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt. It presents the Australian physics community’s strategic vision and will ensure that the process of investment in teaching and research in physics in Australia continues for the next 10 years.
More information
(Posted 6 December, 2012)

Launch of Think Tank Recommendations on population
A ‘wellness rebate’, strengthening rail networks and speeding up the uptake of renewable energies are among the views put forward by a group of Australia’s top young scientists for the future of Australia’s population. The publication Recommendations from Australia’s population: shaping a vision for our future, launched by South Australian Minister for Science and Information Economy, Tom Kenyon, synthesises their ideas from a two day Think Tank held in July.
More information
(Posted 6 December, 2012)

November 2012

Feature Fellow launched - Brian Anderson
The Australian Academy of Science is launching a new Feature Fellow page which will give a quick snapshot about each of our Fellows. Every few weeks, we will feature a new Fellow by asking them to answer five questions about themselves. We start off the series with Professor Brian Anderson, past president of the Academy and electrical engineer.
More information
(Posted 29 November, 2012)

Science of Immunisation launched
The Australian Academy of Science launched the Science of Immunisation: Questions and Answers on 26 November. This publication aims to address confusion created by contradictory information in the public domain about vaccinations. It sets out to explain the current situation in immunisation science, including where there is consensus in the scientific community and where uncertainties exist.
More information
(Posted 26 November, 2012)

Early Days newsletter is here
Read the latest edition of Early Days newsletter, especially for early and mid career researchers. This issue explores best practices in Australian science, the Science Pathways meeting outcomes, Science meets Parliament 2012, funding opportunities and more about early career researchers.
More information
(Posted 23 November, 2012)

Ticking time bombs within the Human-Earth system
Companies with fossil fuel reserves are grossly overvalued, speakers told the Ticking time bombs in the Human-Earth system conference in Canberra. Organised by the Australian Academy of Science’s National Committee for Earth System Science, the conference held on 26-27 November at the Shine Dome in Canberra focused on several key issues in the human-earth system that require urgent attention.
More information
(Posted 22 November, 2012)

Past president - 2013 ACT Senior Australian of the Year
The Academy's past president Dr Jim Peacock AC has been awarded ACT Senior Australian of the Year 2013 for his work as an agricultural scientist. The ACT award recipients will join recipients from the other States and Territories as finalists for the national awards announced on 25 January 2013 in Canberra.
More information
(Posted 22 November, 2012)

Fertility scientist receives NSW top honour
Congratulations to Academy Fellow, Professor John Aitken for winning the 2012 NSW Scientist of the Year award for his outstanding work on fertility. Professor Aitken identified oxidative stress as a major cause of male infertility, resulting in new methods of therapeutic intervention and has patented a chemical contraceptive that kills sperm as well as the bacteria that cause sexually transmitted infections. Hear his Radio National AM interview and read an article in Sydney Morning Herald about his win.
More information
(Posted 15 November, 2012)

Adams solves cancer conundrum
Congratulations to cancer researcher Professor Jerry Adams who has won the Australian Academy of Science’s most prestigious award for biological sciences, the 2014 Macfarlane Burnet Medal. Professor Adams studies the natural process of cell death, or apoptosis, and how flaws in this process contribute to the development of blood cancers.
More information
(Posted 9 November, 2012)

October 2012

Academy Fellow wins PM's Prize for Science
Academy President Professor Suzanne Cory congratulates long-time Fellow Professor Kenneth Freeman for winning the 2012 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science. Professor Freeman co-established the field of galactic archaeology and was the first to idenify the necessity of dark matter in galaxies.
More information
(Posted 31 October, 2012)

New Interview with Australian Scientists available
The Academy's educational program Interviews with Australian Scientists has a new interview available with Dame Bridget Ogilvie in conversation with Robyn Williams. The written transcript and teacher's notes are available here.
More information
(Posted 31 October, 2012)

Primary Connections Director wins Purkwa prize
The Director of Primary Connections, Ms Shelley Peers, recently received the prestigious Purkwa Prize a in Paris. The Purkwa Prize is a Grand Prize of the French Academy of Sciences in memory of Noble Prize winner George Charpak. Under her leadership, Primary Connections has been one of the fastest growing education programs ever in Australia, winning several awards. With over 20 research reports attesting to its impact, the program is really making a difference for teachers and students.
More information
(Posted 30 October, 2012)

December lecture: Australia's population
The 4 December public lecture in the Caring for the Australian Countryside series will be given by Professor Graeme Hugo AO from Adelaide University. He will explore the trends and implications for Australia’s non-Metropolitan population.
More information
(Posted 30 October, 2012)

Academy welcomes Asian Century focus
The Australian Academy of Science welcomed the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper’s recognition that international scientific collaborations are crucial to Australia’s relevance internationally. The white paper is available here.
More information
(Posted 30 October, 2012)

Italian earthquake scientists' conviction
The Australian Academy of Science today released a statement in response to the conviction in l’Aquila, Italy, of six scientists regarding a 2009 earthquake. The statement is available here.
More information
(Posted 26 October, 2012)

Australia instrumental Asian science academies merger
Science in Asia will be more visible and effective under a merger between the two groupings of Asian science academies, brokered over several years with leadership from the Australian Academy of Science, in particular from immediate past president Professor Kurt Lambeck.
More information
(Posted 23 October, 2012)

Australian Government research commitment
The Academy welcomed the Federal Government’s ongoing commitment to medical research grantsawarded by the National Health and Medical Research Council and commended maintenance of funding for science research through the Australian Research Council and Cooperative Research Centres.
More information
(Posted 23 October, 2012)

World science academies report on research integrity
The Academy has joined with other science academies around the world to promote research integrity. The new report on responsible science has been issued by the InterAcademy Council and the IAP – the global network of science academies. It provides clarity and advice in forging an international consensus on responsible conduct in the global research enterprise.
More information
(Posted 23 October, 2012)

Series public lecture on rural policy, people and place
The 6 November public lecture in the Caring for the Australian Countryside series was given by Professor Margaret Alston OAM, from Monash University. She focused on rural people and places, noting the changes and uncertainties relating to climate, policy, population movements and socio-economic factors.
More information
(Posted 22 October, 2012)

Fellowships to India announced
The Academy announced the successful recipients of the Australia-India Fellowships who will travel to India to collaborate with leading scientific institutions. Sixteen Australian early career researchers and 33 leading Australian senior researchers have been awarded the Fellowships.
More information
(Posted 22 October, 2012)

Selby public lecture: Out and about in the universe
Professor Richard de Grijs from Peking University in China visited Australia for the Academy's Selby Lecture tour. He spoke at the Shine Dome in Canberra on Monday 5 November on Out and about in the Universe.
More information
(Posted 2 October, 2012)

Special lecture by UK Chief Scientific Advisor
Professor Sir John Beddington CMG FRS, the UK Government Chief Scientific Advisor, delivered a special lecture to a packed Shine Dome audience on Bringing science to the forefront of government policy: addressing today’s challenges on Wednesday 10 October.
More information
(Posted 2 October, 2012)

September 2012

Tony Windsor MP delivers October public lecture
The October public lecture in the Caring for the Australian Countryside series was given to a packed Shine Dome audience by Tony Windsor MP, independent Federal member for New England. He who looked at how to resolve the conflict between agriculture and mining in sensitive landscapes.
More information
(Posted 20 September, 2012)

Australia's future innovation rests on science education
Strong science education is the key to ensuring that we have a solid position in the Asian Century, Academy President Professor Suzanne Cory told a forum held during the Academy of Sciences for Developing Countries General Conference in Tianjin, China. The Australian Academy of Science was one of only 10 national academies invited to speak at the forum on open innovation.
More information
(Posted 18 September, 2012)

Jim Peacock wins Rabobank Leadership Award
Congratulations to the Academy's past President, Dr Jim Peacock for winning the 2012 Rabobank Leadership Award for his contributions to Australian science, the food and agribusiness industries. Dr Peacock's initiative in the Academy's science education programs, PrimaryConnections and Science by Doing, was specifically acknowledged.
More information
(Posted 18 September, 2012)

Parliamentary Friends of Science Group
The Academy is proud to support the establishment of the new Parliamentary Friends of Science Group launched by co-Chairs, The Hon Richard Marles MP and Karen Andrews MP during ‘Science meets Parliament’. To mark the event, Australia’s most recent Nobel Laureate and Academy Council member, Professor Brian Schmidt engaged parliamentarians in a master class in astronomy, taking them through observations of the universe from telescopes on the roof of Parliament House.
More information
(Posted 17 September, 2012)

Past President wins Balzan Prize
The Australian Academy of Science congratulates Professor Kurt Lambeck on winning the prestigious Balzan Prize for his ‘exceptional contribution to the understanding of the relationship between post-glacial rebound and sea change levels’. The work of Professor Lambeck, immediate past President of the Academy, has radically modified climate science. His win was announced at a ceremony in Milan on 10 September.
More information
(Posted 11 September, 2012)

Support for Australian scientists to meet Laureates
Academy is delighted to be able to continue to support young Australian scientists to visit Nobel Laureates at the Lindau meeting. The mentoring program is made possible thanks to a new collaboration between the Australian Academy of Science and the Science and Industry Endowment Fund.
More information
(Posted 10 September, 2012)

Welcome new commitment to school science education
The Academy applauds the Government’s commitment to improving school science and maths education, made in Prime Minister Julia Gillard’s response to the Gonski review.
More information
(Posted 6 September, 2012)

August

Academy's September newsletter now available
The Academy's September newsletter number 89 is packed with interesting articles about the recent Think Tank on Australia's future population, a report on sea turtles threatened by marine debris, Nobel Laureate Professor Elizabeth Blackburn's Hooked on Science tour, the incredible public interest generated by the Vitamin D symposium, the new Primary Connections units released and the latest on the Caring for Australian Countryside public lecture series.
More information
(Posted 31 August, 2012)

Eureka! Suzanne Cory wins for leadership in science
The Australian Academy of Science is delighted that President Professor Suzanne Cory has won the Eureka Prize for Leadership in Science. The prize was accepted on Professor Cory’s behalf by the current Director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute and Fellow, Professor Doug Hilton, as Professor Cory is overseas. Professor Hilton himself won the Eureka Prize for Outstanding Mentor of Young Researchers. Professor Victor Flambaum, also a Fellow, won the prize for Scientific Research together with his colleagues at the University of New South Wales for their work which suggests the laws of physics vary across the cosmos.
More information
(Posted 29 August, 2012)

September public lecture on buying biodiversity
The September public lecture in the Caring for the Australian Countryside series by Dr Michael Looker looked at the role of philanthropy in nature conservation. He highlighted, using examples, the important role of private philanthropy through the work of environmental non-government organisations to achieve significant and lasting outcomes for nature conservation.
More information
(Posted 24 August, 2012)

Sir David Attenborough signs Academy Charter
Broadcaster and naturalist Sir David Attenborough has signed the Academy’s Charter Book, formalising his admission to the Academy as a Corresponding Member.
Sir David, who was elected in 2007, signed the book in Melbourne during his Australian tour.
Corresponding Members have made outstanding contributions to science and have strong links with Australia, but do not live in Australia.
More information
(Posted 20 August, 2012)

UNCOVER launched
The Academy welcomed the launch of UNCOVER: Searching the deep earth, a visionary new project to unlock Australia’s enormous potential mineral wealth. Launched by Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP at the International Geological Congress in Brisbane, the project arose from the Academy’s 2010 Theo Murphy High Flyers Think Tank, Searching the deep earth: the future of Australian resource discovery and utilisation.
More information
(Posted 8 August, 2012)

July 2012

2012 Australian Laureate Fellows announced
Congratulations to Academy Fellows who have been awarded the prestigious Australian Laureate Fellowships by the Australian Research Council:
Professors David Lindenmayer from the Australian National University, Nalini Joshi and Rick Shine from the University of Sydney, Terence Hughes from James Cook University, Douglas Macfarlane from Monash University, Frank Caruso from the University of Melbourne and Malcolm McCulloch from the University of Western Australia.
More information
(Posted 30 July, 2012)

International Council for Science appointment
Congratulations to Professor Jane Hunter of the University of Queensland, who has been accepted onto a committee of the International Council for Science (ICSU). Professor Hunter will serve a three-year term on the ICSU World Data System Scientific Committee.
More information
(Posted 27 July, 2012)

Australian Museum Eureka Prize finalists
Congratulations to the finalists of the Eureka Prizes including Academy President Professor Suzanne Cory who has been named as a finalist in the Leadership in Science category together with Council member Professor Mark von Itzstein and Academy Fellow Professor Frank Caruso. Other Academy Fellows that are finalists include: Professor Trevor Lithgow in infectious diseases research. Professors Michael Goddard, Peter Visscher and Professor Victor Flambaum in the scientific research category and Professor Douglas Hilton for outstanding mentor of young researchers.
More information
(Posted 27 July, 2012)

Giants of Science: National Science Week speaker series
During National Science Week from 11 to 17 August, the Shine Dome featured talks by Nobel Laureate astronomer Professor Brian Schmidt, climate scientist Professor Mike Raupach and immunologist Professor Chris Goodnow on their life and science. The series concluded with a special screening of Canadian science film-maker Peter McLeish's latest films on the Polar Land.
More information
(Posted 25 July, 2012)

August public lecture on invasive plants
The August public lecture in the Caring for the Australian Countryside series by Dr Richard Groves examined the managment of invasive plants. Invasive plants now cost the Australian economy more than $3.5 billion annually. Examples of plant species at different stages of invasion were presented and their impact on the sustainability of both agricultural and natural systems as well as on human health were discussed.
More information
(Posted 25 July, 2012)

Australia's Population: Shaping a vision for our future
The 2012 Theo Murphy Think Tank brought 60 early career scientists together on 26-27 July in Adelaide, to examine questions about Australia's population into the future, including who we will be, what we will do, how will we live and how will we share resources and activities. The program is available here.

“Population is a central issue of our time: how Australia plans for and responds to changes in population will determine the quality of life, access to basic services, health and wellbeing of our future generations," said Co-Chair of the Think Tank Dr Oliver Mayo in a media release.
More information
(Posted 19 July, 2012)

Primary Connections sparks a love of science
A new research report, Teaching Primary Science, has shown that the Academy's Primary Connections education program, clearly increases teacher confidence and student interest in science. Adjunct Professor Keith Skamp, of Southern Cross University released the findings of his report at CONASTA, the national conference of the Australian Science Teachers Association, in Canberra.
More information
(Posted 11 July, 2012)

Foreign Secretary wins Royal Medal
Australian Academy of Science Foreign Secretary Professor Andrew Holmes has won the 2012 Royal Medal. An internationally recognised honour, the Royal Medal is awarded annually by the Queen for the most important contributions to the physical, biological and applied or interdisciplinary sciences. Professor Holmes will receive the medal for his outstanding contributions to chemical synthesis at the interface between materials and biology and for pioneering the field of organic electronic materials. The President of the Australian Academy of Science, Professor Suzanne Cory, offered Professor Holmes her warmest congratulations.
More information
(Posted 10 July, 2012)

Higgs boson discovery
The Australian Academy of Science offers its warmest congratulations to the team responsible for the Higgs boson findings at CERN. The discovery of the new particle cements understanding of how the universe is put together. It is a truly momentous occasion for science and the Academy is proud that it was achieved through international collaboration. Australian research and technology helped build the ATLAS detector at CERN, and about 30 Australians collaborate with CERN on the ATLAS experiment at any one time.
More information

This discovery is one example of why the Academy believes it’s important for Australia to be involved in science internationally.
More information
(Posted 6 July, 2012)

Academy's latest newsletter now online
The Australian Academy of Science’s June newsletter is available, packed with interesting articles featuring highlights of Science at the Shine Dome 2012, including a special photo collage of events.
More information
(Posted 3 July, 2012)

Australian delegation at Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting
Seven young Australians were part of the Academy sponsored delegation to the 62nd Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting dedicated to physics from 1 to 6 July. Academy Fellow and 2011 Nobel Prize winner in physics, Professor Brian Schmidt, opened the scientific program with a talk on dark energy and the expanding universe. The Australian contingent, led by the Academy's Professor Michael Dopita, also had private lunches with several Nobel Laureates including Brian Schmidt, John Mather, George Smoot, Harry Kroto and Paul Crutzen.
More information
(Posted 2 July, 2012)

Applications for participation in COST for 2012-2013
Australian researchers who are Members of COST are invited to apply for travel grants to Europe to participate in COST Action activities during FY 2012-2013.
More information
(Posted 2 July, 2012)

June 2012

July public lecture on coal seam gas
The July public lecture in the Caring for the Australian Countryside series by Professor Sue Golding was entitled Coal seam gas: alternative energy source or environmental hazard. She introduced the science of coal seam gas and explored key issues and knowledge gaps in our understanding of the environmental impacts of coal seam gas extraction.
More information
(Posted 27June, 2012)

Academy joins international call on population and consumption
The world’s 105 science academies – including the Australian Academy of Science – have joined to highlight the global challenges of population and consumption and call upon world leaders to take decisive action.
Download the statement here.

Through IAP , the global network of science academies, academies from all over the world, including countries as diverse as South Africa, Latvia, Japan, Nicaragua, Bolivia, the UK and New Zealand, have come together to call for action on population and consumption. The academies’ statement highlights that current patterns of consumption, especially in high-income countries, are eroding the planet’s natural capital at rates that are severely damaging the interests of future generations, and should consequently and urgently be reduced. It also highlights that, if the right conditions are in place, reducing rapid population growth can stimulate and facilitate economic development, improve health and living standards, and increase political and social stability and security.
(Posted 20 June, 2012)

The $70,000 Australian Innovation Challenge Awards
The search is on again for the nation’s greatest ideas! The awards are run by The Australian in association with Shell with the support of the Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education. The goal is to help drive breakthroughs by scientists, engineers, technologists, educators and backyard inventors that lead to commercialisation or adoption. Details of how to enter are available here. Entries close on 12 August 2012.
More information
(Posted 20 June, 2012)

Fellow wins 2012 Shoemaker award
Congratulations to Academy Fellow, Professor Stuart Ross Taylor, who has won the 2012 Shoemaker Distinguished Lunar Scientist award from the NASA Lunar Science Institute for his pioneering studies of the composition and evolution of the Moon.
More information
(Posted 19 June, 2012)

Mathematical scientists travelling scholarship now open
The AK Head Mathematical Scientist Travelling Scholarship has been newly created to support mathematical science students and researchers to further their studies and develop new international networks and collaborations whilst visiting facilities that they would not normally be able to access in Australia. Applications close on 29 July 2012.
More information
(Posted 15 June, 2012)

Elizabeth Blackburn's hooked on science tour
The first Australian woman Nobel Laureate, Professor Elizabeth Blackburn, has embarked on a speaking tour to encourage Australian school students to take up careers in science. She’ll also speak about the exciting research relating to cancer and ageing that led to her 2009 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine.
Tour dates and venues are available here.
More information
(Posted 14 June, 2012)

Fellows honoured in Queens birthday 2012 list
Congratulations to Fellows of the Academy named in the Queen's birthday honours list for 2012: Professor Ian Frazer AC for eminent services to medical research. Professor David Black AO for distinguished services to science in the area of organic and heterocyclic chemistry. Professor Tamarapu Sridhar AO for distinguished services to tertiary education, particularly in the discipline of chemical engineering.
More information
(Posted 12 June, 2012)

Should we allow more Vitamin D into the food supply?
Australian and international experts met at a symposium in Melbourne on 12 June to debate whether more vitamin D should be allowed into the food supply .Vitamin D deficiency has recently emerged as a widespread public health issue in Australia, with implications for bone health, cancer, cardiovascular disease and schizophrenia.The symposium organised by the Academy’s National Committee for Nutrition and the International Life Sciences Institute SEAR Australasia aimed to highlight to government the urgent need to consider strategies to alleviate vitamin D deficiency.
More information
(Posted 7 June, 2012)

Fellows named in Thomas Reuters Citation Awards
Congratulations to Fellows of the Academy named in the top of their field as recipients of the Thomson Reuters Australia Citation Award for 2012:
Professor Terry Speed from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, in the field of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology. Professor Kurt Lambeck from the Australian National University, in the field of Geosciences.
Dr Greg Stuart from the Australian National University, in the field of Neurosciences and Professor Rana Munns from the CSIRO, in the field of Plant Sciences.
More information
(Posted 7 June, 2012)

$1 million for new Australia-India Fellowship program
The Academy has opened applications for Early Career and Senior Visiting Fellowships for Australian researchers to work with leading Indian research institutions. The fellowships are open to Australian researchers to support research in any field of natural science and to initiate or consolidate collaboration with Indian host organisations. The $1 million fellowship scheme will allow Australian scientists to access up to $52,500 for early career researchers and $8,500 for senior visiting fellows. Applications close on 27 July 2012.
More information
(Posted 5 June, 2012)

May 2012

Australia, South Africa to share SKA
Australian Academy of Science President Professor Suzanne Cory has welcomed the decision to split the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) radio telescope between Australia and South Africa.
“This project will have implications and benefits for the entire planet and it is therefore fitting that it should be achieved through international collaboration,” she said.
“Building major scientific infrastructure will help attract to Australia scientists from around the world, and give Australian scientists the opportunity to extend their reach and experience beyond our shores.” 
More information
(Posted 28 May, 2012)

Important new report on the Health of Australian Science
The Australian Academy of Science has commended the Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb’s essential new paper, Health of Australian Science as an invaluable report with which to steer Australian science.
Academy President Professor Suzanne Cory said the report highlights the need to reform science education, commercial application and international collaboration to ensure Australia remains competitive in the Asian Century.
More information
(Posted 23 May, 2012)

Appointments to International Council for Science

Two Australians that the Academy has nominated have been accepted onto committees of the International Council for Science (ICSU). Congratulations to Dr Tom Beer who will serve on the ICSU Committee on Scientific Planning and Review, and to Professor Tony Capon who has been appointed to the ICSU Scientific Committee on Health and Wellbeing.
More information
(Posted 18 May, 2012)

June public lecture on Australia's desert heartlands
The June public lecture in the Caring for the Australian Countryside series by Dr Mark Stafford Smith examined Australia’s desert heartlands, determining whether they have a vibrant future or are a victim in decline.
More information
(Posted 15 May, 2012)

Federal Budget: boosts science and maths education
The Academy welcomed Budget measures to protect Australian research and boost science and maths education. The Australian Government has announced an extra $54 million over four years will go to improving participation in the study of science and mathematics at school and university. This includes $5 million over four years to the Academy's primary and junior secondary school science programs, Primary Connections and Science by Doing.
More information
(Posted 9 May, 2012)

Frank Stillwell's 100 year old Antarctic diaries published
The Academy is launching its new publication Still no Mawson: Frank Stillwell’s Antarctic diaries 1911-1913 to mark the centenary of Sir Douglas Mawson’s expedition and to coincide with our annual symposium on 100 years of Antarctic science. The editor of the diaries, Dr Bernadette Hince, spoke to ABC Radio National's AM program about Frank Stillwell and the diaries. To listen to the audio click here.
Order a copy of Still no Mawson: Frank Stillwell’s 1911-13 Antarctic diaries here.
More information
(Posted 4 May, 2012)

President’s Address – Science at the Shine Dome
Australian Academy of Science President Professor Suzanne Cory today announced the formation of two new Parliamentary Friends of Science groups, to ensure science is made a permanent priority of federal parliament.
The Parliamentary Friends of Science will be launched in May by Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt. The Parliamentary Friends of Women in Science, Engineering and Maths will be launched in June by Nobel laureate Professor Elizabeth Blackburn. In her annual Science at the Shine Dome address, Professor Cory spoke about science in society and the international role of Australian science.
More information
(Posted 3 May, 2012)

April 2012

Academy Fellows elected to Royal Society
Academy President, Professor Suzanne Cory offered congratulations to three Academy Fellows who have been elected to the Royal Society of London. Professor Brian Schmidt, Professor Hugh O'Neill, and Dr Trevor McDougall are among 44 scientists elected to the Royal Society in 2012.
More information
(Posted 24 April, 2012)

Science at the Shine Dome
Registrations are open for our annual celebration of science and scientists, Science at the Shine Dome, to be held at the Shine Dome in Canberra between 2 and 4 May 2012. Highlights of the program include formal admission of new Fellows and their seminar, presentation of awards and lectures by awardees, education workshop for science teachers, early career researcher workshops and the annual symposium on 100 Years of Antarctic science.
More information
(Posted 18 April, 2012)

April public lecture on the trade-offs between agriculture and the environment
The April public lecture in the Caring for the Australian countryside series featured Dr Anna Roberts, Senior Research Scientist from the Victorian Department of Primary Industries, who spoke on the trade-offs between agriculture and the environment.
A recording of this lecture is now available
More information
(Posted 16 April, 2012)

March 2012

Academy elects international scientists as members
The Academy has elected two internationally recognised leaders in science as Corresponding Members. Professor Bruce Stillman, President of Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, USA, and Professor Brian Lawn of National Institute of Standards and Technology, USA, have been elected for their attainments and outstanding contributions to science. Both were born and educated in Australia.
More information
(Posted 27 March, 2012)

Science Academy elects new Fellows
An international nanophotonics leader and experts in cancer, plant biology, polymers, sensory ecology, mathematics, space science and science communication are among 21 new Fellows to be admitted to the Australian Academy of Science. The new Fellows hail from institutions around Australia and have made internationally significant achievements in a broad range of scientific disciplines.
More information
(Posted 26 March, 2012)

Academy's Boden Conference
The inaugural Proteostasis and Disease Research Symposium is being sponsored by the Academy as its 2012 Boden research conference. It will be held from 28 to 30 November 2012 in Wollongong and registrations are now open. The Boden research conferences in the biological sciences are made possible by the generous support of the late Dr Alex Boden FAA.
More information
(Posted 23 March, 2012)

Academy's March Newsletter now available
The Academy's March newsletter #87 is full of articles about the Academy's activities in the last three months, including the recent Council dinner with the new Science Minister, Senator Chris Evans.
More information
(Posted 23 March, 2012)

Australian Museum Eureka Prizes now open
Entries and nominations are now open for the 2012 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes. There are 18 prizes on offer and entries close at midnight AEST on Friday 4 May.
More information
(Posted 20 March, 2012)

Submission to Australia in the Asian Century White Paper
In a submission to the Australia in the Asian Century White Paper being developed for Government by Dr Ken Henry, the Academy has outlined its plan to ensure Australia’s place on the world stage into the future.
More information
(Posted 20 March, 2012)

Young Australian scientists to meet Nobel Laureates
Congratulations to the seven Australian early career researchers that have been selected from a highly competitive field to travel to Lindau in Germany in July 2012 to meet and learn from more than 30 Nobel Laureates.
More information
(Posted 20 March, 2012)

Awarding excellence: applications now open
Applications are now open for the Academy's 2013 round of prestigious honorific awards, travelling fellowships, research and conference support, totalling more than $200,000.
Applications close for honorific awards on 29 July 2012 and for travelling fellowships, conference and research support on 31 August 2012.
More information
(Posted 13 March, 2012)

Innovation requires global engagement: In conversation
The Australian Academy of Science and The University of Melbourne present ‘In Conversation’ with Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt and Professor Andrew Holmes, Foreign Secretary of the Academy. The discussion will illuminate the case for Australia’s strategic engagement with international science in the Asian Century. The event will take place from 5.30 to 7.00 pm on Friday 30 March 2012 at The Spot Theatre, 198 Berkeley Street, Carlton, Victoria.
More information
(Posted 9 March, 2012)

Fellow named National Living Treasure
Fellow of the Academy and inventor of the Gardasil cervical cancer vaccine, Professor Ian Frazer was named a National Living Treasure by the The National Trust of Australia (NSW) along with six other Australians.
More information
(Posted 5 March, 2012)

New interviews with Australian scientists available
Four new interviews have been completed and are available for viewing:
Professor Graeme Clark best known for his work on the ‘bionic ear’ or ‘cochlear implant'. Professor Angas Hurst discusses a life in mathematical physics and in service to the scientific community. Professor Noel Hush, the media-shy theoretical chemist comes into the spotlight. Professor Jim Pittard, microbial geneticist who began his working life as a travelling pharmacist.
More information
(Posted 5 March, 2012)

FASIC Early Career Fellowships in France 2012
The Academy invites applications from Australian early career researchers for the France-Australia Science Innovation Collaboration (FASIC) Program Early Career Fellowships.  Closing date is COB Friday 13 April 2012.
More information
(Posted 2 March, 2012)

February 2012

2011 Think Tank recommendations launched
The Hon. John Brumby launched the Academy's 2011 Theo Murphy Think Tank recommendations on better managing Australia’s stressed ecosystems. The work of around 60 early and mid-career scientists and social scientists brought together from across disciplines and around Australia, the recommendations are already on their way to being implemented.
More information
(Posted 21 February, 2012)

Academy response to Gonski review on funding for schooling
The Academy welcomed the emphasis of the Gonski Review on the need to improve education outcomes for every Australian student and urged the Government to act quickly on the recommendations. Recommendation 7 of the report on the need to improve teaching practices is already the focus of the Academy's school science education programs, Primary Connections and Science by Doing.
More information
(Posted 20 February, 2012)

March public lecture on the conservation farming revolution
The March public lecture in the Caring for the Australian countryside series examined the conservation farming revolution. Dr John Kirkegaard described how Australia’s innovative farmers now grow a diversity of crops and pastures in environmentally friendly ways.
More information
(Posted 17 February, 2012)

Oxford Nuffield Medical Fellowships now open
Applications are invited for the Oxford Nuffield Medical Fellowships in either a Clinical Medicine or a Medical Science department of Oxford University. Applicants should have graduated from selected universities and should either hold a medical qualification obtained in Australia or the UK or have appropriate research experience. There is no age or status limit. Applications close on 25 May 2012, with the earliest possible starting date in Oxford of 1 October 2012.
More information
(Posted 7 February, 2012)

Corresponding Member wins Crafoord Prize
Corresponding Member of Academy, Professor Terence Tao has been jointly awarded the 2012 Crafoord Prize in Mathematics with Professor Jean Bourgain. The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences decided to award the prize to them for their brilliant and groundbreaking work in harmonic analysis, partial differential equations, ergodic theory, number theory, combinatorics, functional analysis and theoretical computer science.
More information
(Posted 6 February, 2012)

Nominations for 2012 PM’s Prizes for Science now open
The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are a national tribute to excellence in science and science teaching, relying on nominations from across Australia. Nominations close on Friday 27 April 2012 at 5.00 pm.
More information
(Posted 1 February, 2012)

Public lecture tour of Australia by pioneer epigeneticist
Professor Peter Jones from the University of Southern California will be touring Australia from 7 - 22 February under the Rudi Lemberg Travelling Fellowship sponsored by the Academy. He will deliver public lectures exploring how the exploding science of epigenetics will transform our understanding of health and disease and Australia's role in it.
More information
(Posted 1 February, 2012)

January 2012

February public lecture on Aboriginal land management
The Academy's 2012 public lecture series, Caring for the Australian countryside: Lessons from the past and present will examine sustainable communities, mining, agriculture, culture and environment in country Australia. The series kicked off on Tuesday 7 Feburary 2012 with Adjunct Professor Bill Gammage describing Aboriginal land managment.
More information
(Posted 30 January, 2012)

Australia Day honours
The Academy is delighted that five of its Fellows and a member of one of its National Committees have been honoured as Members in the General Division of the Order of Australia (AM) and one Fellow received the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Fellows of the Academy, Professors Roderick Boswell, Lorenzo Faraone, Martin Green, Eugenie Lumbers, Mandyam Srinivasan, Rodney Tucker and Member of the National Committee for Physics, Professor Hans Bachor, received the accolade on Australia Day.
More information
(Posted 27 January, 2012)

Postdoctoral and Invitation Fellowships in Japan 2012-13
The Australian Academy of Science, in association with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), invites applications from Australian researchers to undertake postdoctoral and invitational fellowships in Japan.  Closing date is COB Friday 16 March 2012.
More information
(Posted 23 January, 2012)

December 2011

Fall in number of year 11 and 12 science students
The Academy has released a report commissioned by Australia's Chief Scientist that finds that the number of Australians studying science in years 11 and 12 has fallen significantly since the 1990s and is continuing to drop.
More information
(Posted 21 December, 2011)

December newsletter out now
The December 2011 newsletter number 86 is out now, packed with news of the Academy's activities and Fellows, including Professor Suzanne Cory's National Press Club Address.
More information
(Posted 15 December, 2011)

New Council members
The Academy will have five new Council members as of May 2012 and Professor Chennupati Jagadish, currently a member of Council, will become the new Secretary for Physical Sciences.
More information
(Posted 13 December, 2011)

Rick Shine wins Innovation Challenge Award
Fellow of the Academy, Professor Rick Shine, has won the Australian Innovation Challenge Award in the Environment category for his invention 'Toad vs Toad'. Rick Shine and colleagues are exploiting the cane toad’s arsenal of chemical weapons in a bid to develop biological control agents against the pest which is wreaking havoc on wildlife.
More information
(Posted 8 December, 2011)

Fellow's Nobel lecture
Professor Schmidt became a Fellow of the Academy in 2008. This year he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics along with Professors Adam Riess and Saul Perlmutter, for their discovery that the expansion of the universe is accelerating.
More information
(Posted 7 December, 2011)

Nobel Laureate donates $100 000 to Academy
The Academy warmly welcomes Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt’s generous donation of $100 000 to the Academy’s primary school science program, Primary Connections.
More information
(Posted 7 December, 2011)

2012 Academy Awards announced
The winners of the Academy's 2012 awards for scientific excellence have been announced, totalling $218 000 in prize money for honorific medals and research support.
More information
(Posted 6 December, 2011)

November 2011

Interviews Program
Interviews with Australian Scientists transcripts, teachers notes and DVDs are now available for Associate Professor Bryan Fry, Dr Angus McEwan and Dr Alicia Oshlack.
More information
(Posted 29 November, 2011)

Science by Doing: Innovation Challenge finalist
The Academy’s junior secondary education program, Science by Doing¸ has been announced as a finalist in the education category of the Australian Innovation Challenge.
More information
(Posted 28 November, 2011)

NSW Science and Engineering Awards
Member of Academy Council, Professor Michelle Simmons, has been named the 2011 NSW Scientist of the Year for pioneering the development of quantum computers. Professor Simmons was one of twelve scientists, engineers and teachers who were honoured at the Awards held at NSW Government House on 23 November. Academy Fellow, Professor Richard Shine won the Plant and Animal Research Award.
More information
(Posted 24 November 2011)

Academy’s bold plan for international science
President Professor Suzanne Cory launched a bold new plan to ensure Australian science remains internationally competitive and relevant.
The paper, Australian science in a changing world: innovation requires global engagement, sets out 10 recommendations to better position Australian science over the next decade.
More information
(Posted 22 November 2011)

Graeme Clark wins Florey Medal
Academy Fellow, Professor Graeme Clark has won the CSL Florey Medal for significant achievements in biomedical science and human health advancement for his pioneering work on the bionic ear. The award was established in 1998 by the Australian Institute of Policy and Science in honour of the Australian Nobel Prize-winning scientist, Sir Howard Florey.
More information
(Posted 21 November, 2011)

Academy Fellows honoured
Congratulations to Professor Douglas Hilton who won the 2011 Research Australia Leadership and Innovation Award in part for his Discoveries Need Dollars: Protect Medical Research campaign. Nobel Laureate Professor Peter Doherty was honoured with the Research Australia Lifetime Achievement Award and Professor John Shine won the Peter Wills Medal.
More information
(Posted 17 November, 2011)

Synchrotron key part of Australia’s innovation future
Officials from both the Federal and Victorian Governments are meeting this week to secure ongoing support for the Australian Synchrotron. Academy President, Professor Suzanne Cory is confident that administrative arrangements would soon be resolved to ensure the Synchrotron continued to produce ground-breaking science.
More information
(Posted 17 November, 2011)

Fellow wins Victoria Prize
Australian Academy of Science Fellow Professor Andreas Strasser has won the 2011 Victoria Prize for scientific discovery or innovation, for his ‘extraordinary insights into how cells work and why they go wrong in cancer’.

Academy President Professor Suzanne Cory, who has worked for many years with Professor Strasser at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute in Melbourne, congratulated her colleague on the honour.

“Andreas has made crucial advances in the way in which we understand cell death and its functions in health and disease,” Professor Cory said.

“I warmly congratulate him on winning this well deserved prize.”
More information
(Posted 15 November, 2011)

Academy's Science by Doing is a winner!
Science by Doing professional learning resources have won the eLearning Association of Victoria Excellence Awards in the Lifelong Learning category, in partnership with CSIRO Publishing, who did the digital development. The resources were recognised for their innovation in design and development, quality of content and audience engagement.
More information
(Posted 14 November, 2011)

Academy Fellow to head international physics union
Academy Fellow, Professor Bruce McKellar has been elected as the next President of the International Union of Pure and Applied Physics (IUPAP). When he takes office in 2014, he will become the Union’s first Australian President,and its first President from the southern hemisphere.
More information
(Posted 10 November, 2011)

Lecture on plate tectonics by corresponding member
Professor John Dewey, corresponding member of the Academy and leading tectonic geologist visited Australia this month, and presented a special lecture at the Shine Dome on 21 November giving an overview of continental drift via plate tectonics.
More information
(Posted 7 November, 2011)

Geoengineering for climate remediation
The first major meeting in Australia to provide a forum for cross-disciplinary discussion on geoengineering the climate was held in late September. A summary of the findings and conclusions reached has been prepared by the chairs of the symposium.
More information
(Posted 3 November, 2011)

December public lecture: Myxomatosis and rabbits
The final lecture in the Fenner series was delivered by Dr Peter Kerr, CSIRO Research Scientist, on Tuesday 6 December 2011 . He discussed biological control and evolution, looking at Myxomatosis and rabbits.
More information
(Posted 3 November, 2011)

October 2011

Public lecture: India's science & technology landscape
The Australian Government Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research cohosted a public lecture with the Academy on 4 November by Dr T. Ramasami, Secretary to the Government of India, Department of Science and Technology. He spoke about the changing science, technology and innovation landscape in India.
More information
(Posted 27 October, 2011)

Shine Dome lights up at night
The Academy's iconic heritage-listed Shine Dome joined Canberra’s other landmark buildings as it was lit up in a nocturnal display of light and colour on 27 October. The lights were made possible thanks to grant funding from the Australian Government National Historic Sites Program.
More information
(Posted 27 October, 2011)

Public lecture: Pestilence, pandemics & climate change
Professor Tony McMichael gave the second last Fenner series public lecture on 1 November. He discussed how global climate change is posing great risks to human health and survival, especially through the emergence of altered infectious disease patterns.
More information
(Posted 18 October, 2011)

Nobel Laureate: Education drives science and economy
Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt spoke at the 2011 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science awards dinner on 12 October, about the future of Australian science and the contribution it can make to improving lives. He encouraged policy makers to take the opportunity to shape the long term prosperity of Australia, by investing in science and education. On 13 October, the Academy hosted a special champagne breakfast to celebrate Professor Schmidt’s Nobel Prize win in Physics, which was attended by more than 100 guests.
More information
(Posted 17 October, 2011)

Fellows win Prime Minister’s Science Prize
Australian Academy of Science Fellows Professors Ezio Rizzardo and David Solomon have won the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for their reinvention of polymer science. The two have devised a means of custom building polymers for solar cells, drug delivery, paints, adhesives, lubricants and much more. Academy President Professor Suzanne Cory warmly congratulated the pair on their win.
More information
(Posted 12 October, 2011)

Fellow wins Nobel Prize
The Academy warmly congratulates Professor Brian Schmidt FAA for his Nobel Prize for physics, along with two American researchers, Saul Perlmutter and Adam Riess. The three won the Prize for their discovery that the expansion of the universe is accelerating. Professor Schmidt became a Fellow of the Academy in 2008.
More information
(Posted 5 October 2011)

Young scientists at Think Tank propose solutions
Sixty of the country’s brightest early career research scientists from a range of disciplines gathered in Brisbane on 29 to 30 September to find new ways to manage the nation's most vulnerable ecosystems: The Ningaloo Marine Park, the Bowen & Surat Basins, the Melbourne grasslands and the Murray-Darling Basin.
More information
(Posted 4 October, 2011)

Academy Fellow to head international science
Academy President Professor Suzanne Cory, welcomes the election of
Professor David Black FAA as Secretary General of the International Council for Science (ICSU) for a three year term. ICSU aims to strengthen science globally for the benefit of all humankind. It plans and coordinates interdisciplinary research to address major issues of relevance to both science and society.
More information
(Posted 4 October, 2011)

September 2011

Next public lecture in Fenner series - 4 October
Professor Andrew Cockburn, from the Australian National University will speak about Frank Fenner, the evolution of virulence and the birth of Darwinian medicine, on Tuesday 4 October at the Shine Dome, Canberra. Live streaming of the lecture will commence at 6 pm.
More information
(Posted 29 September, 2011)

Suzanne Cory at the National Press Club
Academy President Professor Suzanne Cory spoke at the National Press Club on 28 September about how Australia’s potential to build on its international science success stories is under threat. She examined the state of school science education in Australia, explored challenges to the workforce and proposed opportunities to improve Australia’s prosperity beyond the mining boom.
More information
(Posted 28 September, 2011)

Medical Research Review
The Australian Academy of Science welcomes the appointment of a strong and representative committee to the Health and Medical Research Review Panel, particularly the inclusion of Academy Fellow, Professor Ian Frazer.
More information
(Posted 26 September, 2011)

September newsletter now online
The September newsletter is packed with a roundup of the Academy's actvities including the Shine Dome open day, the Women in Chemistry event, the visit by the Royal Society Executive Director and the launch of the Primary Connections new DVD.
More information
(Posted 19 September, 2011)

Book your tickets to see the Academy President at the National Press Club on 28 September
Professor Suzanne Cory will be addressing the National Press Club of Australia on Wednesday 28 September 2011 on Driving Australia’s economic future through robust science education. She is a passionate and committed advocate for a scientifically literate Australia, both through formal education and through informing and involving the general public.
More information
(Posted 13 September, 2011)

Last days to register for geoengineering symposium
Geoengineering is increasingly being discussed as a possible strategy to counteract some of the effects of anthropogenic climate change. This symposium will address some of the implications, opportunities and risks of suggested approaches to geoengineering and possible impacts in the southern hemisphere. Draft program now available.
Find out more about geoengineering through Nova: Science in the news.
More information
(Posted 13 September, 2011)

2011 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes
Congratulations to the Fellows of the Academy that have won the following 2011 Australian Museum Eureka prizes:
Medical Research Translation
Professor Murray Esler (jointly with Associate Professor Markus Schlaich)
Infectious Diseases Research
Professor Alan Cowman (jointly with his team at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute)
Promoting Understanding of Australian Science Research
Professor Rick Shine
More information
(Posted 8 September, 2011)

Science by Doing visits Indonesia
The Academy's Director of Science by Doing, Amelia Druhan, visited Indonesia from 14 – 16 September to conduct a series of workshops on the Science by Doing approach to professional learning. She was also the keynote speaker at the 2^nd International Conference on Science Education and Teacher Professional Development, which was attended by school science teachers and educators from around the world.
More information
(Posted 8 September, 2011)

The miracle of immunity public lecture
Professor Christopher Goodnow FAA Head of Department of Immunology, Australian National University presented a lecture in the Fenner Series on Tuesday 6 September 2011 at the Shine Dome in Canberra. Professor Goodnow discussed the enduring legacy of one paper and one book, that Frank Fenner co-authored with Macfarlane Burnet in 1948-1949, on the production of antibodies and its control by genes.
A recording of this presentation is now available.
More information
(Posted 7 September, 2011)

Ahead of the Game: Biomedical Science Education into the 21st Century
The National Committee for Biomedical Sciences is holding a Forum to identify key issues and challenges facing us as biomedical science educators in the 21st century and to form a national collaborative leadership network for the biomedical sciences. This is an important opportunity for you to play an active role and have a voice in shaping strategies for future projects, funding and government policy.
More information
(Posted 1 September, 2011)

Academy takes off with Twitter
We are pleased to announce that the Academy launched its new Twitter account, @Science_Academy on 15 August in time for National Science Week. Already we have over 400 followers and we have been tweeting about news, events and hot science topics. Follow us on Twitter.
More information
(Posted 1 September, 2011)

August 2011

Showcasing Excellence in Biomedical Research: Australia-France Symposium
Rapid advances in biomedical research are promoting health and improving diagnosis and treatment of disease. This Symposium celebrates cutting edge biomedical research in France and Australia, with the goal of further enhancing research collaboration and identifying new research and training opportunities.
More information
(Posted 30 August, 2011)

Next public lecture in Fenner series
Professor Chris Goodnow will be giving the next public lecture in the Fenner series on the miracle of immunity: how the immune system tells foe from friend. The lecture will be on Tuesday 6 September 2011 at 5.30 pm at the Shine Dome in Canberra.
More information
(Posted 17 August, 2011)

Australian scientists meet Nobel Laureates
A delegation of six young Australian scientists, led by Professor Marilyn Renfree FAA, attended the 61st meeting of Nobel Laureates held in Lindau, Germany. The meeting focussed on Physiology and Medicine and brought together more than 550 young researchers from around the globe with 23 Nobel laureates. The meeting gave the delegates the opportunity to exchange ideas, gain exposure to areas of in their chosen discipline and establish new contacts and networks.
More information
(Posted 12 August, 2011)

Fellows win Australian laureate fellowships
The Australian Government has awarded Australian Laureate Fellowships to four Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science. Professor Nanda Dasgupta has won the inaugural Georgina Sweet Australian Laureate Fellowship for her work in new generation accelerator science; Professor Ian Petersen has won a Fellowship for his work in complex large-scale quantum systems; Professor Gordon Wallace has won a Fellowship for his work in organic bionics; and Professor Peter Hall has won a Fellowship for his work on new data types in statistical science. President of the Australian Academy of Science Professor Suzanne Cory offered her warmest congratulations to all four Fellows.
More information
(Posted 11 August, 2011)

New Nova: Science in the news topic - Getting the buzz on the value of bees
Australian agriculture has been getting a free ride from honeybees for nearly 200 years. Their pollination services are worth several billion dollars a year, but Australia's honeybees are under increasing threat, including from a mite known as Varroa destructor.
Sponsored by the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
More information
(Posted 8 August, 2011)

The Moran Award for History of Science Research
Applications are invited from postgraduate students and other independent researchers with expertise in the history of Australian science for the 2011 Moran Award for History of Science Research.
Applications close on 31 October 2011
More information
(Posted 2 August, 2011)

July 2011

Science by Doing launches sale of resources
Science by Doing launched the sale of its science curriculum resources this week, after 18 months of development and extensive trialling.
More information
Order here
(Posted 27 July, 2011)

Killer viruses and killer T cells
Nobel Laureate Professor Peter Doherty will speak about the eradication of rinderpest, an infection of cattle and the related potential to eradicate measles. He will also explore emerging viral threats and elements of the cellular immune response that play a key part in controlling such infections. This next public lecture in the Fenner Series will be on Tuesday 2 August 2011 at 5.30 pm at the Shine Dome, Canberra.
More information
(Posted 20 July, 2011)

Robin Holliday wins Royal Medal
The Academy would like to congratulate Dr Robin Holliday FAA FRS who has been awarded the Royal Medal by the Royal Society of London for his highly influential discoveries of the 'Holliday junction' structure in meiotic recombination and the function of DNA methylation at CG base pairs.
More information
(Posted 20 July, 2011)

What’s cooking at the Shine Dome?
This year’s Shine Dome open day on Saturday 13 August from 10 am to 4 pm will be a family-focused feast of food chemistry. Packed with interactive presentations, tours of the Dome and kids’ activities, it promises to be lots of fun.
More information
(Posted 19 July, 2011)

Women in Chemistry @ Parliament House
The Australian Academy of Science invites all with an interest in women in science to join science broadcaster Robyn Williams for discussion with senior women in international science, to celebrate the International Year of Chemistry.

To be held at Parliament House in Canberra, participants will hear about the scientists’ lives, work and passions, and have the opportunity to ask questions in an interactive forum-style session.

Professor Carol Robinson is a renowned chemist whose work has opened a new field of enquiry.
Professor Margaret Sheil is a chemist and CEO of the Australian Research Council.
Professor Suzanne Cory is President of the Academy and an accomplished medical researcher.
More information
(Posted 18 July, 2011)

Support for science education
Science & Technology Australia has applauded the Australian Academy of Science’s commitment to quality science education.
S&TA President Dr Cathy Foley described the withdrawal of Federal Government support for the programs as “disappointing”.
More information
(Posted 15 July, 2011)

Understanding Floods
Following in the model set by the Academy’s popular Climate Change: Questions and Answers booklet, Fellow of the Academy Dr Michael Raupach and other Australian scientists have collaborated to publish a new document, Understanding Floods: Questions and Answers. The booklet explains the fundamental scientific and engineering concepts behind floods, in clear and simple language. It provides balanced and authoritative information, focusing on three key themes: floods and their consequences; flood forecasts and warnings; and managing floods. It was written by the 25 Australian scientists on the Queensland Floods Science, Engineering and Technology Panel, convened by the Queensland Chief Scientist, Dr Geoff Garrett, AO.
More information
(Posted 14 July, 2011)

Applications for participation in COST for FY2011/2012
Australian researchers who are Members of COST are invited to apply for travel grants to Europe to participate in COST Action activities during FY 2011-2012.
More information
(Posted 7 July, 2011)

Scientific visits to Japan 2012
The Australian Academy of Science invites applications from professional scientists to collaborate with researchers in institutes in Japan between 1 April 2012 and 31 March 2013.
More information
(Posted 7 July, 2011)

Visit to the National Institute of Health in the USA for a Junior Scientist
The Australian Academy of Science invites Expressions of Interest from junior scientists who are no more than 30 years of age, to visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the United States of America.
More information
(Posted 7 July, 2011)

New Nova: Science in the news topic - Piezoelectric sensors and self-monitoring planes
Metal fatigue has been the cause of many airline, ship and bridge disasters . New piezoelectric sensors are now helping to detect, report and even fix such problems as they occur.
Sponsored by the Defence Science and Technology Organisation.
More information
(Posted 7 July, 2011)

Fellow’s seawater research wins rare honour
Dr Trevor McDougall FAA will share his work on thermodynamics – which has redefined ‘seawater’ – at this week’s International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics (IUGG) conference in Melbourne. Dr McDougall won the Prince Albert Medal for his fundamental advances in ocean mixing processes. He is the first Australian to have received the medal.
More information
(Posted 1 July, 2011)

June 2011

2011 June Newsletter now available
In this issue: Science at the Shine Dome highlights and photo montage, awards to Fellows and updates from the international and education programs.
More information
(Posted 23 June, 2011)

Queens birthday honours for Fellows
Two Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science were named Members of the Order of Australia in the 2011 Queens birthday honours list.
Professor John McKenzie won the honour for service to higher education, to professional associations and to the community.
Professor Les Field won the honour for service to higher education and to chemistry.
Also made a Member of the Order of Australia was Professor Jennie Brand-Miller, former Chair of the Academy’s National Committee for Nutrition.
More information
(Posted 14 June, 2011)

Science Academy condemns threats to scientists
The Australian Academy of Science today condemned threats to climate scientists and called on community leaders to defend intellectual freedom.

The Academy's Executive Committee of Council has issued a statement defending the right of researchers to work free from abuse, acts of intimidation and threats of violence.
More information
(Posted 10 June 2011)

Academy joins international call for better education, clean water
The Australian Academy of Science has endorsed a statement by 13 national science academies from around the world, calling on governments globally to invest in science education and science collaborations, and to improve water hygiene standards internationally.
More information
(Posted 10 June, 2011)

May 2011

Academy Fellows elected to Royal Society
Four Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science have been elected to the Royal Society of London. Professor Alan Cowman, Professor Ian Frazer, Professor Mark Randolph and Dr Patrick Ping Leung Tam were counted among the Royal Society’s 44 new members for 2011. They will be formally admitted to the Society on Admission Day, Friday 15 July.
More information
(Posted 25 May, 2011)

Academy education debated in parliament
On 23 May 2011 the Main Committee of the House of Representatives debated a motion that the House acknowledge the effectiveness of Primary Connections and Science by Doing and note teachers’ concern that Government funding to the programs has ceased. The Motion calls on the Government to make clear its funding commitment to the programs. Read the Hansard transcript of that debate here.
More information
(Posted 23 May, 2011)

2012 Awards for scientific excellence
Nominations are now open for the Australian Academy of Science’s 2012 Awards for scientific excellence. The career awards recognise a significant body of work which has advanced scientific knowledge, while the early career awards are made to scientists under 40 years of age for an outstanding piece of research. Award nominations close on 29 July.
More information
(Posted 16 May, 2011)

Science at the Shine Dome
In a speech to the Australian Academy of Science’s annual Science at the Shine Dome event, President Professor Suzanne Cory urged the Federal Government to protect Australia’s future by making science a budget priority.
More information
(Posted 5 May, 2011)

April 2011

Easier visas to attract bright minds
The Australian Academy of Science has said overseas science research students should have access to special fast-tracked visas for postgraduate study at Australian universities.

In its submission to the Australian Government’s review of the student visa program, the Academy said senior scientists who wish to work in Australian institutions also should have easier access to visas.
More information
(Posted 19 April 2011)

Teachers urge government to protect school science
Former winners of the Prime Minister’s Prize for Excellence in Science Teaching in Primary Schools have written to Prime Minister Julia Gillard, urging her to continue funding for Primary Connections. Read the letter here.

At the same time the Australian Science Teachers Association has written to Education Minister Peter Garrett to urge that funding continue for Primary Connections and Science by Doing. Read the letter here.

The letters respond to indications from Government that funding will not be renewed for the Academy’s premium primary school and high school science education programs.
(Posted 11 April, 2011)

New Corresponding Member
Professor John Dewey of the University of Oxford joins a distinguished group of international scientists elected as Corresponding Members of the Academy. Professor Dewey is a geologist who has been a leader in transforming tectonic geology to its modern form.
More information
(Posted 5 April, 2011)

Successful exchange participants to Japan 2011-12
Twelve leading Australian scientists have been awarded scientific grants to undertake important international collaborative research under the International Science Linkages – Strategic Policy Component.
More information
(Posted 1 April, 2011)

March 2011

COST Workshop 2011
The COST Workshop, held at the Shine Dome on 16 March 2011, brought together a group of Australian researchers who are members of the European program COST Actions to discuss their experiences with this activity and to identify the key drivers of successful Australian engagement with COST Actions.
More information
(Posted 30 March, 2011)

Nominations for 2011 PM’s Prizes for Science now open
The Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science are a national tribute to excellence in science and science teaching. Nominations close on Friday 13 May 2011 at 5.00 pm.
More information
(Posted 29 March, 2011)

Election of New Fellows to the Academy
Seventeen of Australia’s leading scientists have been honoured by election to the Australian Academy of Science in recognition of their research that has significantly advanced the world’s scientific knowledge.

Scientific contributions of the 2011 new Fellows cover a wide range of specialities that include sperm function, nuclear fusion, quantitative genetics with applications in agriculture, the ecology and evolution of microorganisms, and advances in wave science with applications in optical fibres and photonic crystals.
More information
(Posted 24 March, 2011)

Academy urges Government to support science education
The Australian Academy of Science is deeply disappointed that the Federal Government has signalled that funding will not continue for the Academy’s highly effective primary and high school science education programs.

The Academy is committed to the ongoing development of PrimaryConnections and is currently exploring all options to ensure its availability in the long term.
More information
(Posted 24 March, 2011)

March Newsletter now available
Newsletter highlights include a message from President Suzanne Cory, the wrap-up of the Water lecture series and overview of the new Fenner series, signing of the MoU with the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, and more.
More information
(Posted 17 March, 2011)

11th Australia-European mobility workshop
The Academy hosted the 11th Australia-European Union Joint Science and Technology Co-operation Committee (JSTCC) mobility workshop on 7 June 2010.

This workshop, chaired by Professor Franz Grieser, was part of a program of events that commenced with six thematically focussed workshops, followed by a ‘horizontal’ policy roundtable discussion and ended with the Officials’ meeting.

A joint communiqué on the outcomes of the workshop may be found at http://www.innovation.gov.au/Science/InternationalCollaboration/Pages/JSTCC-Communique2010.aspx
(Posted 16 March, 2011)

Malaria: The plant connection
What do plants have to do with malaria? Professor Geoffrey McFadden will reveal that the malaria parasite was originally a plant-like organism and herbicides initially designed to kill plants, work against malaria too! This is the next public lecture in the Fenner series being held on 5 April 2011 at 5.30 pm at the Shine Dome, Canberra.
This lecture is available from here
More information
(Posted 16 March, 2011)

Australian scientists share European research success
Twenty-five Australian scientists gathered at the Shine Dome on 16 March to share their experience of the European Union’s Cooperation in Scientific and Technical (COST) program. Participants identified key success factors of the program following their visits to European research facilities, receiving technical training and attending workshops. The Academy has an agreement with COST to enable Australian researchers to access European funding, research networks and facilities.
More information
(Posted 16 March, 2011)

Fellows win prestigious grants
The Australian Academy of Science congratulates three Fellows of the Academy who will lead  teams of high calibre researchers that have been awarded a combined total of more than $54 million in  National Health and Medical Research Council Program Grants to continue vital work in medical research. The scheme supports broad based, multi-disciplinary and collaborative research activities that are expected contribute to new knowledge at a leading international level in important areas of health and medical research. Details of the grants are as follows:

Professor Jerry Adams FAA (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute) - $21.3 million to attempt to develop cancer drugs that flip the natural ‘cell death switch’;

Professor Christopher Goodnow FAA (Australian National University) - $15.7 million for work in identifying how immune and inflammatory responses are controlled in health and disease; and

Professor Nic Nicola FAA (Walter and Eliza Hall Institute) - $17.1 million for research combining novel multidisciplinary approaches and techniques to provide new insights into blood cell control and novel avenues for therapies in blood disorders.
More information
(Posted 10 March, 2011)

Science at the Shine Dome
The Academy’s annual celebration, Science at the Shine Dome, being held from 4 to 6 May in Canberra. The three-day event will include the new Fellows seminar, the presentation of the 2011 awards, a special early-career researcher and teachers program, and the scientific symposium on Australia 2050: Population Challenges to Sustainability.
More information
(Posted 7 March, 2011)

Australia and Mongolia agree to scientific exchange
In a ceremony attended by Prime Minister Julia Gillard, a formal agreement was signed for greater understanding and sharing of ideas between scientists in Australia and Mongolia. The President of the Academy, Suzanne Cory, and the President of the Mongolian Academy of Sciences, Batbold Enkhtuvshin, signed the Memorandum of Understanding at Parliament House in Canberra. The Academy also has formal relationships with 18 other international science organisations.
More information
(Posted 4 March, 2011)

Gene bill amendment could impact medical research
The Academy has cautioned that proposed changes to the gene patents legislation could prevent important medical research, and render vital medicines unavailable in Australia. The Academy's submission to the Senate Inquiry into the Patent Amendment Bill on Human Genes and Biological Materials is available here.
More information
(Posted 3 March, 2011)

February 2011

Funding opportunity to progress Australia Korea S&T Linkages
The Australia-Korea Foundation (AKF), the Australian Academy of Science, the National Research Foundation of Korea and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering invite applications for their Early Career Science and Technology Researchers (ECR) program.
More information
(Posted 24 February, 2011)

Science community surprised as Chief Scientist resigns
Australia’s scientific community was surprised to learn today of the sudden resignation of Chief Scientist for Australia, Professor Penny Sackett.

Australian Academy of Science President Professor Suzanne Cory said Professor Sackett had made many significant contributions during her two and a half-year tenure.
More information
(Posted 18 February, 2011)

Bioterrorism: Who do we need to fear the most, the terrorist or the research scientist?
The next public lecture in the Fenner’s Science Today and Tomorrow series will be held on 1 March at 5.30 pm at the Shine Dome, Canberra. Professor Ian Ramshaw will discuss the bioterrorism risk in biotechnology research and how it’s being addressed.
This lecture will be streamed live starting 6pm from here.
More information
(Posted 15 February, 2011)

Academy Teacher Awards
Applications are now invited for the 2011 teacher awards. One teacher from each state and territory will be sponsored by the Academy to attend the annual Science at the Shine Dome conference which will be held in Canberra from 4 to 6 May.
More information
(Posted 3 February, 2011)

Fenner Tribute Symposium
The Frank Fenner Tribute Symposium was held on 1 February to start off the Fenner’s Science public lecture series. Three eminent speakers – Nobel Laureate Peter Doherty, Emeritus Professor Henry Nix and Professor Adrian Gibbs provided insights into the medical and environmental research that defined Frank's career. The lecture series will focus upon areas of research that Frank pioneered and are still actively researched today.
More information
(Posted 2 February, 2011)

January 2011

Academy’s 2011 public lecture series on Fenner’s Science
The Academy dedicates the 2011 public lecture series to the late Professor Frank Fenner. The series will focus upon areas of research that he pioneered. A tribute symposium on 1 February will start off the lecture series as a celebration of his life and science. Three eminent speakers – Nobel Laureate Peter Doherty, Emeritus Professor Henry Nix and Professor Adrian Gibbs will provide insights into the medical and environmental research that defined Frank's career.

For a live stream of the symposium from 6 pm on 1 February, visit link
More information
(Posted 27 January, 2011)

Interviews with Australian Scientists
Interview transcripts, teachers’ notes and DVDs are now available for Dr Oliver Mayo, Professor John Newton and Dr Amanda Barnard.
More information
(Posted 17 January, 2011)

Launch of Think Tank proceedings: Searching the Deep Earth
The Minister for Resources and Energy, Hon Martin Ferguson, launched the proceedings of the 2010 Theo Murphy High Flyers Think Tank on 11 January 2011 at 3 pm at the Shine Dome in Canberra. The proceedings entitled Searching the Deep Earth:The Future of Australian Resource Discovery and Utilisation is the result of the Think Tank held in August, which brought together 60 of Australia’s brightest researchers from a range of disciplines relating to exploration and mining.
More information
(Posted 14 January, 2011)

December 2010

December newsletter and Fenner tribute
The December edition of the Academy newsletter, including a special tribute to Professor Frank Fenner is now available. Newsletter highlights include UK-Australia Frontiers of Science meeting, the public lecture on the discovery of a new human ancestor and Australia-China Collaboration update.
More information
(Posted 15 December, 2010)

Success Stories of the International Science Linkages (ISL) Science Academies Program
Outstanding case studies resulting from research projects funded under the Academy’s ISL-funded competitive grants schemes.
More information
(Posted 15 December, 2010)

2011 Awards for scientific excellence announced
The Academy announced the winners its 2011 awards for scientific excellence. Honorific awards are presented to career researchers for life-long achievements and outstanding early-career researchers under the age of 40. In addition, the Academy gives awards for research support.
More information
(Posted 10 December, 2010)

Earth System Science conference and decadal plan launch
The first Australian Earth System Science Outlook conference saw more than 100 experts from across a range of disciplines come together to address the changes that affect the planet with humans as active agents. The goal of the field of Earth System Science is to provide the knowledge needed to reach a balance between the needs of the people on Earth and the physical and biological limits of our planet.

During the conference, the Earth System Science decadal plan developed by the National Committee for Earth System Science was also launched by the Chief Scientist of Australia, Professor Penny Sackett.
More information
(Posted 10 December, 2010)

Public lecture series on water ends
The public lecture series on water management in options for urban and rural Australia finished in December with an overview of the Murray Darling Basin Plan. Transcripts and audios of the lecture series are available here.
More information
(Posted 9 December, 2010)

New Nova: Science in the news topic
Since the completion of the Human Genome Project, scientists have been inundated by biological information. Bioinformatics is helping to make sense of it all.
Sponsored by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence in Bioinformatics.
More information
(Posted 8 December, 2010)

Academy visit to the National Research Foundation of Korea
Nancy Pritchard, Manager of the Academy’s International Programs, met with senior staff at the National Research Foundation of Korea (NRF) in October 2010 to discuss future bilateral activities between the two organisations. 

Since 1992, the Academy’s links with Korea have been through a memorandum of understanding with the Korea Science and Engineering Foundation (KOSEF). 

NRF is a national research funding organisation founded in June 2009 through the amalgamation of KOSEF, the Korea Research Foundation, and the Korea Foundation for International Cooperation of Science and Technology under the direction of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Technology.
More information
(Posted 6 December, 2010)

State Memorial Service for Emeritus Professor Frank Fenner AC CMG MBE
The Prime Minister Julia Gillard today announced that one of Australia's finest scientists, the late Professor Frank Fenner, would be honoured with a State Memorial Service.

The service will commemorate Professor Fenner's life and his remarkable contribution to global public health and environmental science.

Professor Fenner's long and distinguished career involved groundbreaking work on the impact of malaria on his fellow servicemen and women during World War II, research into tuberculosis, the eradication of smallpox and the control of Australia's rabbit population.

The Prime Minister said the service will provide Australians with the opportunity to pay their respects to this remarkable Australian whose work touched the lives of so many people around the world.

Professor Fenner's State Memorial Service will be held at 4.00 pm on Friday 17 December 2010 at Llewellyn Hall, Australian National University.
Academy’s four-page tribute to Professor Frank Fenner
(Posted 3 December, 2010)

Meeting of global network of science academies
The Chilean Academy of Science hosted the Executive Committee meeting of the global network of science academies (IAP) on 3 and 4 November 2010 in Santiago, Chile. Professor Jenny Graves, the Secretary for Education and Public Awareness, represented the Australian Academy of Science. IAP’s primary goal is to help member academies work together to advise citizens and public officials on the scientific aspects of critical global issues.
More information
(Posted 2 December, 2010)

Research update: Purple-crowned Fairy-wren
The study examines the distribution of the Purple-crowned Fairy‐wren and tries to understand their response to habitat degradation, in order to help conserve the species.
More information
(Posted 1 December, 2010)

November 2010

Scientific visits to Japan 2011
The Australian Academy of Science invites applications from professional scientists to collaborate with researchers in institutes in Japan between 1 April and 30 September 2011.
More information
(Posted 29 November, 2010)

National Museum prizes open
Nominations are now open for the 2011 National Museum of Australia Student Prize for History of Australian Science or Australian Environmental History. The prize will be awarded for an essay based on original unpublished research undertaken whilst enrolled as a student at any tertiary educational institution in the world.
More information
(Posted 28 November, 2010)

2010 Lloyd Rees Memorial lecture
The tenth Lloyd Rees Lecture was delivered by Dr Steve Wilkins, a Chief Research Scientist in CSIRO, in Melbourne. The Rees Lectures are given by scientists who have made distinguished contributions to chemical physics in Australia.
More information
(Posted 26 November, 2010)

Professor Frank Fenner FAA (1914 - 2010)
The Academy is profoundly saddened by the death of Professor Frank Fenner on 22 November 2010. Frank was one of the first Fellows to be elected to the Academy in 1954 for his distinguished work on poxviruses, including his pioneering contributions to the eradication of smallpox worldwide and the control of rabbit populations in Australia. However, his influence extends well beyond virology and immunlogy. Frank was a young yet world-renowned researcher who set out to support the new Academy with the same dedication and enthusiasm with which he pursued his research. For over fifty years Frank been not only been a champion of science but also an instigator and major contributor to many Academy initiatives and activities. These included his stalwart support of the Basser Library and editing all three of the Academy's histories, the last being The first fifty years. Frank established and sponsored the Academy's influential Fenner Conferences on the Environment series, reflecting his deep commitment to environmental science. He will be well-remembered for his outstanding intellect and his generous spirit.

Academy’s four-page tribute to Professor Frank Fenner
Condolence motions from Parliament House
New York Times
The (London) Telegraph
Australia pays tribute to Frank Fenner
Transcript of interview with Frank Fenner from 1992
More information
(Posted 22 November, 2010)

New Nova: Science in the news topic
Geoengineering involves applying technology on a massive scale to change the Earth's environment. It might help to cool the Earth, but at what cost?
Sponsored by the Australian Government Department of Climate Change and Energy Efficiency.
More information
(Posted 21 November, 2010)

Australia-China collaboration
President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Professor Yongxiang Lu, was the guest of honour at a special public lecture and celebration dinner co-hosted by the Academy and Minister Kim Carr, to celebrate 30 years of scientific cooperation between Australia and China.
More information
(Posted 19 November, 2010)

Prime Minister's Prize for Science
The Academy is delighted that Professor John Shine has won the 2010 Prime Minister's Prize for Science. As part of the award, he received a solid gold medallion and a $300,000 cash prize for his scientific discoveries and research leadership. Prime Minister Julia Gillard acknowledged the Academy’s role in building ‘bridges of engagement between the world of science and the wider community’ as part of her speech when conferring the prize.
More information
(Posted 17 November, 2010)

Final public lecture in water series
Professor Barry Hart presented the Murray-Darling Basin Plan as a major water reform in Australia and discussed the challenges in implementing it. Tuesday 7 December, 5.30–7.00 pm, Shine Dome, Canberra.
More information
(Posted 16 November, 2010)

October 2010

Public lecture in the water series
In this second-last public lecture of the series, Professor Craig Simmons will discuss groundwater challenges and opportunities for Australia in the 21st century. Tuesday 2 November, 5.30–7.00 pm, Shine Dome, Canberra.
More information
(Posted 20 October, 2010)

Frontiers of Science Meeting
Australian and United Kingdom marine scientists are meeting in Perth from 10 to 12 October to discuss the dynamics and health of our oceans at the 2010 UK-Australia Frontiers of Science – Marine Science Meeting being held by the Academy and the UK Royal Society. The event is part of the world wide celebrations for the 350th Anniversary of the Royal Society.
More information
(Posted 8 October, 2010)

Nominations open for Lindau 2011
Young Australian scientists are encouraged to apply to attend the 61st meeting of Nobel Laureates in Lindau, Germany from 26 June to 1 July 2011. Deadline for nominations are 25 October 2010.
More information
(Posted 7 October, 2010)

September 2010

Paul Dirks lecture on discovery of Australopithecus sediba
Professor Dirks displayed the full cast of the skeleton of Australopithecus sediba for the first time in Australia, at the Academy’s Shine Dome on 23 September. His lecture attracted over 180 people and widespread media coverage.
More information
(Posted 29 September, 2010)

Space science decadal plan
The plan was developed by the Academy's National Committee for Space Science after four years of extensive consultation. It was launched on 27 September 2010 at the Australian Space Science Conference at the University of Queensland.
More information
(Posted 23 September, 2010)

Exploration and Endeavour exhibition
Currently on at the National Museum of Australia, this exhibition brings together unique treasures associated with voyages of scientific discovery to the South Seas in the 18th and 19th centuries. It is in collaboration with the Royal Society and is supported by the Academy and the Australian Institute of Marine Science.
More information
(Posted 22 September, 2010)

Public lecture in water series
This talk by Ross Young, will look at the changing face of the urban water industry in the context of the cities of the future. Tuesday 5 October, 5.30–7.00 pm, Shine Dome, Canberra.
More information
(Posted 22 September, 2010)

Shine Dome open day
This years open day celebrated women in science. There were talks by scientists, tours, displays and films, fun for the kids and more.
More information
(Posted 16 September, 2010)

Special Public Lecture by Professor Paul Dirks
Talk on the discovery of a new human ancestor, Australopithecus sediba, which represents a transitional form between early australopithecines and early members of the genus Homo. Thursday 23 September, 5.15 – 7 pm, Shine Dome Canberra.
More information
(Posted 10 September, 2010)

Primary Connections newsletter
The latest issue of the Primary Connections newsletter includes updates about their Professional Learning Program, Indigenous Perspectives and Resources, distribution figures and new units.
More information
(Posted 2 September, 2010)

Early Days
The latest issue of the early-career researcher newsletter, Early Days, in its new format features an interview with Professor Chennupati Jagadish FAA and Dr Hannah Joyce.
More information
(Posted 2 September, 2010)

August 2010

Visit to the National Institutes of Health in the USA for a junior scientist
The Academy invites expressions of interest from junior scientists who are no more than 30 years of age, to visit the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in the USA.
More information
(Posted 26 August, 2010)

Australia-Germany Researcher Mobility Call 2010/11
The Academy, on behalf of the DIISR, has awarded one-off grants totalling $260,365 to 14 Australian research groups to participate in Australia-Germany Researcher Mobility projects, for travel and research.
More information
(Posted 20 August, 2010)

Think Tank: Searching the deep earth
The 2010 Theo Murphy High Flyers Think Tank, Searching the Deep Earth: The Future of Australian Resource Discovery and Utilisation, is a gathering of about 60 of the country’s brightest early- and mid-career research scientists from a range of disciplines relating to exploration and mining. They will be meeting at the Academy on 19-20 August to discuss questions such as how to find the next giant ore deposits and what new technologies will be needed to exploit them in a low-carbon future.
More information
(Posted 20 August, 2010)

Public lecture – water series
This talk by Bradley Moggridge, will look at Aboriginal cultural values of water and its relationship with environmental flows. Tuesday 7 September, 5.30–7.00 pm, Shine Dome, Canberra.
More information
(Posted 18 August, 2010)

Eureka Awards winners
Congratulations to Fellows of the Academy, Professor Martin Green and Professor David Lindenmayer, who have won the Australian Museum 2010 Eureka Awards in Leadership in Science and Environmental Research, respectively.
More information
(Posted 19 August, 2010)

The Science of Climate Change: Questions and Answers
Based on a series of key questions, this publication aims to address confusion created by contradictory information in the public domain. It sets out to explain the current situation in climate science, including where there is consensus in the scientific community and where uncertainties exist.
More information
(Posted 16 August, 2010)

Australian Science Festival events at the Shine Dome
A number of festival events are being held at the Shine Dome. Further information about events, times and booking details is available from the Australian Science Festival website.
(Posted 9 August 2010)

July 2010

Science excellence at the Shanghai Expo 2010
Thirty years of scientific and research cooperation between China and Australia will be celebrated at the Shanghai World Expo during Australia and China Science and Technology Week from 2 to 6 August 2010.
More information
(Posted 30 July 2010)

Nominations for awards and research support
Nominations for research support for 2011 close on 31 August 2010.
More information
(Posted 30 July 2010)

Outstanding alumni
Congratulations to the Academy Chief Executive, Sue Meek, and Director of Primary Connections, Shelley Peers, who have been recognised as Outstanding Alumni this year by James Cook University and Queensland University of Technology, respectively.
More information
(Posted 30 July 2010)

Applications for participation in COST
Australian researchers who are Members of COST are invited to apply for travel grants to Europe to participate in COST Action activities during FY 2010-2011.
More information
(Posted 21 July 2010)

ARC Centres of Excellence funded
Congratulations to Fellows of the Academy Suzanne O’Reilly, Gerard Milburn, Hugh Possingham, Scott Sloan and Michelle Simmons who have been named centre directors.
More information
(Posted 19 July 2010)

Sustainable population debate
The Academy of Science has made an ongoing contribution to the population debate and the President, Professor Suzanne Cory, has welcomed recent statements by the Prime Minister about a sustainable population for Australia.
More information
(Posted 14 July 2010)

60th Meeting of Nobel Laureates in Lindau
The Academy supported an Australian delegation lead by Professor Kurt Lambeck and comprised of 14 young scientists from across Australia to visit the Lindau meeting from 27 June to 2 July. The attendees were from a diverse range of disciplines including medicine, physics and chemistry. An article in The Australian describes the meeting between Joel Pedro and Professor Paul Crutzen.
More Information
(Posted 14 July 2010)

Public lecture in the water series
This talk by Professor Lin Crase examines the spin and economics of irrigation infrastructure policy in Australia. Tuesday 3 August, 5.30–7.00pm, Shine Dome, Canberra.
More information
(Posted 14 July 2010)

June 2010

Science feature
Dr Nicole Webster of the Australian Institute of Marine Science received the 2010 Dorothy Hill Award for work on bacterial symbiosis in coral reefs recently at Science at the Shine Dome. Her research demonstrates that sponges and their symbiotic microbes are sensitive to elevated seawater temperatures.
More information
(Posted 23 June 2010)

New Nova: Science in the news topic
Rebuilding humans using bionics
Researchers are making bionics the new frontier of medical science, by creating hi-tech devices to help people walk, see and hear again.
(Posted 21 June, 2010)

June Newsletter now available
In this issue: Highlights of Science at the Shine Dome, news of the international programs, Primary Connections and Science by Doing trials, the visit by Lord Martin Rees and much more.
More information
(Posted 10 June 2010)

Public Lecture – The Water Dance
A public lecture By Adjunct Professor Leith Boully
This talk examines the dance through water policy reform that is generating much emotion and debate.
Tuesday 6 July, 5.30–7.00 pm, Shine Dome, Canberra.
More information
(Posted 22 June, 2010)

Australia-Germany Solar Photovoltaics Research Participants 2010-11
The Australian Academy of Science, on behalf of the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research, has awarded scientific grants totalling $200,000 to eight leading Australian research groups to participate in Australia-Germany Solar Photovoltaics Research projects
More information
(Posted 30 June, 2010)

Australian scientists elected to Royal Society
Academy fellows Professor Hugh Durrant-Whyte of the University of Sydney, Dr Ezio Rizzardo of the CSIRO and Professor Malcolm McCulloch of the University of Western Australia have been elected as Fellows of the United Kingdom's prestigious Royal Society. They join the ranks of such greats as Sir Isaac Newton, Charles Darwin, Michael Faraday, Albert Einstein and Ernest Rutherford in the world’s oldest scientific academy.
More information

International Research Collaboration
Sixty-nine Australian scientists have been awarded scientific grants to undertake important international collaborative research under the International Science Linkages – Science Academies Program.  A full list of the grant recipients can be found here.

Academy award for Peter Pockley
The Academy Medal was officially presented to renowned science journalist, Dr Peter Pockley by the Governor-General of Australia, Her Excellency Ms Quentin Bryce AC, at the Academy dinner held in Canberra on 6 May.
More information

Interviews with Australian Scientists
Interview transcripts, teachers’ notes and DVDs are now available for Professor Jim Lance, Professor Jim Morrison, Dr Jim Peacock and Dr Roy Woodall
More information

Public Lecture - Recycling Stormwater
By Dr Peter Dillon.
This talk gives examples of the significant progress that Australia has made in recycling storm water using Managed Aquifer Recharge.
Tuesday 1 June, 5.30–7.00 pm, Shine Dome, Canberra.
More information

May 2010

Applications for the Oxford Nuffield Medical Fellowship 2010–11 now open
The Scheme for Oxford Nuffield Medical Fellowships in either a clinical medicine or medical science department of the University of Oxford is offered for 2010–11. The Fellowship carries an allowance of £40,745, subject to United Kingdom tax.   The closing date for applications is 27 May 2010.
More information

New President of the Academy of Science
Distinguished cancer researcher, Professor Suzanne Cory, took over the role of President of the Academy at 5 pm on 7 May.
More information

2010 awards for scientific excellence
Leading Australian scientists were awarded by the Academy for their research on 6 May. 
More information

Academy receives research grant
The Australian Academy of Science will receive a share of $1.4 million over three years from the Australian Government under the Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects scheme to undertake a research project on how to achieve an environmentally sustainable and socially equitable way of living in Australia by 2050.

President honoured by American academy
Professor Kurt Lambeck, President of the Australian Academy of Science, is among 229 leaders in the sciences, the humanities and the arts, business, public affairs, and the non-profit sector who were elected to the American Academy of Arts and Sciences this year.
More information

April 2010

New Nova: Science in the news topic
Australia's low emission energy future
The Australian Government wants to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by the year 2020.
But with a growing population, increasing energy requirements, and a past reliance on cheap energy sources how could this be achieved?

Funding for Collaborative Research with Germany
The Australian Academy of Science, on behalf of the Department of Innovation. Industry, Science and Research, invites applications from Australian researchers wishing to establish or enhance collaborative projects with their German counterparts. Two new calls are now open:
Australia–Germany Researcher Mobility

March 2010

Visit to Academy by Lord Martin Rees President of the Royal Society
Lord Martin Rees visited the Academy from 24-26 March, as part of his trip to Australia. Delivereing a public lecture to a 260-strong audience at the Shine Dome,his lecture explored the challenges arising from the demands of the next 50 years, including population growth, climate change and space exploration.
More information

Election of New Fellows to the Academy:
Seventeen of Australia’s leading scientists were honoured on 24 March by election to the Australian Academy of Science in recognition of their research that has significantly advanced the world’s scientific knowledge.
More information

Academy Newsletter Number 79, March 2010
In this issue: Public lecture series on Water Management Options, Honours and Fellowships, Interviews with Australian Scientists update, Academy objections to the proposed NewActon building development and more.
More information

Agricultural Productivity and Climate Change Think Tank
The 2009 Theo Murphy High Flyers Think Tank arose from the growing concern over the impact of global climate change. As changes in climate continue into the foreseeable future, the consequential changes in a range of biophysical, environmental, social and economic impacts across a variety of sectors, including agriculture, will affect not only Australia but the rest of the world.
More information

Australia’s renewable energy future
Based upon the Academy’s 2008–09 public lecture series, this report provides an authoritative scientific analysis of existing and emerging renewable energy technologies, and the strategies that can be used to replace power generation based on the use of coal and oil. The costs, advantages and problems associated with solar power, wind power, biomass, fuel cells, geothermal energy and wave energy are compared and analysed.
More information

Nanotechnology in Australia
The report, Nanotechnology in Australia: Trends, applications and collaborative opportunities, characterises Australia’s current research capabilities. This was achieved through the completion of a series of quantitative and qualitative research activities during 2009. The data shows that Australia’s collaboration partners have changed in the past decade – China now being Australia’s second most frequent publication partner.
More information

Public Lecture: Francis Crick: Who was the man who discovered DNA?
By Professor Robert Olby.
This lecture unearths the influences that shaped Francis Crick’s career, his personality, and his extraordinary qualities as a scientist.
Thursday 11 March, 5.30–7.00 pm, Shine Dome, Canberra.
More information

Public Lecture: Challenges for the next 50 years
By Lord Martin Rees, President of the Royal Society
The lecture will explore the challenges arising from the demands of the next 50 years that will require the urgent adoption of new technologies, and the novel ethical dilemmas that they pose.
Thursday 25 March, 5.30 – 7 pm, Shine Dome, Canberra.
More information

Public Lecture: Water Reform in Australia
By Ken Matthews
The lecture will summarise progress in water reform in Australia over the last few years.
Tuesday 6 April, 5.30 – 7 pm, CSIRO Discovery Centre, Acton.
More information

2010 NHMRC Australia Fellowships
Congratulations to Academy Fellows Professors Chris Goodnow, Charles Mackay and John Mattick for being awarded NHMRC Australia Fellowships - Australia’s most prestigious award in the fields of health and medical research, recognising researchers with the vision and application to tackle some of the biggest health issues facing society today.
More information

December 2009

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (December 2009) is now available online.
(Posted 14 December 2009)

$200,000 awarded to build international science links
Twelve Australian scientific research groups have been awarded a total of $200,000 in grants to participate in the European Marie Curie International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES).
Media release
(Posted 9 December 2009)

Australian participation in International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES) Round 2
The Australian Academy of Science has awarded scientific grants totaling $200,000 to twelve leading Australian research groups to participate in the European Commission's new Marie Curie scheme called the Marie Curie International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES) Round 2.
Further information
(Posted 8 December 2008)

November 2009

Grants for international travel
Applications are invited for grants for short-term scientific visits to Europe, North America and Asia (China, Korea, and Taiwan) in 2010, to foster collaborations between Australian and overseas researchers. Deadline for applications is Friday 26 February 2010.
Further information
(Posted 25 November 2009)

Student prize for the history of Australian science or environmental history now open
The National Museum of Australia and the Academy, through its National Committee for History and Philosophy of Science, invite submissions for this prize.
More information
(Posted 24 November 2009)

Transcript available: Converging insecurities – water, energy, carbon and food
The transcript and slides from the public lecture by Andrew Campbell are now available.
Further information
(Posted 23 November 2009)

Public lecture: Water as a limiting resource in dryland agriculture
In this public lecture on Tuesday 1 December, Dr John Passioura will explore the prospects for substantially improving water-limited yields, with emphasis on Australia, against the backdrop of a wide range of other requirements and possible impediments.
Further information
(Posted 23 November 2009)

Big tick for Academy primary science education program
Media release
(Posted 20 November 2009)

Excuse me! The problem with methane gas
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic.
(Posted 17 November 2009)

Transcript available: Food security in a changing climate
The transcript and slides from the public lecture by 50th Anniversary Selby Fellow, Professor Peter Gregory, are now available.
Further information
(Posted 11 November 2009)

Postdoctoral and Invitation Fellowships in Japan 2010
The Australian Academy of Science, in association with the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (JSPS), invites applications from Australian researchers to undertake postdoctoral and invitation fellowships in Japan in 2010. Closing date is COB Friday 5 February 2010.
Information and application forms
(Posted 11 November 2009)

October 2009

Public lecture: Converging insecurities: The water, energy, carbon and food nexus
In the second lecture for the series, Andrew Campbell will draw on current work to weave together the intertwined threads of water, energy, carbon and food policy, and sketch an outline for science and policy commensurate with the immensity and urgency of the challenges before us.
Further information
(Posted 30 October 2009)

Public lecture: The Encyclopaedia of Life
An ambitious project that is realising the vision of E. O. Wilson to create a web page for every species on earth. Presented by David Patterson on Monday 26 October
Further information
(Posted 22 October 2009)

Selby public lecture: Food Security in a Changing Climate
The 50th Anniversary Selby Fellow, Professor Peter Gregory, Director/Chief Executive of the Scottish Crop Research Institute, will present a public lecture on Tuesday 20 October at the Shine Dome.
Further information
(Posted 13 October 2009)

Nobel prize won by corresponding member of Academy
Professor Elizabeth Blackburn, a corresponding member of the Academy, won the Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of how chromosomes are protected by telomeres and the enzyme telomerase.
Further information
(Posted 6 October 2009)

September 2009

United Nations climate change conference
The United Nations climate change conference, COP 15, will be held in Copenhagen from the 7-18 December 2009. For information on this and previous COP meetings see International Deliberations from Nova: Science in the news.
(Posted 28 September 2009)

Shine Dome open day – Celebrating 50 years
The Shine Dome turns 50 this year and to help celebrate this landmark the annual open day will be a special one. The Dome will be open to the public on Thursday 1 October from 10 am to 4 pm and will feature tours by architects, talks by scientists, film footage, performers for the kids, a sausage sizzle and more.
(Posted 28 September 2009)

New public lecture series commences 6 October
The Academy’s new public lecture series Water management options for urban and rural Australia will be launched on Tuesday 6 October with a lecture by Dr Don Blackmore, Chairman of the eWater CRC.
Further information
(Posted 28 September 2009)

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (September 2009) is now available online.
(Posted 15 September 2009)

President addresses the National Press Club
Professor Kurt Lambeck presented the case for enhancing Australia’s participation in the global science effort in an address at the National Press Club on 9 September.
Speech notes
(Posted 10 September 2009)

Grants for Australian participation in European IRSES Marie Curie Actions
The Australian Academy of Science invites applications from Australian research organisations that are partners of a European-led consortium already selected in 2009 to receive funding from the European Commission’s International Research Staff Exchange Scheme (IRSES).  If your organisation is one of the 20 Australian institutions that fall into this category you can find application forms and selection criteria at the Academy’s website:
Further information
(Posted 9 September 2009)

Science for sustainable reefs
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic.
(Posted 4 September 2009)

August 2009

Visit to the National Institutes of Health in the USA for a junior scientist
The Academy is calling for expressions of interest for a research award for a junior scientist in any health-related field of natural science. Closing date 30 September 2009.
Further information
(Posted 24 August 2009)

July 2009

Rocking on with hot rocks geothermal energy
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic.
(Posted 24 July 2009)

Academy's strong relationship with France recognised in awards
Former Executive Secretary, Professor Sue Serjeantson, and Manager for International Relations, Ms Nancy Pritchard, were made Officer and Knight, respectively, of the Order of Academic Palms by the French government at a ceremony at the Shine Dome.
Further information
(Posted 21 July 2009)

Public lecture: Climate change, human aspiration and the finite capacity of planet Earth
As part of National Science Week, Dr Michael Raupach FAA will present a lecture on 19 August outlining the basic science of climate change and examining some of the controversies around the subject in both scientific and non-scientific arenas.
Further information
(Posted 15 July 2009)

Interviews with Australian Scientists
Interview transcripts, teachers notes and DVDs are now available for Professors Ray Martin, Bruce Holloway, John Swan and Ron Brown.
Interview transcripts
(Posted 7 July 2009)

Public lecture: The contribution of renewables in Australia’s future energy mix
At this final public lecture in the renewable energy series, Dr John Wright will consider the mix of technologies we need to have to achieve various cost, reliability and environmental objectives, and the role of renewables in meeting these objectives out to 2050.
Further information
(Posted 2 July 2009)

June 2009

Fellows chosen to receive new Australian Laureate Fellowships
Six Academy Fellows are among fifteen researchers chosen to receive the Australian Research Council’s new Australian Laureate Fellowships.
(Posted 23 June)

Hunting for dark energy with the WiggleZ
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic.
(Posted 19 June 2009)

Public Lecture: Tidal energy: A viable form of renewable energy
At this public lecture, Dr Tim Finnigan will discuss tidal energy and ocean energy in general, describing both the practical and commercial aspects of harnessing energy from the ocean.
Further information
(Posted 17 June 2009)

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (June 2009) is now available online.
(Posted 16 June 2009)

Academy President honoured with Officer of the Order of Australia award
Professor Kurt Lambeck receieved the honour of becoming an Officer of the Order of Australia for his service to science through the development of policy, the promotion of educational programs and as a researcher and educator in the field of geoscience.
(Posted 9 June 2009)

Academy endorsement of statement on ocean acidification by IAP
The Academy has joined with academies of sixty nine other countries around the world to endorse a statement issued by the InterAcademy Panel on International Issues (IAP) on ocean acidification.
(Posted 1 June 2009)
Statement

May 2009

Annual Report
The Academy's 2008–09 Annual Report is now available online.
(Posted 25 May 2009)

Academy Fellows join giants of science with election to The Royal Society
(Posted 18 May 2009)
Media release

Academy welcomes science Budget
(Posted 13 May 2009)
Media release

Land and Water Australia should not be wasted
(Posted 11 May 2009)
Media release

Wind Energy: How it works and where is it going?
At this public lecture on 2 June, Associate Professor David Wood will cover the basic operation of wind turbines of all sizes, focusing on the aerodynamics of the blades.
(Posted 20 May 2009)
Further information

Academy welcomes science Budget
(Posted 13 May 2009)
Media release

Land and Water Australia should not be wasted
(Posted 11 May 2009)
Media release

Nuclear Astrophysics in Australia
2009 Elizabeth and Frederick White Research Conference, The Shine Dome, Canberra, 24–25 August
(Posted 11 May 2009)
Further information

New era of gene technology is on its way says medal winner
(Posted 7 May 2009)
Media release

Australian researchers leading world in robotics
(Posted 6 May 2009)
Media release

Top Australian scientists honoured by admission to Academy
(Posted 5 May 2009)
Media release

The Shine Dome turns 50 this week
(Posted 5 May 2009)
Media release

Academy’s celebration of science kicks off this week
(Posted 4 May 2009)
Media release

The President of the Academy, Professor Kurt Lambeck, has been elected to the US National Academy of Science
(Posted 1 May 2009)
Media release

April 2009

Innovation: Time for action now
The current economic climate is the right time to invest in science and innovation.
(Posted 24 April 2009)
Further information

2010 Honorific and Research Support Awards
Nominations are now invited for the Academy’s 2010 Honorific Awards. Closing date is 31 July 2009. The 2010 Research Support awards are also open. Closing date 31 August 2009. (Posted 15 April 2009)
Further information

Australian Academy of Science Teacher Awards 2009
The 2009 Teacher Awardees have been selected to attend the Academy’s annual conference in Canberra. (Posted 6 April 2009)
Further information

Simply astronomical – the Square Kilometre Array
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 1 April 2009)

March 2009

Australian participation in European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST)
Applications are invited for travel grants to Europe for Australian scientists to participate in COST Actions. (Posted 30 March 2009)
Further information

Science Academy elects new Fellows
Sixteen of Australia’s leading scientists were honoured on 24 March by election to the Australian Academy of Science. (Posted 25 March 2009)
Media release

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (March 2009) is now available online. (Posted 23 March 2009)

Grants for international travel
Applications are invited for grants for short-term scientific visits to Europe, North America and Asia in 2010, to foster collaborations between Australian and overseas researchers. Deadline for applications is 15 May 2009. (Posted 3 March 2009)
Further information

Solar thermal concentrators: Capturing the sun for large scale power generation and energy export
At this public lecture on 7 April, Professor Keith Lovegrove will discuss solar trough, tower and dish concentrator technologies and thermal energy storage. (Posted 30 March 2009)
Further information

February 2009

The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute announces the next director
Academy Fellow and member of Council Professor Doug Hilton will be the next director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research. (Posted 27 February 2009)
Announcement (external link)

Bioenergy options for Australia
At this public lecture on Tuesday 3 March, Dr Stephen Schuck will discuss biomass as a source of sustainable, renewable energy for electricity, cogeneration, heat and liquid fuels. (Posted 17 February 2009)
Further information

Flying beyond our means – air travel and the environment
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 9 February 2009)

Academy Fellows receive NHMRC research grants
The Academy congratulates Academy Fellows Professor Peter Doherty, Professor Fiona Stanley and Professor Robert Graham who will receive a slice of the $108 million in NHMRC 2010 Program Grants announced by the Australian Government today. Professor Doherty and his team will receive $10.4m to develop and evaluate vaccines against seasonal and pandemic influenza. Professor Stanley and her team will receive $9.7m to study childhood development and its effects on health and participation in society. Professor Graham and his team will study the development, repair and function of heart muscle cells, as well as integrated heart development to better understand heart disease and abnormalities in adults and children. The Academy wishes them, and the other 12 grant recipients, well in their research. (Posted 6 February 2009)
Further information

January 2009

Interviews with Australian Scientists
Interview transcripts, teachers notes and DVDs are now available for Professor Ian Frazer and Professor John Sprent. (Posted 28 January 2009)
Interview transcripts

Academy award winners announced
Winners of the Academy’s distinguished awards for senior and early-career researchers have been announced. (Posted 23 January 2009)
List of awardees
Media release

Interviews with Australian Scientists
Interview transcripts and teachers notes are now available for Professor Joe Gani and Professor Lawrence Lyons. (Posted 21 January 2009)
Interview transcripts

The Sir Mark Oliphant Conferences – International Frontiers of Science and Technology
Applications for conferences to be held in Australia from 1 July 2009 and 30 June 2010 are now being received. Closing date: 9 February 2009. (Posted 19 January 2009)
Further information

Fuel cells: A real option for base load electricity
At this public lecture on 3 February, Dr Karl Föger will discuss solid oxide fuel cells and their potential to turn houses into virtual power stations, producing low to zero emission and competitive base load electricity. (Posted 12 January 2009)
Further information

December 2008

A sense of things to come – smart sensors and the environment
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 16 December 2008)

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (December 2008) is now available online. (Posted 9 December 2008)

Making our mark – ecological footprints
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 9 December 2008)

Academy welcomes new CRC guidelines
The new guidelines for the Australian Government’s CRC program, which include the re-instatement of public good in its assessment criterion, have been welcomed by the Academy. (Posted 1 December 2008)
Media release

November 2008

Interviews with Australian Scientists
Interview transcripts, teachers notes and DVDs are now available for Professor Richard Stanton, Professor Robert Street and Professor Brian Anderson. (Posted 26 November 2008)
Interview transcripts

Taking measure of our universe
The transcript from Brian Schmidt's public lecture is now available online. (Posted 26 November 2008)

Clean speed ahead with catalysts
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 18 November 2008)

Life on Mars?
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 12 November 2008)

Australian scientists receive grants to strengthen international collaboration
Over a hundred leading Australian scientists have been awarded scientific grants to undertake important international collaborative research under the International Science Linkages – Science Academies Program. (Posted 5 November 2008)
Media release

Cancer, mental health and infectious diseases the focus at High Flyer’s Think Tank
Some of Australia's brightest science minds will brainstorm new applications of science and technology to the diagnosis and prevention of cancer, mental health, metabolic syndrome and infectious diseases from 6–7 November. (Posted 5 November 2008)
Media release

Geothermal energy
At this public lecture on Tuesday 2 December, Dr Anthony Budd will discuss geothermal energy and its potential to provide 2200 MW generation capacity into Australia’s National Electricity Market by 2020. (Posted 3 November 2008)
Further information
Media release

October 2008

Solar photovoltaics: Power source for the future?
The transcript from Martin Green's public lecture is now available online. (Posted 21 October 2008)

Prime Minister’s Prize for Science goes to Academy Fellow
The Academy congratulates Academy Fellow Professor Ian Frazer on receiving the prestigious 2008 Prime Minister's Prize for Science. (Posted 17 October 2008)
Media release

Wave energy: The industry now and in the future
At this public lecture on Wednesday 5 November, Dr Tom Denniss will discuss the development of commercial 'wave farms' within the next five years. (Posted 1 October 2008)
Further information

September 2008

Postdoctoral and invitation fellowships to Japan
Applications are invited for postdoctoral and invitation fellowships to Japan. Closing date 5 December 2008. (Posted 30 September 2008)
Information and application forms

Cancer immunotherapy – redefining vaccines
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 23 September 2008)

Australian–Italy Award: For PhD students and early postdoctoral researchers
The Academy invites applications for the Australia-Italy Award for short-term scientific research visits between Australia and Italy in 2009. Closing date 10 October 2008. (Posted 22 September 2008)

Shine Dome open day: Find out what's inside
The Shine Dome will open its doors to the public on Thursday 2 October from 10 am to 4 pm. (Posted 22 September 2008)
Media release

The quest to make hydrogen the fuel of the future
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 9 September 2008)

Academy Fellow receives international prize for cancer vaccine
The Academy congratulates Professor Ian Frazer FAA on winning the Balzan Prize for Preventive Medicine, including vaccination. (Posted 9 September 2008)
Media release

Rapid renewable energy transition good for economy and jobs
Professor Barney Foran said a rapid transition to 80% renewable electricity by 2050 will maintain Australia’s economic competence while revamping its industrial base and maintaining strong growth in green collar jobs, at a public lecture at the Shine Dome on Tuesday 2 September. (Posted 4 September 2008)
Media release
Transcript

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (September 2008) is now available online. (Posted 3 September 2008)

Solar photovoltaics: Power source for the future?
Professor Martin Green will discuss research improving solar cell efficiency, and the potential to provide solar power at competitive prices at a public lecture on 7 October. (Posted 1 September 2008)
Further information
Media release

August 2008

L’Oréal Australia For Women in Science Fellowships
The Academy congratulates Angela Moles, Amanda Barnard, Natalie Borg and Erika Cretney on receiving 2008 L'Oréal Australia For Women in Science Fellowships. (Posted 27 August 2008)
Media release

Academy Fellows receive Eureka Prizes
Professors Stephen Simpson and Robert Clark won individual Eureka Prizes and Professors Lorenzo Faraone and Martin Green were members of groups that received prizes. (Posted 26 August 2008)
Media release

A low carbon economy based on renewable energy: The only way to go
Dr Barney Foran from the ANU will launch the Academy’s new lecture series, Australia's renewable energy future, discussing the political, economic and technological realities of a renewable energy transition on 2 September. (Posted 18 August 2008)
Further information

Visit to the National Institutes of Health in the USA for a junior scientist
The Academy is calling for expressions of interest for a research award for a junior scientist in any health-related field of natural science. Closing date 3 October 2008. (Posted 6 August 2008)
Further information

Science week public lecture: Taking measure of our universe
Professor Brian Schmidt will lead the audience through a quick tour of our cosmos, discuss dark matter and dark energy, and speculate about the eventual fate of the universe. (Posted 4 August 2008)
Further information

July 2008

Capturing the greenhouse gang
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 28 July 2008)

Many Australians now iodine-deficient
Monitoring of iodine levels, education programs and adding iodised salt to bread can help combat iodine-deficiency in Australia. (Posted 28 July 2008)
Media release

Inquiry-based science education in Australia: A national curriculum
The Academy's Secretary (Education and Public Awareness), Professor Julie Campbell, gave an address at the National Press Club on 2 July. (Posted 3 July 2007)
Paper

Funding extended for Academy science education programs
The Academy is delighted by the Minister for Education, the Hon Julia Gillard's announcement to continue funding the science education programs PrimaryConnections and Science by Doing. (Posted 2 July 2008)
Media release

Award for research on the conservation of endangered Australian vertebrate species
The Academy is calling for applications for its award for research on the conservation of endangered Australian vertebrate species. Closing date 30 September 2008. (Posted 2 July 2008)
Further information

Travelling fellowships and research support
The Academy is calling for nominations for travelling fellowships and for expressions of intent for research conferences. Closing date 30 September 2008. (Posted 2 July 2008)
Further information

Joint science academies from G8+5 countries statement on climate change
The Academy's comments on the Joint science academies' statement: Climate change adaptation and the transition to a low carbon society. (Posted 1 July 2008)

June 2008

Enhancing the quality of the experience of postdocs and early career researchers
Proceedings from this February 2008 workshop are now available online. (Posted 26 June 2008)

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (June 2008) is now available online. (Posted 17 June 2008)

Stormwater – helping to tackle Australia's water crisis
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 16 June 2008)

Towards development of an Australian scientific roadmap for the hydrogen economy
Australian researchers can make significant contributions in key areas, and this report makes a number of recommendations for increased government support for hydrogen energy research and coordination. (Posted 16 June 2008)
Media release | Executive summary | Full report

Australian Frontiers of Science
Proceedings from this February 2008 symposium are now available online. (Posted 16 June 2008)

The inaugural Anton Hales Medal in the Earth sciences – call for nominations
Nominations are invited from early-career researchers for outstanding research in the Earth sciences. Nominations close 30 August 2008. (Posted 5 June 2008)
Information and nomination forms

Awards for scientific excellence – call for nominations
Nominations are invited from early-career and career researchers for awards for outstanding research in the natural sciences. Nominations close 30 August 2008. (Posted 5 June 2008)
Information and nomination forms

Research training and workforce issues in Australian universities
The Academy has prepared a submission to the House Standing Committee on Industry. (Posted 3 June 2008)

May 2008

Plant science at the frontiers: Safeguarding Australia’s primary industries
The transcript from Dr John Manners' public lecture is now available online. (Posted 19 May 2008)

Moran Award for History of Science Reseach
Applications are now invited for the Moran Award for History of Science Research. Applications close 30 June. (Posted 19 May 2008)
Further information

Review of the NCRIS roadmap
The Academy has prepared a submission for the review of the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) roadmap. (Posted 15 May 2008)

Budget 2008/09 response
President of the Academy, Professor Kurt Lambeck's response to the 2008/09 Budget. (Posted 14 May 2008)

Annual Report
The Academy's Annual Report for 2007–2008 is now available online. (Posted 9 May 2008)

Is dangerous climate change inevitable or can we avoid it?
This is the question being asked at a symposium in Canberra today by some of Australia's leading climate change scientists. (Posted 9 May 2008)
Media release

Tapping into Australia's unique hot energy resources
Dr McLaren will speak about her research into Australia's heat-producing elements, and their potential for future energy production, today at Science at the Shine Dome. (Posted 8 May 2008)
Media release

Koalas under threat from climate change
Professor Ian Hume and his students have been researching the effects of CO2 increases and temperature rises on eucalypts. He will present some of their findings today at Science at the Shine Dome. (Posted 7 May 2008)
Media release

Biological weapons to control cane toad invasion
New research on cane toads in Northern Australia has discovered a way to control the cane toad invasion using parasites and toad communication signals. (Posted 6 May 2008)
Media release

Top Australian research showcased at peak science event
The Academy will host its peak annual event, Science at the Shine Dome, this week with over 30 of Australia's top scientists presenting their research. (Posted 5 May 2008)
Media release

April 2008

National Innovation System
The Academy has prepared a submission for the review of the National Innovation System. (Posted 30 April 2008)

Review of Questacon
The Academy has prepared a submission for a review of the National Science and Technology Centre. (Posted 28 April 2008)

Deputy PM goes back to school for science and literacy
Minister Julia Gillard launched the latest unit of the Academy’s science and literacy program, PrimaryConnections, at a Victorian school. (Posted 24 April 2008)
Media release

Being prepared – from a diagnostic laboratory perspective
The transcript from Dr Martyn Jeggo's public lecture is now available online. (Posted 23 April 2008)

Iodine deficiency in Australia: A call for action
This symposium will be held at the Academy's Shine Dome on Monday 26 May 2008. (Posted 21 April 2008)

Dangerous climate at peak science showcase
Rising sea levels, drought and rainfall will all be experienced in Canberra in the first week of May when ‘Dangerous climate change’ is featured at Science at the Shine Dome. (Posted 17 April 2008)
Media release

Australia–Indonesia workshop on human health, including infectious diseases
The workshop program is available here. (Posted 11 April 2008)

Great minds come together on HIV, cancer, SARS and TB
Some of the world's leading vaccine scientists will gather at the Shine Dome this week in a major milestone in the global war on infection – the Sir Mark Oliphant Conference on Vaccine and Immunotherapy Technologies. (Posted 8 April 2008)
Further information

Quality Australian science recognised in citation awards
Academy Fellows receive awards at the 2008 Thomson Scientific Citation Awards. (Posted 2 April 2008)
Media release

Grants for international travel
Applications are invited for grants for short-term scientific visits to Europe, North America and Asia in FY 2009-2010, to foster collaborations between Australian and overseas researchers. Closing date for applications is 27 June 2008. (Posted 2 April 2008)
Further information

March 2008

Sir David Attenborough and Professor David Buckingham elected to Academy
Sir David Attenborough and Professor David Buckingham have been elected Corresponding Members of the Australian Academy of Science. (Posted 26 March 2008)
Media release

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (March 2008) is now available online. (Posted 19 March 2008)

Science Academy elects new Fellows
Seventeen of Australia’s leading scientists were honoured on 19 March by election to the Australian Academy of Science. (Posted 19 March 2008)
Media release

February 2008

Preparing for the high-resolution future of digital elevation models in Australia
ANZLIC–the Spatial Information Council, the Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering are sponsoring a workshop in Canberra on 18 March 2008. The purpose is to expose the drafts of the National Elevation Data Framework Business Plan and Science Case to public scrutiny. (Posted 29 February 2008)
Details (external link)

Future directions for Australian climate change science
The Academy is hosting a workshop on 12 and 13 March 2008, in association with the Department of Climate Change, the Bureau of Meteorology and CSIRO. (Posted 29 February)
Media release
Information and program

Excellence for Research in Australia: the new model
The Academy welcomes the government’s announcement of the Excellence for Research in Australia initiative to replace the Research Quality Framework. (Posted 27 February 2008)
Media release

Academy takes action to support young researchers
Over 60 of Australia’s brightest young researchers attended a career support workshop organised by the Academy from 14–15 February at the Shine Dome, Canberra. (Posted 26 February 2008)
Media release

Academy focuses on data to aid Australian science
The Academy has formed a National Committee for Data for Science and has initiated Australia’s membership of international data science forum CODATA. (Posted 25 February 2008)
Media release

Plant science at the frontiers: Safeguarding Australia’s primary industries
In this public lecture, Dr John Manners will discuss the management of emerging diseases in plant production through current research in plant-pathogen interactions. (Posted 25 February 2008)
Further information

Interviews with Australian Scientists
Interview transcripts, teachers notes and audio CDs are now available for Professor Dorothy Hill. (Posted 19 February 2008)
Interview transcript

Young guns bridge gap to brave new frontiers
The Academy will hold its third Australian Frontiers of Science symposium in Canberra on 21–22 February 2008. (Posted 18 February 2008)
Media release
Program

Extreme natural hazards
The proceedings from the 2007 High Flyers Think Tank are now available. (Posted 13 February 2008)

Public lecture: Being prepared – from a diagnostic laboratory perspective
Dr Martyn Jeggo from CSIRO will discuss the critical need for rapid and conclusive diagnosis and response to infectious diseases by laboratories using examples from the equine influenza outbreak. (Posted 11 February 2008)
Further information

Academy gives young researchers keys to success
Top younger scientists will get a unique opportunity to access expert advice and enhance their careers at a workshop organised by the Academy on 14–15 February. (Posted 11 February 2008)
Media release
Program

Moran Award for History of Science Reseach
Applications are now invited for the Moran Award for History of Science Research. Applications close 29 February. (Posted 4 February 2008)
Further information

January 2008

Bushfires spark extensive search for answers
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 29 January 2008)

Interviews with Australian Scientists
Interview transcripts, teachers notes and DVDs are now available for Dr Alec Costin and Professor Mervyn Paterson. (Posted 29 January 2008)
Alec Costin's interview transcript
Mervyn Paterson's interview transcript

Acid test for the seas
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 22 January 2008)

Academy award winners announced
Winners of the Academy’s distinguished awards for senior and early-career researchers have been announced. (Posted 16 January 2008)
List of awardees

Australian Frontiers of Science symposium
The Academy will hold this symposium in Canberra on 21–22 February 2008. The symposium is an opportunity for young researchers to share research across disciplines, exchange ideas and encourage innovation. (Posted 14 January 2008)
Program

Enhancing the quality of the experience of postdocs and early career researchers
The Academy is organising an event on 14–15 February for some of our best early to mid career scientists and senior scientists to help identify appropriate policies and programs and to discuss experiences and key skills. (Posted 8 January 2008)
Program

December 2007

Australia–Korea Early Career Science and Technology Researchers Programme
Nominations are sought from Australian early-career researchers to participate in a 2 month program in Korea from April 2008 to June 2008. (Posted 20 December 2007)

Interviews with Australian Scientists
The Howard Worner interview transcript, teachers notes and DVD are now available. (Posted 19 December 2007)
Interview transcript

Medical and molecular image analysis
The transcript from Professor Sir Michael Brady's public lecture is now available. (Posted 19 December 2007)

Question and answers about iodine deficiency
The National Committee for Nutrition reports on the status of iodine deficiency in Australia. (Posted 18 December 2007)
Further information

Funding to stage Sir Mark Oliphant conferences in Australia
Applications for funding to hold Sir Mark Oliphant International Frontiers of Science and Technology conferences in Australia between 1 July 2008 and 30 June 2009 are now open. The closing date for applications is Monday 18 February 2008. (Posted 17 December 2007)

Gene technology and GM plants
The Academy has released a statement on responsible and ethical use of gene technologies to produce genetically modified plants for use in Australian agriculture. (Posted 10 December 2007)

November 2007

A walk on the wild side: Conference on the environment
The Academy will host the Fenner Conference on the Environment at the Shine Dome from 2–5 December. The theme of the conference will be Wildlife Population Dynamics and Management. (Posted 28 November 2007)
Media release

Rain making proposal unscientific
A $10 million trial of rain making technology by the National Water Commission lacks scientific basis. (Posted 26 November 2007)
Academy statement

Rediscovering Recherche Bay
The book presenting outcomes from the National Academies Forum (NAF) Recherche Bay symposium is now available. Order forms are available on the NAF website. (Posted 26 November 2007)

Medical and molecular image analysis
Professor Sir Michael Brady from the University of Oxford, UK, will present a public lecture on 11 December 2007 on some of the work he and his team have been doing on image analysis of cancer. (Posted 22 November 2007)
Further information

Summary of the IPCC Fourth Assessment Synthesis Report
The National Committee for Earth System Science has prepared a summary of the most recent IPCC assessment. (Posted 20 November 2007)

From Einstein intuitions to quantum bits: a new quantum age
In this public lecture, French physicist Professor Alain Aspect will discuss new methods to process and transmit information based on quantum physics, and their potential to change society. (Posted 19 November 2007)
Further information

Academy calls for increased funding for research and innovation on Radio National
Professor Kurt Lambeck discussed research and innovation funding and the 2007 election on Radio National’s The Science Show. (Posted 14 November 2007)
Transcript

Lighting the way: Toward a sustainable energy future
The InterAcademy Council has released a new report that lays out a science, technology and policy roadmap to develop energy resources to drive economic growth in both developed and developing countries. (Posted 13 November 2007)
Report (external link)
InterAcademy Council (external link)

Postdoctoral and Invitation Fellowships to Japan
Applications are invited for postdoctoral and invitation fellowships to Japan. Closing date 8 February 2008. (Posted 12 November 2007)
Further information

October 2007

Bright sparks to ignite extreme hazards forum
The 2007 High Flyers Think Tank on 30 October will focus on Australia’s prevention, preparedness, response and recovery in the face of extreme natural events. (Posted 29 October 2007)
Media release

Emerging viral diseases: what are the threats and how should we respond?
The transcript from Professor John Mackenzie’s public lecture is now available. (Posted 24 October 2007)

Discovering Australia's evolutionary past
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 23 October 2007)

Linnaeus as a role model for today’s science
Professor Gunnar Öquist will present a public lecture on 7 November 2007 discussing the legacy of Carl Linnaeus and blending the past into today’s science. (Posted 22 October 2007)
Further information

National Museum of Australia Student Prize for the History of Australian Science
Submissions are now invited for the National Museum of Australia Student Prize for the History of Australian Science. Applications close 28 February 2008. (Posted 19 October 2006)

From mad cows to disappearing bees: safeguarding Australia from emerging diseases of animals
The transcript from Dr Mike Nunn’s public lecture is now available. (Posted 17 October 2007)

Academy Shine Dome reveals its secrets
The Academy's Shine Dome will open its doors to the public from 10.00am–3.00pm on Thursday 11 October. (Posted 8 October 2007)
Media release

September 2007

Roadmap for a prosperous Australia in a competitive world
Academy President, Professor Kurt Lambeck, gave an address at the National Press Club on 26 September. (Posted 26 September 2007)
Paper

Academy hosts meeting of international science academies
The Academy will host the executive meeting of the InterAcademy Panel on International Issues from 26–27 September at the Shine Dome. (Posted 24 September 2007)
Media release

Silent genes roar at PM's awards
The Academy congratulates winners of the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science. (Posted 20 September 2007)
Media release

Coral reef science, conservation and management
A public discussion will be hosted by Academy Fellow, Robyn Williams in the Dome on 18 October. (Posted 19 September 2007)
Further information (external link)

August 2007

Quantum computers – why would you want one?
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 27 August 2007)

Emerging viral diseases: what are the threats and how should we respond?
Professor John Mackenzie looks at the reasons for the emergence of viral diseases and what we can do about them. (Posted 22 August 2007)
Further information

Interviews with Australian Scientists now available on DVD
The Interviews with Australian Scientists project has enjoyed a surge in popularity since the interviews became available on DVD. (Posted 15 August 2007)
Further information

Joint academies statement on sustainable ecosystems
A joint statement issued by the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. (Posted 14 August 2007)
Further information

From mad cows to disappearing bees: safeguarding Australia from emerging diseases of animals
In this public lecture, Dr Mike Nunn explores some recent examples of emerging diseases and how scientific and technological advances are being used to help safeguard Australia from such diseases. (Posted 6 August 2007)
Further information

The (not so secret) lives of galaxies
In this public lecture, Professor Mike Dopita will trace the often violent life cycle of galaxies. (Posted 6 August 2007)
Further information

The dark side of the universe
In this public lecture, Professor Joseph Silk will review the status of ongoing searches for the dark components of the universe. (Posted 6 August 2007)
Further information

Sounding out the secrets of the sea
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 3 August 2007)

A doctor in the Australian garden - Linnaeus, his tercentenary and Australian flora
The transcript from Professor John Pearn's public lecture is now available. (Posted 1 August 2007)

July 2007

Australian elected president of IUGG
Australian scientist Dr Tom Beer has been elected president of the International Union of Geodesy and Geophysics, the body that guides research into the nature of our planet. (Posted 25 July 2007)
Further information (external link)

The great global warming swindle
Comments by the Academy’s National Committee for Earth System Science on the ‘Great global warming swindle’ program. (Posted 12 July 2007)
Comments

Verdict remains the same: the CO2 is guilty
The Academy maintains the view that recent global warming is caused by unprecedented levels of CO2 levels in the atmosphere, despite claims made in a recent documentary. (Posted 12 July 2007)
Media release

Science by Doing – Secondary Connections
The Academy of Science is embarking on a pilot of the Science by Doing program funded by the Department of Education, Science and Training. (Posted 11 July 2007)
Further information

Award for research on the conservation of endangered Australian vertebrate species
The Academy is calling for applications for its award for research on the conservation of endangered Australian vertebrate species. Closing date 30 September 2007. (Posted 5 July 2007)
Further information

Travelling Fellowships and Research Support
The Academy is calling for nominations for Travelling Fellowships and for expressions of intent for the Boden and Fenner research conferences. Closing date 30 September 2007. (Posted 5 July 2007)
Further information

Australian participation in European Cooperation in the field of Scientific and Technical Research (COST)
Applications are invited for travel grants to Europe for Australian scientists to participate in COST Actions. (Posted 2 July 2007)
Further information

June 2007

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (June 2007) is now available online. (Posted 18 June 2007)

The inaugural Ruth Stephens Gani Medal in human genetics – call for nominations
Nominations are invited from early-career researchers for outstanding research in human genetics. The award honours the contribution to science in human cytogenetics by the late Ruth Stephens Gani. Nominations close 30 August 2007.
Information and nomination forms

Awards for scientific excellence – call for nominations
Nominations are invited from early-career and career researchers for awards for outstanding research in the natural sciences. Nominations close 30 August 2007.
Information and nomination forms

Grants for international travel
Applications are invited for grants for short-term scientific visits to Europe, North America and Asia in FY 2008-2009, to foster collaborations between Australian and overseas researchers. Closing date for applications is 20 July 2007. (Posted 4 June 2007)
Further information

Geological crises in the evolutionary theatre
The transcript from Professor John Chappell's public lecture is now available. (Posted 4 June 2007)

Launching into a very bright future for physics
The Australian Academy of Science will host a combined event to launch the first in the latest series of public lectures, Physics for the Future, and a ten-year plan for the Australian Synchrotron. (Posted 4 June 2007)
Media release

Water, population and Australia's urban future
The proceedings from the 2007 Fenner Conference on the Environment are available. (Posted 4 June 2007)

May 2007

Photons – quantum ideas that could influence your life
In this public lecture, Professor Hans Bachor traces the history of the photon and shows some of the new ideas that are currently explored in research labs in Australia and around the world. (Posted 18 May 2007)
Further information

President’s address to the open Annual General Meeting
The transcript of the address by Academy President Professor Kurt Lambeck at the open session of the Annual General Meeting on 3 May 2007 is available. (Posted 16 May 2007)

Putting our science to work — Insights into the commercialisation of science
The transcript of Tom Connelly's public lecture is now available. (Posted 15 May 2007)

Ozone depletion and climate change: A tale of two environmental issues
In this public lecture, Dr Susan Solomon will explore two different global environmental concerns: ozone depletion and climate change. What are these two issues all about? Do they have similarities? What about differences? In what ways are they linked? (Posted 11 May 2007)
Further information

2007/2008 Oxford Nuffield Medical Fellowship
The Academy is calling for applications on behalf of the University of Oxford for a fellowship in a clinical medicine or medical science department of the University. Nominations close 23 May 2007. (Posted 8 May 2007)
Further information

Annual Report
The Academy's Annual Report for 2006–2007 is now available (as a 86-page PDF file) at
www.science.org.au/reports/2007anrep.pdf (Posted 4 May 2007)

Taking the stink out of instinct: looking at animals, lessons for us all
Australia’s premier science event will culminate tomorrow with a fascinating talk by renowned British animal behavioural scientist Professor Sir Patrick Bateson. (Posted 3 May 2007)
Media release

Victorian scientists receive prestigious awards
Three scientists from Victoria will receive national recognition for their research in front of a host of eminent Australian scientists in Canberra this week. (Posted 2 May 2007)
Media release

ACT scientists receive prestigious awards
Three scientists from the Australian Capital Territory will receive national recognition for their research in front of a host of eminent Australian scientists in Canberra this week. (Posted 2 May 2007)
Media release

NSW scientists receive prestigious awards
Three scientists from the University of Sydney will receive national recognition for their research in front of a host of eminent Australian scientists in Canberra this week. (Posted 2 May 2007)
Media release

Australian scientists recognised by their peers
Fifteen of Australia’s top scientists will discuss the research that led to their election to the Fellowship of the Australian Academy of Science — the peak body representing the nation’s leading scientists — during the annual Science at the Shine Dome event. (Posted 1 May 2007)
Media release

Taking the stink out of instinct: looking at animals, lessons for us all
Renowned British animal behavioural scientist Professor Sir Patrick Bateson is the key drawcard among a host of eminent national and international scientists in Canberra this week to speak at a public event that is a highpoint in the Australian science calendar — Science at the Shine Dome. (Posted 1 May 2007)
Media release

April 2007

Taking the stink out of instinct: looking at animals, lessons for us all
Renowned British animal behavioural scientist Professor Sir Patrick Bateson is the key drawcard among a host of eminent national and international scientists in Canberra next week to speak at a public event that is a highpoint in the Australian science calendar — Science at the Shine Dome. (Posted 26 April 2007)
Media release

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (March 2007) is now available online. (Posted 24 April 2007)

Science Academy elects new Corresponding Members
Professor Elizabeth Blackburn, University of California San Francisco, and Professor Michael Powell, University of Cambridge, join a distinguished group of international scientists who have been elected Corresponding Members of the Australian Academy of Science. (Posted 13 April 2007)
Media alert

IPCC report says the Great Barrier Reef is at risk
The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Fourth Assessment working party released its report on Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Vulnerability, on 6 April 2007. For Australia it warns: ‘Significant loss of biodiversity is projected to occur by 2020 in some ecologically-rich sites including the Great Barrier Reef and Queensland Wet Tropics. Other sites at risk include Kakadu wetlands, south-west Australia, sub-Antarctic islands and alpine areas.’
The ARC Centre for Coral Reef Studies addressed some of the potential impacts of global warming on the Reef in a media release yesterday. (Posted 11 April 2007)
Media release (external link)

Water, Population and Australia’s Urban Future — 2007 Fenner Conference on the Environment
Sustainable stewardship of water supplies for Australian communities was the main focus of the 2007 Fenner Conference on Water, Population and Australia’s Urban Future, organised by the nation’s peak science body, the Australian Academy of Science. (Posted 3 April 2007)
Media release

The Sir Mark Oliphant Conferences
Expressions of Interest for The Sir Mark Oliphant Conferences - International Frontiers of Science and Technology, to be held between 1 January and 31 December 2008. The scheme provides financial support to stage strategically significant international conferences in Australia on high priority, cutting edge, multi-disciplinary themes. (Posted 2 April 2007)
More information (external link)

March 2007

Productivity Commission puts science to work
The Australian Academy of Science today welcomed the key findings of the Productivity Commission’s research report on public support for science and innovation. (Posted 28 March 2007)
Media release

Is there life after the post-doctoral fellowship?
The careers of Australia’s talented mid-career scientists are a focus of concern for the nation’s peak science body, the Australian Academy of Science. (Posted 28 March 2007)
Media release

Saving the fundamentals of science
A move towards ‘fundamental’ undergraduate university courses is necessary to meet Australia’s growing need for graduates with science and technology skills, the Chairs of the National Committees concluded last week at a workshop held at the Australian Academy of Science. (Posted 28 March 2007)
Media release

Science Academy elects new Fellows
Sixteen of Australia’s leading scientists were honoured on 22 March by election to the Australian Academy of Science. (Posted 23 March 2007)
Media release

Probing past and future materials with neutrons
Latest Nova: Science in the News topic. (Posted 16 March 2007)

Public lecture: Putting our science to work — Insights into the commercialisation of science
Tom Connelly, Executive Vice President and Chief Innovation Officer DuPont Electronic and Communications Technologies, will review DuPont’s growth strategies and how it is adding value to research undertaken in universities and other research institutions by assisting researchers to commercialise their research. (Posted 6 March 2007)
Further information

Thinking ahead – fusion energy for the 21st century?
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 6 March 2007)

February 2007

Which degree? Fashion design or science?
Academy President Professor Kurt Lambeck discusses some of the issues in science education and what's being done to ensure Australia maintains its reputation as a Clever Country. (Posted 23 February 2007)
Full article

On the edge of global calamity
An opinion piece by Academy President Professor Kurt Lambeck following the release of the fourth assessment report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. (Published in The Australian, 7 February 2007)
(Posted 12 February 2007)
Full article

Global warming – let’s not lose another five years
It ’s official: human-induced climate change is a real and serious threat to our planet — so it’s time for government and industry to take action to reduce the pace of change and give societies and ecosystems extra time to adapt. (Posted 2 February 2007)
Media release

The water down under
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 2 February 2007)

January 2007

The education revolution — the devil’s in the detail, Mr Rudd
The commitment by the Federal Opposition to an ‘education revolution’ has been welcomed by Australian Academy of Science President Professor Kurt Lambeck — but he stresses that the vision needs to be underpinned by a structured, detailed and costed plan. (Posted 29 January 2007)
Media release

Wireless but not clueless
Latest Nova:Science in the news topic. (Posted 25 January 2007)

2007/2008 Oxford Nuffield Medical Fellowship
The Academy is calling for applications on behalf of the University of Oxford for a fellowship in a clinical medicine or medical science department of the University. Nominations close 23 May 2007. (Posted 22 January 2007)
Further information

InterAcademy Panel (IAP) report on inquiry-based science education programs
The report from the IAP Working Group on International Collaboration in the Evaluation of Inquiry-Based Science Education (IBSE) programs has been released. The Academy’s Secretary for Education and Public Awareness Professor Julie Campbell co-chaired the Working Group and is a co-author of the report. (Posted 22 January 2007)
Report (external link)

Review of Federation Fellowships
The Academy considers the Federation Fellowship scheme was timely and appropriate when introduced but recommends changes to the scheme, including increasing the number of early-career Fellowships. (Posted 12 January 2007)
Submission

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (August-December 2006) is now available online. (Posted 3 January 2007)

Why is Australia a cradle for the evolution of complex social systems in birds?
The transcript from Professor Andrew Cockburn's public lecture is now available. (Posted 3 January 2007)
Transcript

December 2006

Australian scientists get global go-ahead in research
Sixty-four leading Australian scientists have been awarded grants to undertake important collaborative research under the Australian Government's Backing Australia's Ability. (Posted 21 December 2006)
Further information

Review of Mathematical Sciences Research
The National Strategic Review of Mathematical Sciences Research in Australia, conducted under the auspices of the National Committee for Mathematical Sciences, released its findings at a launch on 14 December at the Academy. The full documentation of the Review is now available. (Posted 19 December 2006)
Review website (external link)

Public support for science and innovation in Australia
The Australian Academy of Science commends the Productivity Commission on a comprehensive Draft Report that emphasises the rationale for adequate public support for science and innovation in Australia. (Posted 14 December 2006)
The Academy's comment and submission

Synchrotron strategy right on target
The Academy congratulates the Australian Synchrotron community on developing a decadal strategic plan that gives clear priorities in developing the Australian Synchrotron's capabilities. (Posted 13 December 2006)
Media release

Good news on Korea-Australia science co-operation
In an important new move to strengthen scientific research linkages between Australia and the Republic of Korea, the key scientific bodies of both nations have signed a letter of intent with a main focus on early-career scientists and improved information exchange. (Posted 8 December 2006)
Media release

The Patterson Bill on stem cell research has been passed
Members of Parliament passed the Patterson Bill, Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction and the Regulation of Human Embryo Research Amendment Bill 2006, yesterday by 82 votes to 62. (Posted 7 December 2006)
Further information on the Academy’s involvement in the lead up to this decision.

November 2006

Academy urges strong support for stem cell Bill
The Academy has strongly urged Members of the House of Representatives to support the passage of the Patterson Bill and the recommendations of the Lockhart report on stem cell research. (Posted 27 November 2006)
Media release

High-stakes risks on science research funding
Some universities will be gambling on their future funding in a high-stakes game based on the new Research Quality Framework (RQF), the Australian Academy of Science said today. (Posted 16 November 2006)
Media release

China's future prospects
Professor Yongxiang Lu, President of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, gave a public lecture at the Academy on 8 November about the challenges facing China's development and how it is building an innovation-oriented country. (Posted 13 November 2006)
Presentation

Desalinating water cheaply – exploring technologies
The transcript from Dr Jason Holt's public lecture is now available. (Posted 3 November 2006)
Transcript

October 2006

Fixing the cracks in disaster mitigation
Latest Nova:Science in the news topic. (Posted 31 October 2006)

Academy's stern message on climate change report
The Academy President comments on the Stern Review of the Economics of Climate Change. (Posted 31 October 2006)
Media release

$50,000 Prize awarded to scientist of note
The inventor of the world’s first plastic bank note, Professor David Solomon, has been awarded the prestigious $50,000 Victoria Prize. (Posted 20 October 2006)
Media release

Latest news – Science world abuzz with insect robots
The Academy congratulates Professor Mandyam Srinivasan on winning the Prime Minister's Prize for Science for his research exploring insect vision and robotics. (Posted 17 October 2006)
Media release

Postdoctoral and Invitation Fellowships to Japan
Applications are invited for postdoctoral and invitation fellowships to Japan. Closing date 15 December 2006. (Posted 17 October 2006)
Information and application forms

Desalinating water cheaply – exploring technologies
A public lecture by Dr Jason K Holt will be held at the Academy on 26 October. (Posted 16 October 2006)
Further information

Review of the Human Cloning and Embryo Research Acts
The Academy has prepared a submission to the inquiry into the legislative responses to recommendations of the Lockhart Review. (Posted 11 October 2006)
Submission

Concern for a secure career path for scientists
The Academy President, Professor Kurt Lambeck, expressed grave concern for the future health and competitiveness of the nation’s scientific research. (Posted 11 October 2006)
Media release

A quiet revolution – the science of complex systems
Latest Nova:Science in the news topic. (Posted 4 October 2006)

A celebration of the history, culture, science and technology of Recherche Bay
A National Academies Forum Symposium will be held at CSIRO Marine and Atmospheric Research, Tasmania from 26–28 February 2007. (Posted 3 October 2006)
Further information

September 2006

Inaugural National Museum of Australia Student Prize for Australian Environmental History
Submissions are now invited for the inaugural National Museum of Australia Student Prize for Australian Environmental History. Applications close 28 February 2007. (Posted 25 September 2006)

Epigenetics – beyond genes
Latest Nova:Science in the news topic. (Posted 19 September 2006)

Drifting proteas or continents? Historical biogeography of the Proteaceae
A public lecture by Dr Peter Weston will be held at the Academy on 3 October. (Posted 18 September 2006)
Further information

The changing risk environment: Ideas for a new Australian policy framework for handling risks
The Academy has prepared a report which presents some key features in risk assessment. (Posted 12 September 2006)
Report (PDF file, 866KB)

Stem cell discussion
Fran Kelly, ABC Radio National, hosted a discussion on stem cells on 14 August 2006. Her guests were Professor Perry Bartlett FAA, Professor Bernie Tuch and Professor Bob Williamson. (Posted 4 September 2006)
Full transcript

Visit to the National Institutes of Health in the USA for a junior scientist
The Academy is calling for expressions of interest for a research award in any health-related field of natural science. Closing date 13 October 2006. (Posted 1 September 2006)
Further information

August 2006

Youngest Academy Member is awarded prestigious medal
The President and Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science congratulate Professor Terence Tao on receiving the Fields Medal for his outstanding achievements in mathematical science. (Posted 24 August 2006)
Media release

Stem cells and human cloning
The Academy's position statements, reports and other resources. (Posted 23 August 2006)
Further information

Sea level in a changing climate environment
Academy President, Professor Kurt Lambeck, gave an address at the National Press Club on 23 August. (Posted 23 August 2006)
Paper

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (April-July 2006) is now available online. (Posted 22 August 2006)

Uranium Mining, Processing and Nuclear Energy Review (UMPNER)
A submission to the UMPNER Taskforce Secretariat based in the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. (Posted 22 August 2006)

Joint science academies' statement: Avian influenza and infectious diseases
The Australian Academy of Science has endorsed the joint science academies' statement: Avian influenza and infectious diseases. (Posted 14 August 2006)
IAC statement (external site)

Joint science academies' statement: Energy sustainability and security
The Australian Academy of Science has endorsed the joint science academies' statement: Energy sustainability and security. (Posted 14 August 2006)
IAC statement (external site)

Making every drop count
Latest Nova:Science in the news topic. (Posted 2 August 2006)

Review of publicly funded research in science and innovation
A submission to the Australian Government Productivity Commission. (Posted 1 August 2006)

Australian mammals: Curious sex and reproduction
A public lecture by Professor Jenny Graves and Dr Hugh Tyndale-Biscoe will be held at the Academy on 15 August. (Posted 1 August 2006)
Further information

July 2006

Science education program wins publishing award
PrimaryConnections: Linking science with literacy has won the Primary School (Teaching and Learning) category of the Australian Awards for Excellence in Educational Publishing for 2006. (Posted 28 July 2006)
Media release

Bionic Ear creator wins eminent medal – and files more patents
Professor Graeme Clark has been awarded the Ian Wark Medal for inventing the Bionic Ear. (Posted 27 July 2006)
Media release

Review of the Learned Academies
The report from the 2005 Review of the Australian Learned Academies and the National Academies Forum, conducted by the Department of Education, Science and Training, is now available. (Posted 17 July 2006)

Award for research on the conservation of endangered Australian vertebrate species
The Academy is calling for applications for its award for research on the conservation of endangered Australian vertebrate species. Closing date 30 September 2006. (Posted 17 July 2006)
Further information

Travelling Fellowships and Research Support
The Academy is calling for nominations for Travelling Fellowships and for expressions of intent for Research Conferences to be held in 2006–2007. (Posted 17 July 2006)
Further information

Early Australian botanical tales share top essay prize
The inaugural National Museum of Australia Student Prize for the History of Australian Science will be shared by Sara Maroske from The University of Melbourne and Rachel Sanderson from James Cook University. (Posted 5 July 2006)
Media release

Research Quality Framework: The impact working group
A submission to the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training. (Posted 3 July 2006)

June 2006

Restoring opportunities for careers in research
Academy President, Professor Kurt Lambeck, urges the Australian Research Council to increase support for mid-career researchers in an article for Australasian Science. (Posted 30 June 2006)

Science Academy endorses statement on teaching evolution
The InterAcademy Panel has issued a statement on the teaching of evolution. (Posted 22 June 2006)
Media release
IAP statement

Workshop on the science of seasonal climate prediction
Workshop on the science of seasonal climate prediction by the National Committee for Earth System Science (NCESS) 2-3 August 2006. (Posted 21 June 2006)
Information

Awards for scientific excellence
Nominations are invited from senior and junior researchers for awards for outstanding research in the natural sciences. Nominations close 30 August 2006. (Posted 13 June 2006)
Information and application forms

It's an advanced material world
Latest Nova:Science in the news topic. (Posted 9 May 2006)

May 2006

Experts discuss future of hydrogen economy
The future use of hydrogen as an energy source was the topic of discussion at the annual Science at the Shine Dome symposium held in Canberra last week. (Posted 9 May 2006)
Media release

Earth Scientist elected new President of Science Academy
Professor Kurt Lambeck, Professor of Geophysics, Australian National University, has been elected to lead Australia’s senior organisation of research scientists and technologists, the Australian Academy of Science. (Posted 9 May 2006)
Media release

Grants for international travel
Applications are invited for grants for short-term scientific visits to Europe, North America and Asia. Closing dates for applications is 14 July 2006. (Posted 9 May 2006)
Further information

Annual Report
The Academy's Annual Report for 2005-2006 is now available (as a 76-page PDF file) at www.science.org.au/reports/2006anrep.pdf. (Posted 5 May 2006)

Understanding blood helps manage life long disease
Research at the University of Sydney is unlocking the mysteries behind a rare but debilitating blood disease. (Posted 4 May 2006)
Media release

Magpie goose protection plan receives national praise
More than 30 years of fieldwork has been used to underpin new research to develop a comprehensive environmental management plan that protects the Northern Territory’s culturally and economically important Magpie Goose. (Posted 4 May 2006)
Media release

Awards recognise diversity of Aussie science
Scientists from across Australia have received national recognition for their research, ranging from analysing kangaroos to understanding the human body better and developing less invasive treatments for genetic blood disorders. (Posted 4 May 2006)
Media release

Roo DNA helps unlock human mysteries
Analysis of DNA from Australian mammals including the kangaroo, wallaby and platypus will help scientists understand healthy development and disease in humans. (Posted 3 May 2006)
Media release

Australian scientists recognised by peers
Maths equations to protect endangered species, early detection systems for Ross River Virus and infrared technology to improve the quality of Australian wines are some of the research projects being showcased in Canberra this week. (Posted 3 May 2006)
Media release

April 2006

Roos, wine and possums show diversity of science
From kangaroo DNA and wine testing to protecting Australia’s possums, Australia's science elite will be recognised in Canberra next week during the Academy's annual Science at the Shine Dome event. (Posted 28 April 2006)
Media release

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (December 2005-March 2006) is now available online. (Posted 20 April 2006)

Inaugural National Museum of Australia Student Prize for the History of Australian Science
Submissions are now invited for the inaugural National Museum of Australia Student Prize for the History of Australian Science. Applications close 30 April. (Posted 3 April 2006)

March 2006

Moran Award for History of Science Reseach
Applications are now invited for the Moran Award for History of Science Research. Applications close 30 April. (Posted 29 March 2006)
Further information

18 new Fellows elected
Eighteen of Australia's leading scientists have been honoured by election to the Australian Academy of Science. (Posted 27 March 2006)
Media release

Second consultation draft of the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research
A submission has been prepared by the National Committee of Medicine and endorsed by the Executive Committee of the Council of the Academy. (Posted 22 March 2006)

Nanotechnology – taking it to the people
Latest Nova:Science in the news topic. (Posted 22 March 2006)

Australian scientist receives UNESCO award
The President and Fellows of the Australian Academy of Science congratulate Professor Jenny Marshall Graves on receiving a L´Oréal-UNESCO Award for Women in Science. (Posted 15 March 2006)
Media release

February 2006

Academy President is appointed Australia’s new Chief Scientist
The Australian Academy of Science congratulates Dr Jim Peacock, the Academy President, on his appointment as Australia’s new Chief Scientist. (Posted 28 February 2006)
Media release

China’s science and technology towards the new era
Public lecture by Professor Xu Guanhua, Minister of Science and Technology, The People’s Republic of China, 16 February 2006.
(Posted 23 February 2006)
Transcript

2006/2007 Oxford Nuffield Medical Fellowship
The Academy is calling for applications on behalf of the University of Oxford for a fellowship in a clinical medicine or medical science department of the University. Nominations close 10 May 2006. (Posted 13 February 2006)
Further information

Weeds – the real alien invaders
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 9 February 2006)

December 2005

International scientists call to do no harm
The InterAcademy Panel has issued a statement on biosecurity to coincide with the Meeting of States Parties of the Biological Weapons Convention. (Posted 9 December 2005)
Media release
IAP statement (external link)

National research infrastructure strategy
The Academy has responded to the Strategic Roadmap Exposure Draft for the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy. (Posted 9 December 2005)
Response

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (August-November 2005) is now available online. (Posted 7 December 2005)

November 2005

Decadal plan for Australian astronomy
The National Committee for Astronomy has released a decadal plan for Australian astronomy (2006-2015) entitled 'New Horizons'. (Posted 24 November 2005)
Further information (external link)

New joint Academy and National Museum of Australia prizes
The National Museum of Australia has joined forces with the Australian Academy of Science and its National Committee for History and Philosophy of Science to establish two essay prizes, to be known respectively as 'The National Museum of Australia Student Prize for the History of Australian Science' and 'The National Museum of Australia Student Prize for Australian Environmental History'. (Posted 11 November 2005)
Media release

Research and innovation in Australia: a policy statement
The Academy has released a policy statement on research and innovation. It reviews progress in the development of Australia's research and innovation system and reports on its current status. (Posted 10 November 2005)
Media release
Statement

PrimaryConnections – Stage 2 Trial: Research Report
A report on the trialling of the PrimaryConnections program. (Posted 3 November 2005)

October 2005

Postdoctoral and Invitation Fellowships in Japan
Applications are invited for postdoctoral and invitation fellowships to Japan. Closing date 16 December 2005. (Posted 25 October 2005)
Information and application forms

Intelligent design is not science
More than 70,000 scientists and science teachers are represented in an open letter warning that 'intelligent design' should not be taught in school science classes. The letter was published in major Australian newspapers on 21 October. (Posted 24 October 2005)
Full text of letter
Academy statement on creationism/intelligent design

Impact of global warming on biodiversity
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 12 October 2005)

Learned Academies Grants-in-Aid Review
The Academy's submission to the Department of Education, Science and Training's 2005 Review of the Learned Academies. (Posted 12 October 2005)

Prime Minister's Prize for Science awarded to Professor David Boger
The Academy congratulates Professor David Boger on the award of the Prime Minister's Prize for Science. (Posted 5 October 2005)
Media release

Australian scientists awarded Nobel Prize for remarkable discovery
Professor Barry Marshall and Dr Robin Warren have been awarded the Nobel Prize for Medicine for their discovery that the bacterium Helicobacter pylori is a major cause of gastritis and peptic ulcers. (Posted 4 October 2005)
Media release

Research Quality Framework: The preferred model
A submission to the Australian Government Department of Education, Science and Training. (Posted 4 October 2005)

Australian Decadal Plan for Space Science
The National Committee for Space Science has announced the development of the first Australian Decadal Plan for Space Science and is inviting participation in the development of the Plan. (Posted 4 October 2005)
Further information (external link)

September 2005

Science, technology and innovation essential for achieving the UN Millennium Development Goals
The heads of international scientific, engineering and medical organisations have called upon the United Nations to support the essential role that science, technology and innovation have to play in achieving the Millennium Development Goals. (Posted 23 September 2005)
Media release

Think Tank proceedings
The proceedings from the 2005 High Flyers Think Tank, Biotechnology and the future of Australian agriculture, are now available. (Posted 15 September 2005)

Predicting natural events
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 14 September 2005)

Visit to the National Institutes of Health in the USA for a junior scientist
The Academy is calling for expressions of interest for a research award in any health-related field of natural science. Closing date 14 October 2005. (Posted 13 September 2005)
Further information

August 2005

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (April-July 2005) is now available online. (Posted 9 August 2005)

July 2005

Tomorrow's agriculture – we need to work things out!
Academy President, Dr Jim Peacock, gave an address at the National Press Club on 27 July. (Posted 27 July 2005)
Paper

Human cloning and embryo research submission
The Minister for Ageing has appointed a committee to conduct independent reviews of Australia’s Prohibition of Human Cloning Act 2002 and the Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002. A submission has been prepared for the review committee and endorsed by the Council of the Academy. (Posted 25 July 2005)

Bird flu – the pandemic clock is ticking
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 25 July 2005)

Australian Frontiers of Science, 2005
The proceedings from this conference held in April 2005 are now available. (Posted 20 July 2005)

ANZAAS medals
The Australian and New Zealand Association for the Advancement of Science (ANZAAS) is seeking nominations for its ANZAAS and Mueller Medals for presentation in 2006. Closing date 16 September 2005. (Posted 20 July 2005)
Further information (external link)

From hell to the Himalayas
Professor Mark Harrison will present a free public lecture at the Shine Dome on Thursday, 18 August 2005. (Posted 19 July 2005)

June 2005

Awards for scientific excellence – call for nominations
The Academy awards medals and prizes to junior and senior researchers and supports research conferences and fellowships for overseas and local travel. (Posted 30 June 2005)
Further information

Award for research on the conservation of endangered Australian vertebrate species
The Academy is calling for applications for its award for research on the conservation of endangered Australian vertebrate species. Closing date 30 September 2005. (Posted 30 June 2005)
Further information

2005/2006 Oxford Nuffield Medical Fellowship
The Academy is calling for applications on behalf of the University of Oxford for a fellowship in a clinical medicine or medical science department of the University. Nominations close 29 September 2005. (Posted 24 June 2005)
Further information

Carbon dioxide: Acidic oceans and geosequestration
Dr Steve Widdicombe and Dr John Bradshaw will present a free public lecture at the Shine Dome on Thursday 7 July 2005. (Posted 24 June 2005)

Biotechnology and the future of Australian agriculture
The Academy will be hosting this Think Tank with support from Biotechnology Australia on 26 July. (Posted 21 June 2005)
Further information

May 2005

National Committee for Earth System Science workshop
The workshop 'Reconstructing past climates for future prediction: integrating high-resolution palaeo data for meaningful prediction in the Australasian region' will be held at the Academy’s Shine Dome on 27 and 28 June. (Posted 16 May 2005)

Maximising the benefits from Australia’s formal linkages to global scientific activities
The Academy has prepared a report funded by the ARC Linkage–Learned Academies Special Projects Grant. (Posted 12 May 2005)

Research Quality Framework
The Academy has made a submission to the Department of Education, Science and Training's Research Quality Framework Team. (Posted 10 May 2005)
Submission

The buzz about insect robots
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 6 May 2005)

Annual Report
The Academy's Annual Report for 2004-2005 is now available (as a 62-page PDF file) at www.science.org.au/reports/2005anrep.pdf. (Posted 5 May 2005)

President's address
The Academy's President, Dr Jim Peacock, today addressed the Fellows and guests attending Science at the Shine Dome. (Posted 5 May 2005)
Transcript

After the tsunami – harnessing Australian expertise for recovery
The proceedings from this workshop are now available on the National Academies Forum website. (Posted 3 May 2005)

April 2005

Two new Corresponding Members elected
Two distinguished international scientists have been elected as Corresponding Members of the Academy. (Posted 26 April 2005)
Media release

National Committee for Earth System Science workshop
The proceedings of the workshop 'Pan evaporation: An example of the detection and attribution of trends in climate variables' held on 22-23 November 2004 are now available. (Posted 26 April 2005)
Proceedings (PDF file, 1457KB)

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (December 2004-March 2005) is now available online. (Posted 12 April 2005)

Population and environment – what's the connection?
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 11 April 2005)

March 2005

16 new Fellows elected
Sixteen of Australia's leading scientists have been honoured by election to the Australian Academy of Science. (Posted 24 March 2005)
Media release

Australian Frontiers of Science, 2005
This prestigious symposium, to be held in Melbourne on 12-13 April, will bring together some of Australia’s best young scientists to present emerging science and technology for discussion with a broad audience of their peers. (Posted 16 March 2005)
Further information

Translating genes into health
Nobel laureates and world-leading scientists will explain how genetic research provides the key to health advances at a public symposium on 8 March. (Posted 7 March 2005)

National Academies Forum
The Academy will be hosting a National Academies Forum workshop entitled 'After the tsunami – harnessing Australian expertise for recovery' on Thursday 31 March in the Shine Dome. (Posted 4 March 2005)
Media release
Further information (external link)

Australia’s Major National Research Facilities
The Academy has made a submission to the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) Advisory Committee. The submission includes input from several of the Academy's National Committees. (Posted 3 March 2005)
Submission (PDF file, 975KB)

The changing atmosphere in 2005
The transcript from this public lecture by Nobel Laureate Professor F Sherwood Rowland is now available. (Posted March 2005)

February 2005

Integrated sustainability assessment internet forum
The National Academies Forum is hosting an online conference on sustainability from November 2004 to June 2005. (Posted 16 February 2005)

December 2004

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (August-November 2004) is now available online. (Posted 9 December 2004)

The dope on drug-impaired driving
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 8 December 2004)

November 2004

Think Tank proceedings
Proceedings from the 2004 High Flyers Think Tank, Emerging diseases – Ready and waiting?, are now available. (Posted 29 November 2004)

October 2004

Putting on a good face – the chemistry of cosmetics
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 26 October 2004)

Cotutelle 2004 call for proposals
The French Embassy/Academy of Science Cotutelle 2004 call for proposals to support the development of the double doctoral degree 'Cotutelle' is now open. Closing date 19 November. (Posted 18 October)

September 2004

Academy Open Day
On Sunday 17 October, the Academy is opening its doors to the public. Experience the passion of the Dome's construction; explore the buildings and their collections, and then join us for jazz and refreshments. (Posted 30 September 2004)

National Committee for Earth System Science workshop
A workshop on 'Pan evaporation: An example of the detection and attribution of trends in climate variables' will be held at the Shine Dome on 22-23 November. (Posted 20 September 2004)

Postdoctoral Fellowships in Japan
Applications are invited for postdoctoral fellowships to Japan. Closing date 15 October 2004. (Posted 8 September 2004)
Information and application forms

August 2004

Health-related award for junior scientists to visit the US National Institutes of Health
The Academy is calling for expressions of interest for a research award in any health-related field of natural science. Closing date 11 October 2004. (Posted 24 August 2004)
Further information

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (April-July 2004) is now available online. (Posted 19 August 2004)

2005 Oliphant Conferences
The Oliphant Conferences support the Government's International Science Linkages Program by providing financial support to stage strategically significant international conferences in Australia on high priority, cutting-edge, multi-disciplinary themes. Expressions of interest are currently being sought. Closing date 27 August 2004. (Posted 7 August 2004)
Information and guidelines

Award for research on the conservation of endangered Australian vertebrate species
The Academy is calling for applications for its award for research on the conservation of endangered Australian vertebrate species. Closing date 30 September 2004. (Posted 2 August 2004)
Information

July 2004

Biology meets industry – genomics, proteomics, phenomics
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 29 July 2004)

Humanity's heritage: The human genome and stem cells
Professor John Shine, Secretary, Biological Sciences and Executive Director of the Garvan Institute gave the Academy's 4th Telstra Address at the National Press Club on 21 July. (Posted 22 July 2004)
Paper

Conference proceedings
Proceedings from a recent Academy conference, Measuring excellence in research and research training, are now available at www.science.org.au/events. (Posted 22 July 2004)

2005 Travelling Fellowships
The Academy is calling for nominations for the Selby Fellowship and applications for the Maxwell Ralph Jacobs Fund. Closing date 30 September 2004. (Posted 14 July 2004)
Further information

2005–2006 Research Conferences
The Academy is calling for expressions of interest to hold conferences in 2005-6. Conferences being supported are the Boden, Fenner and White. Closing date 30 September 2004. (Posted 14 July 2004)
Further information

June 2004

Basser Library Research Fellowship
The Academy is offering an annual award to postgraduate students and other independent researchers in the history of Australian science. Closing date 31 August 2004. (Posted 25 June 2004)
Information

Awards for scientific excellence
Nominations are invited from senior and junior researchers for awards for outstanding research in the natural sciences. Nominations close 30 August 2004. (Posted 7 June 2004)
Information and application forms

May 2004

2004 Fenner Conference on the Environment
The Fenner Conference, which runs today and tomorrow at the Academy's Shine Dome in Canberra, will forge new partnerships between disciplines to find a common way forward for the population–environment debate. (Posted 24 May 2004)
Media release

Warmer and sicker? Global warming and human health
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 21 May 2004)

Grants for international travel
Applications are invited for grants for short-term scientific visits to North America, Europe and Asia. (Posted 19 May 2004)
Information and application forms

Annual Report
The Academy's Annual Report for 2003-2004 is now available (as a 68-page PDF file) at www.science.org.au/reports/2004anrep.pdf. (Posted 18 May 2004)

Academy heartened by Backing Australia's Ability II
The Academy welcomes the boost to Australia's science and innovation through the announcement of the Government's BAA II package. (Posted 7 May 2004)
Media release

Media broadcaster and strategic leader honoured
Dr Norman Swan and Mr Peter Wills were presented with Academy Medals at the Academy's annual black tie dinner in Canberra last night. (Posted 7 May 2004)
Media release

Eureka Prizes
Information and entry forms for the 2004 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are now available from the Museum's website at www.amonline.net.au/eureka. Entries close on 14 May 2004. (Posted 3 May 2004)

A celebration of Australian science
A public symposium featuring some of Australia's top young scientists will be held at the Australian Academy of Science on Friday 7 May, as part of its Science at the Shine Dome events. (Posted 3 May 2004)
Media release

April 2004

Awards presented to outstanding Australian scientists
The Academy will present awards to outstanding Australian scientists during a formal ceremony in Canberra on 6 May. (Posted 30 April 2004)
Media release

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (December 2003-March 2004) is now available online. (Posted 27 April 2004)

March 2004

Lemberg Travelling Fellowship 2004
The Academy's 2004 Lemberg Fellow, Professor G Charles Dismukes, Professor of Chemistry, Princeton University, will be visiting Australia from 14-24 June 2004. (Posted 31 March 2004)

2004 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science
Invitations are open for nomination for any of the five Prime Minister's Prizes for Science. Entries close 7 May 2004. (Posted 29 March 2004)

New Fellows elected to the Academy
Twenty of Australia's leading scientists have been honoured by election to the Australian Academy of Science. (Posted 26 March 2004)
Media release

New focus for determining research excellence in Australia
The Academy welcomes the release of three reports that will inform the policy process and strategic direction of the Australian research and innovation system. (Posted 25 March 2004)
Media release

Getting into hot water – global warming and rising sea levels
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 19 March 2004)

February 2004

Oxford Nuffield Medical Fellowship
The Academy is calling for applications on behalf of the University of Oxford for a fellowship in a clinical medicine or medical science department of the University. (Posted 24 February 2004)
Further information

Nanotechnology Benchmarking Project
This project, funded under the ARC's Learned Academies Special Grants Scheme, has been completed. More information about the project and the full report are available online. (Posted 13 February 2004)

December 2003

International Climate Change Science: Australia's role, links and opportunities
The Academy has prepared a report for the Australian Greenhouse Office. (Posted 18 December 2003)
Report (PDF file, 764KB)

Bogged down in the four-wheel drive debate?
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 11 December 2003)

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (August-November 2003) is now available online. (Posted 9 December 2003)

Investment Review of Health and Medical Research
The Academy's National Committee for Medicine has made a submission to the Investment Review of Health and Medical Research. (Posted 1 December 2003)
Submission

November 2003

Salinity mapping methods in the Australian context
Proceedings of a public forum which was held on 17 October 2003. (Posted 13 November 2003)

Basser Library Research Fellowship
The Academy is offering an annual award to postgraduate students and other independent researchers in the history of Australian science. (Posted 12 November 2003)
Information

October 2003

Policy statement on research and innovation in Australia
The Academy has released a policy statement on research and innovation. It reviews progress in the development of Australia's research and innovation system and reports on its current status. (Posted 30 October 2003)
Statement

Stem cells – gateway to 21st century medicine
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 24 October 2003)

Fellowships with Japan
Applications are invited from Australian researchers for the Invitation and Postdoctoral Fellowships funded by the Japan Society for the Promotion for Science. (Posted 23 October 2003)
Information

International Frontiers of Science and Technology: 2003 Sir Mark Oliphant Conference
This will be held from 1-4 December at the University of Melbourne. (Posted 22 October 2003)

Geoscience – unearthing our future
The Academy's National Committee for Earth Sciences launched a strategic plan for Australian Earth sciences on 15 October. (Posted 16 October 2003)
Report (PDF file, 1073KB)

September 2003

Academy backs international call to ban human reproductive cloning
The Australian Academy of Science is one of more than 60 international science academies calling on the United Nations to adopt a ban on human reproductive cloning. (Posted 23 September 2003)
IAP media release (external link)

Awards for Australian early-career researchers to attend FEAST conference
The Academy is sponsoring up to three early-career researchers to attend the Networking for Excellence conference being organised by the Forum for European-Australian Science and Technology Cooperation (FEAST). (Posted 19 September 2003)

Grants for young researchers for international travel
Applications are invited for grants for short-term scientific visits to Europe and the United States. (Posted 17 September 2003)
Information

Prime Minister's Prize for Science awarded to Professor Jacques Miller
The Academy congratulates Professor Miller on the award of the Prime Minister's Prize for Science. Professor Miller was interviewed for the Academy's Video Histories of Australian Scientists series in 1999. An edited transcript is available online. (Posted 10 September 2003)

Australian Frontiers of Science 2003
Proceedings of the Frontiers of Science symposium, held on 31 July and 1 August. (Posted 8 September 2003)

Nanoscience – where physics, chemistry and biology collide
Proceedings of the Academy's annual symposium, held on 2 May 2003. (Posted 8 September 2003)

Research Collaboration Review
The Academy's submission to the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training's Review of Closer Collaboration between Universities and Major Publicly Funded Research Agencies. (Posted 8 September 2003)
Submission

Policy statement on research and innovation in Australia
The Academy's submission to the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training's Evaluation of the Knowledge and Innovation Reforms. (Posted 8 September 2003)
Submission

Nanoscience – working small, thinking big
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 3 September 2003)

August 2003

Health-related award for junior scientists to visit the US National Institutes of Health
The Academy is calling for expressions of interest for a research award in any health-related field of natural science. (Posted 14 August 2003)
Further information

Salinity – the awakening monster from the deep
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 1 August 2003)

July 2003

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (April-July 2003) is now available online. (Posted 25 July 2003)

2004 Travelling Fellowships
The Academy is calling for nominations for the Selby Fellowship, the Lemberg Travelling Fellowship, the Graeme Caughley Travelling Fellowship, and applications for the Maxwell Ralph Jacobs Fund. (Posted 25 July 2003)
Further information

2004-2005 Research Conferences
The Academy is calling for expressions of intent to hold conferences in 2004-2005. Conferences being supported are the Boden and Fenner. (Posted 25 July 2003)
Further information

Australia's Major National Research Facilities
The Academy's submission to the Taskforce on Major Research Infrastructure. (Posted 25 July 2003)
Submission

GMOs, gene technology and the troubles with food
The Academy's President, Dr Jim Peacock, gave the Telstra Address at the National Press Club on 16 July. (Posted 16 July 2003)
Paper

Endangered species award
The Academy is calling for nominations for its Award for research on the conservation of endangered Australian vertebrate species. (Posted 10 July 2003)
Further information

June 2003

Grants for international travel
Applications are invited for grants for short-term scientific visits to North America, Europe and Asia. (Posted 3 June 2003)
Information and application forms

Awards for scientific excellence
Nominations are invited from senior and junior researchers for awards for outstanding research in the natural sciences. Nominations close 30 August 2003. (Posted 3 June 2003)
Further information

May 2003

Science and the 2003-04 Budget
An article by Kurt Lambeck FAA, FRS, Foreign Secretary of the Australian Academy of Science and Professor of Geophysics at the Australian National University. (Posted 19 May 2003)
Article

Safeguarding Australia: Think Tank Report
Proceedings from the High Flyers Think Tank held in April. (Posted 8 May 2003)

April 2003

Awards presented to outstanding Australian scientists
The Academy will present awards to outstanding Australian scientists during a formal ceremony in Canberra on 1 May. (Posted 30 April 2003)
Media release

Coral bleaching – will global warming kill the reefs?
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 29 April 2003)

Nanoscience – where physics, chemistry and biology collide
An international symposium on nanoscience will be held at the Academy on Friday 2 May, as part of its Science at the Shine Dome events. (Posted 28 April 2003)
Media release

March 2003

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (December 2002-March 2003) is now available online. (Posted 31 March 2003)

16 new Fellows elected
Sixteen of Australia's leading scientists have been honoured by election to the Australian Academy of Science. (Posted 27 March 2003)
Media release

Federation Fellowships
Four Academy Fellows have been honoured in the latest round of the Commonwealth government's prestigious Federation Fellowships. (Posted 20 March 2003)
Media release

February 2003

Oxford Nuffield Medical Fellowship
The Academy is calling for applications on behalf of the University of Oxford for a fellowship in a clinical medicine or medical science department of the University. (Posted 5 February 2003)
Further information

January 2003

Congratulations to Professor Fiona Stanley, Australian of the Year
Congratulations to Academy Fellow Professor Fiona Stanley on her well-deserved recognition. The Academy is delighted that a scientist was chosen to be honoured in this way. Professor Stanley, Director of the Telethon Institute for Child Health Research, Perth, Western Australia, was interviewed for the Academy's Video Histories of Australian Scientists program in May 2000. An edited transcript of this interview is available online. (Posted 28 January 2003)

Mt Stromlo fires
The Academy has close links with the Mt Stromlo Observatory and was shocked at the extent of the damage it suffered in Canberra's recent bushfires. A special website – which includes information on how to help with the redevelopment of Mt Stromlo – has been set up by the Australian National University. (Posted 23 January 2003)

Eureka Prizes
Information and entry forms for the 2003 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are now available from the Museum's website. Entries close on 16 May 2003. (Posted 23 January 2003)

December 2002

Bob Squire Annual Award for Excellence in Science Teaching
The Bob Squire Award is a national award developed by the Australian College of Educators, in association with the Australian Science Teachers Association and the Academy. (Posted 13 December 2002)

Driver fatigue – an accident waiting to happen
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 9 December 2002)

National research priorities
The Academy welcomes the Federal Government's national research priorities. (Posted 5 December 2002)
Media release

November 2002

Synchrotrons – making the light fantastic
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 6 November 2002)

October 2002

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (August-November) is now available online. (Posted 31 October 2002)

Review of Teaching and Teacher Education
The Academy's response to the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training's discussion paper. (Posted 4 October 2002)

Kanagawa Museum of Natural History Award
The Academy is calling for applications for support for research on the Precambrian history of life in Western Australia and its analogues in the modern microbial ecosystem in Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay. (Posted 4 October 2002)

September 2002

The shocking truth about road trauma
Latest Nova: Science in the news topic. (Posted 27 September 2002)

The funding of research and research training in Australian universities
The Academy's response to the Commonwealth Department of Education, Science and Training's issues papers. (Posted 13 September 2002)

August 2002

Human stem cell research
The Academy repeats its support for human embryonic stem cell research. (Posted 28 August 2002)
Media release

Endangered species award
The Academy is calling for applications for support for research on endangered Australian vertebrate species. (Posted 26 August 2002)
Further information

Prime Minister's Prize for Science awarded to Professor Frank Fenner
The Academy congratulates Professor Fenner on the award of the Prime Minister's Prize for Science. (Posted 21 August 2002)
Media release

Providing the machinery of science
The Academy has released a discussion paper entitled Providing the machinery of science: defining a whole-of-government strategy for securing access to critical research facilities. The paper has been prepared as part of the ARC-funded Australian Research Infrastructure Project. (Posted 15 August 2002)
Project summary and discussion paper

Federal Government announces research priorities selection committee
Academy President, Dr Jim Peacock, is to chair an Expert Advisory Committee to advise the Government on national research priorities. Academy Fellows Dr Robin Batterham, Professor Suzanne Cory, Professor Terry Hughes and Professor Sue O'Reilly are also members of the committee. (Posted 15 August 2002)
DEST media release (external link)

GPS and never having to say: 'Where am I?'
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 9 August 2002)

National Research Priorities
Proceedings from the recent Strategic Forum. (Posted 1 August 2002)

July 2002

Federation Fellowships
Four Academy Fellows have been awarded Federation Fellowships. (Posted 30 July 2002)
Media release

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (April-July) is now available online. (Posted 23 July 2002)

2003 Travelling Fellowships
The Academy is calling for nominations for the Selby Fellowship and applications for the Maxwell Ralph Jacobs Fund. (Posted 23 July 2002)

2003/2004 Research Conferences
The Academy is calling for expressions of intent to hold conferences in 2003/2004. Conferences being supported are the Boden, Fenner, and Elizabeth and Frederick White (Posted 23 July 2002)

Lloyd Rees Lecture
The 2002 Lloyd Rees lecturer, Professor David Cockayne FRS will be presenting a lecture in Melbourne on 26 September 2002. (Posted 22 July 2002)

Selby Fellow
The 2002 Selby Fellow, Dr Leonard Smith, will be visiting Australia from 29 July to 27 August 2002. (Posted 22 July 2002)

Awards for scientific excellence
Nominations are invited from junior and senior researchers for Australia's premier awards. (Posted 4 June 2002)
Further Information

Quiet please! Fighting noise pollution
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 4 July 2002)

June 2002

Higher education at the crossroads
The Academy's submission to the Government's Higher Education Review. (Posted 28 June 2002)
Submission

Research priorities for Australia: Setting our future
The Academy's Secretary for Science Policy, Professor Michael Barber, gave the Telstra Address at the National Press Club on 26 June. (Posted 26 June 2002)
Paper

National Research Priorities
The Academy hosted a strategic forum on 26 and 27 June. (Posted 24 June 2002)
Program

Grants for international travel
Applications are invited for grants for short-term scientific visits to North America, Europe and Asia, and postdoctoral fellowships to Japan. (Posted 4 June 2002)
Information and application forms

May 2002

Academy of Science welcomes reappointment of Chief Scientist
The Federal Government’s Chief Scientist, Dr Robin Batterham FAA, has been reappointed for a further three-year term. (Posted 21 May 2002)
Media release

Bitumen battles – the phenomenon of road rage
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 20 May 2002)

Two Academy Fellows elected to Royal Society
Professor Bruce Kemp and Professor Graham Goodwin have been elected Fellows of the prestigious Royal Society. (Posted 14 May 2002)
Media release

President's anniversary address
The Academy's outgoing President, Professor Brian Anderson, today gave an anniversary address to Fellows and guests attending Science at the Shine Dome. (Posted 2 May 2002)
Paper

April 2002

New Academy President
Plant geneticist, Dr Jim Peacock, has been elected to lead the Australian Academy of Science. (Posted 29 April 2002)
Media release

New research reactor
The Academy has welcomed the decision to construct a new research reactor to replace the one at Lucas Heights. (Posted 5 April 2002)
Media release

16 new Fellows elected
Sixteen of Australia's leading scientists, four of them women, were honoured on 28 March by election to the Australian Academy of Science. (Posted 2 April 2002)
Media release

March 2002

Academies concerned at proposed cuts to R&D funding
The Presidents of the Academy of Science and the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering have expressed concern at a report that the Federal Government may be considering reducing expenditure supporting key areas of Australian innovation. (Posted 27 March 2002)
Media release

Virtual reality bytes – military uses of VR
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 19 March 2002)

Window of opportunity to save endangered species
The Academy has expressed concern over news of the apparently deliberate release of foxes into Tasmania. (Posted 12 March 2002)
Media release

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (December-March) is now available online. (Posted 11 March 2002)

Owning a mobile phone isn't everything
An article by the President of the Academy, Professor B D O Anderson, published in The Australian, 4 March 2002. (Posted 4 March 2002)

February 2002

Making packaging greener – biodegradable plastics
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 13 February 2002)

Priority setting in science and innovation
The Academy has released a position statement on the challenge of priority setting in research. (Posted 12 February 2002)

January 2002

ARC funding decision
The Academy has expressed dismay at the process used by the new coalition government to impose priority areas of research on the Australian Research Council. (Posted 31 January 2002)
Media release

Issues Paper on Protection of Human Genetic Information
The Academy's comments on the Issues Paper published by the Australian Law Reform Commission and the Australian Health Ethics Committee. (Posted 31 January 2002)
Submission

Scientists honoured with Australia Post's Australian Legends Award
The 2002 Australian Legends stamp issue features five prominent Australian medical scientists – Professor Peter Doherty, Professor Donald Metcalf, Professor Nancy Millis, Sir Gustav Nossal and Professor Fiona Stanley – who have each made lifesaving scientific discoveries in the areas of microbiology, immunology, cancer research, child health and indigenous health. (Posted 24 January 2002)

Academy's submission to the Review of the External Earnings Targets Policy
Submission to the Chief Scientist's Review. (Posted 14 January 2002)

November 2001

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (August-November) is now available online. (Posted 28 November 2001)

New science ministers appointed
The Academy welcomes new science ministers. (Posted 23 November 2001)
Media release

Democrats' science commitment
The Academy welcomes the Democrats' commitment to science and innovation. (Posted 7 November 2001)
Media release

Research reactor
The Academy backs the need for a new research reactor. (Posted 5 November 2001)
Media release

October 2001

Educational challenges for future Australia
Professor Michael Barber, Secretary (Science Policy), presented a paper at the Business/Higher Education Round Table summit meeting on 31 October 2001.
Paper

Knowledge Nation
The Academy welcomes the detail that has been outlined for a Knowledge Nation. (Posted 31 October 2001)
Media release

Monitoring Australia's Scientific Research
This report by Linda Butler is an extensive analysis of selected aspects of Australia's research performance. (Posted 24 October 2001)
Further information

Putting a finger on it – the loops and whorls of biometrics
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 18 October 2001)

Priorities in research and innovation for the next Australian government
The Academy has issued twelve recommendations for the next Australian government. (Posted 14 October 2001)
Media release
Booklet

September 2001

Feeding the future – sustainable agriculture
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 11 September 2001)

Sir Mark Oliphant Centenary Lecture and Dinner
Dr Brian Schmidt, winner of the 2001 Pawsey Medal and the 2000 Malcolm McIntosh Prize, will deliver the lecture for this special event to be held at the Shine Dome, 6pm, Monday 8 October 2001.

August 2001

The plight of science education
The Academy expresses concern at the state of science education in Australia. (Posted 22 August 2001)
Media release

Award for research on the conservation of endangered Australian vertebrate species
The Academy is calling for proposals to support research on endangered Australian vertebrate species. The closing date is 19 October 2001. (Posted 15 August 2001)
Further information

Awards, Fellowships and Conference Support
The closing dates for nominations and expressions of intent are 30 August and 30 September 2001. (Posted 10 August 2001)
Further information

Lemberg lectures
The 2001 Lemberg Fellow, Professor Petra Fromme, will be visiting Australia from 18 August to 14 September 2001. (Posted 10 August 2001)

Astronomy in the deep freeze
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 2 August 2001)

Priorities in science, mathematics and technologies
Professor Robert Porter FAA presented a paper on the teaching and learning of science to Education Queensland on 2 August 2001.
Paper

July 2001

Australia and the ICT revolution
The President, Professor Brian Anderson, gave the Telstra Address at the National Press Club on 25 July.
Paper

A bold vision for Australia
The Academy welcomes the report of Barry Jones' Taskforce on the Knowledge Nation. (Posted 2 July 2001)
Media release

June 2001

Selby lectures
The 2001 Selby Fellow, Dr Jean Jouzel, will be giving a series of free public lectures in Australia from 18 July-2 August 2001. (Posted 28 June 2001)

New Australian Research Council appointments
The Academy welcomes the appointment of Professor Vicki Sara FAA as the inaugural Chief Executive Officer of the new ARC and Mr Peter Wills as the Chair of the Board. (Posted 28 June 2001)
Media release

National Academies Forum
A symposium on Food and Drink in Australia will be held at the Adelaide University on 5-6 July 2001. (Posted 28 June 2001)

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (April-July) is now available online. (Posted 19 June 2001)

The picture becomes clear for magnetic resonance imaging
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 15 June 2001)

Human stem cell research
This Academy report reviews scientific and regulatory developments up until 18 April 2001, as part of the Academy's efforts to contribute to public understanding of the therapeutic potential of stem cell research. (Posted 5 June 2001)
Media release
Report

May 2001

Government delivers on promise to back Australia's ability
The Academy's response to the federal budget. (Posted 23 May 2001)
Media release

Two Academy Fellows elected to the Royal Society of London
Professor Mandyam Srinivasan and Professor Roger Tanner have been elected Fellows of the Royal Society of London. (Posted 15 May 2001)
Media release

Which way ahead for hydrogen cars?
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 8 May 2001)

Academy elects Professor Vicki Sara
Australian Research Council Chair, Professor Vicki Sara, has been elected as a Fellow of the Academy. (Posted 3 May 2001)
Media release

April 2001

Selby lectures by Professor Keith Moffat
The 2001 Selby Fellow, Professor Keith Moffat, will present public lectures throughout Australia between 7 May and 5 June. (Posted 27 April 2001)
Media release

Lemberg lectures across Australia
Dr David Bowman, well known plant ecologist and recipient of the Academy's Rudi Lemberg Travelling Fellowship for 2001, will present public lectures on the Australian flora in all capital cities between 27 April and 24 May. (Posted 18 April 2001)
Media release

Awards for young researchers
The Academy is sponsoring five young researchers to attend the first event being organised by the Forum for European-Australian Science and Technology Cooperation (FEAST 1). (Posted 6 April 2001)

March 2001

A fair cop! Accurate breath analysis and speed detection
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 27 March 2001)

16 new Fellows elected
The Academy today elected 16 new members from Australia's best scientists and technologists. (Posted 26 March 2001)
Media release

Academy of Science announces new Executive Secretary
The President has announced the appointment of Professor Sue Serjeantson, AO, as the Academy's new Executive Secretary. (Posted 23 March 2001)
Media release

Awards for early-career researchers
DSTO, the National Health and Medical Research Council, the Australian Research Council and the Academy are sponsoring awards for early-career researchers to attend Science at the Shine Dome. (Posted 23 March 2001)

Australia loses one of its most influential and popular scientists
The Academy notes with great sadness the death of Sir Rutherford (Bob) Robertson. (Posted 6 March 2001)
Media release
Transcript of an interview with Sir Rutherford, September 1993

February 2001

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (January-April) is now available online. (Posted 20 February 2001)

Kanagawa Museum of Natural History Award
This award of up to $A10,000 is for research on the Precambrian history of life in Western Australia. Closing date 30 May 2001. (Posted 19 February 2001)

Rudi Lemberg Travelling Fellowship
This fellowship enables scientists to present public lectures in biology – particularly biochemistry, conservation and the Australian flora. Nominations close on 28 February 2001. (Posted 19 February 2001)
Announcement

Schizophrenia and other psychoses
The report from this symposium (held on 20 October 2000) is now available online. (Posted 8 February 2001)
Report

January 2001

Australia produces world-leading science news service
A survey shows that Nova: Science in the news topics are ranked highly by the Google search engine. (Posted 30 January 2001)
Media release

Innovation Action Plan
The President's comments on the Government's Innovation Action Plan (Posted 29 January 2001)
Media release

Awards for young biology teachers
The Foundation for Young Australians is sponsoring a national award for eight biology teachers aged 30 and under to attend the Science at the Shine Dome teachers' program in May. (Posted 23 January 2001)

CRCs – building economic growth and sustainability
The Academy responds to Government support for new Cooperative Research Centres. (Posted 18 January 2001)
Media release

November 2000

ABC takes a leap backwards
The Academy's response to the ABC's decision to close down its TV science production capacity. (Posted 30 November 2000)
Media release

Death-defying designs for car safety
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 28 November 2000)

Taking the chance to change
The Chief Scientist's report The chance to change gets the Academy's endorsement. (Posted 20 November 2000)
Media release

New CSIRO head
The Academy has welcomed the appointment of the new head of CSIRO, Dr Geoff Garrett. (Posted 10 November 2000)
Media release

Putting it together – the science and technology of composite materials
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 10 November 2000)

October 2000

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (September-December) is now available online. (Posted 20 October 2000)

Academy response to the Chief Scientist's report The chance to change
The Academy supports the analysis and recommendations by Dr Robin Batterham in his discussion paper on Australia's science, technology and engineering capability. (Posted 4 October 2000)
Article

September 2000

Every eight seconds: AIDS revisited
The National Academies Forum and the National Library of Australia are hosting this major symposium on 29-30 November 2000 in Canberra. (Posted 27 September 2000)
Program

Research award for endangered species
Up to $20,000 is available to support research on endangered Australian vertebrate species, to help understand the causes of their decline and improve the conditions for their recovery. Closing date for applications is 6 November 2000. (Posted 21 September 2000)

Forestry awards
The Maxwell Ralph Jacobs Fund supports worthy projects in forestry research. A total of $3000 is available. Closing date for applications is 30 September 2000. (Posted 21 September 2000)

Research conference funds
The closing date is 25 September 2000 for expressions of intent from societies and organisations to hold Boden Research Conferences in the biological sciences; Elizabeth and Frederick White Research Conferences in the physical and mathematical sciences related to the Earth and space; and the Fenner Conferences on the Environment. (Posted 21 September 2000)

Fatal impact – the physics of speeding cars
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 15 September 2000)

Minister Minchin on track to boost innovation
The report of the Innovation Summit Implementation Group caps a process of developing innovation policy that began with the National Innovation Summit. (Posted 4 September 2000)
Media release

August 2000

Canberra Commemoration of Sir Mark Oliphant
A public commemoration of the life of Sir Mark Oliphant was held on Friday 25 August. (Posted 25 August 2000)

The chance to change
The Chief Scientist has presented Australia with a blueprint for re-investing in our capacity to innovate. (Posted 17 August 2000)
Media release

More international recognition for one of Australia's greatest researchers
Professor Frank Fenner, FAA, has been awarded the Albert Einstein World Award of Science. (Posted 14 August 2000)
Media release

July 2000

Greenhouse gases – meeting our bottom line
A National Science and Industry Forum will be held at the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research in Melbourne on Friday, 13 October 2000. (Posted 31 July 2000)

Hydatids – when a dog is not man's best friend
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 26 July 2000)

Sir Mark Oliphant 1901-2000
The Academy notes with great sadness the death of its first President, and one of Australia's most distinguished scientists. (Posted 18 July 2000)
Media release

A bird's-eye view of Australian space research
The Academy's National Committee for Space Research has published a review of research in Australia in the period 1998-2000. A PDF file of the 100-page report is now available online. (Posted 14 July 2000)

June 2000

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (May-August) is now available online.

How do birds think?
Selby Fellow Irene Pepperberg from the University of Arizona is giving public lectures in Sydney, Melbourne, Canberra and Armidale from 12-27 June on cognitive processes in birds. (Posted 16 June 2000)
Media release

Academy seeks proposals for outstanding scientist awards
The closing date for preliminary proposals for awards for younger and senior scientists is 31 July 2000. (Posted 8 June 2000)

May 2000

Who will win the drugs race?
Go to Nova: Science in the news (Posted 15 May 2000)

The Academy's response to the federal budget
(Posted 10 May 2000)
Media release

Academy elects Chief Scientist
Chief Scientist, Dr Robin Batterham, has been elected as a Fellow of the Academy. (Posted 5 May 2000)
Media release

'Poolroom' search for Dome souvenirs
Michael Caton, star of 'The Castle', launches the nation-wide search for souvenirs of the Dome. (Posted 5 May 2000)
Media release

Cell death gives hope for life
Dr David Vaux has been awarded the Academy's Gottschalk Medal for his research into cell death. (Posted 5 May 2000)
Media release

Plasmas atomise toxic wastes
Dr Tony Murphy has been awarded the Academy's Pawsey Medal for his research in plasma physics. (Posted 5 May 2000)
Media release

April 2000

Fixing the foundations
The Academy held a national symposium on the role of soil science in solving Australia's crisis in land and water management on 11-12 November 1999. A PDF file of the 34-page symposium report is now available online (1223KB). (Posted 27 April 2000)

$1 million donation for Academy Dome
Professor John Shine is donating $1 million towards the renovation of the Academy's Dome. (Posted 12 April 2000)
Media release

Ten new awards for young researchers
The Department of Industry, Science and Resources will support 10 young researchers through its Technology Diffusion Program to attend the Academy Symposium on Australia's Science Future. (Posted 10 April 2000)
Media release

Carbon currency – the credits and debits of carbon emissions trading
Go to Nova: Science in the news (Posted 7 April 2000)

March 2000

ARC support for young researchers at Academy symposium
The Australian Research Council is sponsoring two awards to bring researchers under the age of 35 to the symposium on Australia's Science Future. (Posted 28 March 2000)
Media release

12 new Fellows elected
The Academy today elected 12 new members from Australia's best scientists and technologists. (Posted 24 March 2000)
Media release

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (January-April) is now available online. (Posted 7 March 2000)

February 2000

Is Australian wildlife fair game?
Go to Nova: Science in the news (Posted 24 February 2000)

What future Australian universities?
The Academy's Science Policy Secretary, Professor John White, comments on the Federal Government's White Paper on Higher Education Research (Posted 8 February 2000)

Australia's Science Future
Younger researchers will set the direction for a major national symposium on 3-4 May in Canberra. (Posted 1 February 2000)
Media release

January 2000

Congratulations to Sir Gus Nossal, Australian of the Year
Sir Gus Nossal was interviewed in 1998 about his last 10 years as director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute, his activities with the World Health Organization, and his appointment as deputy chairman of the Council for Aboriginal Reconciliation. An edited transcript of this interview is available online. (Posted 27 January 2000)
Media release

Interviews with Australian scientists
The transcript of an interview with Professor Mollie Holman is now available online. (Posted 25 January 2000)

December 1999

Too late – too simplistic
The Academy's preliminary response to the White Paper on Higher Education Research. (Posted 21 December 1999)
Media release

The Chief Scientist's review of science, technology and engineering
The Academy's submission. (You can download (or view) this submission in Adobe Portable Document (pdf) format.) (Posted 21 December 1999)

First award of a new chemistry prize honouring leading Australian scientist
The Australian Academy of Science has announced a new award which recognises the achievements of David Craig, one of Australia's most eminent chemists. (Posted 8 December 1999)
Media release

November 1999

Calendars – keeping track of time
Go to Nova: Science in the news (Posted 25 November 1999)

Therapeutic cloning for tissue repair
The Academy has hosted a Forum to discuss the scientific social and ethical issues. (Posted 22 November 1999)
Media release

Buckyballs – a new sphere of science
Go to Nova: Science in the news (Posted 10 November 1999)

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (September-December) is now available online. (Posted 4 November 1999)

October 1999

University funding; stop, talk and think
The Academy's response to public speculation about funding tertiary education. (Posted 15 October 1999)
Media release

Interviews with Australian scientists
Transcripts of interviews with Professor David Craig and Professor Bernhard Neumann are now available online. (Posted 15 October 1999)

Alcohol and cars – a volatile mix
Go to Nova: Science in the news (Posted 12 October 1999)

September 1999

Stock markets – putting your money where your math is
Go to Nova: Science in the news (Posted 16 September 1999)

Geodesy in Australia 1995-99 – a survey
This report is now available on-line. (Posted 1 September 1999)

Good prospects ahead for data mining
Go to Nova: Science in the news (Posted 1 September 1999)

August 1999

Conservation genetics – molecular detectives at work
Go to Nova: Science in the news (Posted 19 August 1999)

Can we count on your vote?
Go to Nova: Science in the news (Posted 4 August 1999)

Interviews with Australian scientists
The transcript of an interview with one of Australia's most eminent scientists, Professor Priscilla Kincaid-Smith, is now available online. (Posted 2 August 1999)

July 1999

The green paper on higher education research
The Academy's response. (Posted 28 July 1999)
Media release
Full statement

Knowledge economy needs smarter policies
The Academy's President calls for policy changes to help the Australian economy adapt. (Posted 26 July 1999)
Media release
Full statement

Generating new ideas for meeting future energy needs
Go to Nova: Science in the news (Posted 22 July 1999)

Interviews with Australian scientists
The transcript of an interview with one of Australia's most eminent scientists, Dr Douglas Waterhouse, is now available online. (Posted 13 July 1999)

June 1999

Sodicity – a dirty word in Australia
Go to Nova: Science in the news (Posted 24 June 1999)

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (May-August) is now available online. (Posted 18 June 1999)

Biomass – the growing energy resource
Go to Nova: Science in the news (Posted 9 June 1999)

Conserving endangered native animals
The Academy has initiated an award for research on the conservation of endangered native animals. (Posted 1 June 1999)

May 1999

Scholarship, Intellectual Ownership and the Law
This symposium in Canberra on 15-16 July is hosted by the National Academies Forum and the National Library of Australia. (Posted 26 May 1999)
Program

Calculating the threat of tsunami
Go to Nova: Science in the news (Posted 26 May 1999)

The Academy welcomes the new Chief Scientist
Media release (Posted 20 May 1999)

Are we ready for gene technology in the food chain?
A report from a meeting which considered the challenges for consumers, the food industry and regulators is now available. (Posted 20 May 1999)
Media release
Report (PDF file, 500KB)

New mathematics topics on Nova: Science in the news
Professor Cheryl Praeger launched this initiative. (Posted 19 May 1999)
Media release

The Academy's response to the federal budget
(Posted 14 May 1999)
Media release

The mammal copiers – advances in cloning
Go to Nova: Science in the news (Posted 13 May 1999)

April 1999

Twelve new members join the Academy's 300 Fellows
The result of elections at this year's AGM. (Posted 29 April 1999)
Media release

Innovate or perish
Academy President calls for government leadership to lift Australia's game (Posted 29 April 1999)
Media release

Just getting cheaper is not the way to get richer
The Academy's comment on the second discussion paper of the Review of Business Taxation. (Posted 28 April 1999)
Media release

Sunken treasure? Australia's coast and oceans
This public symposium opens the Australian Science Festival in Canberra on 30 April 1999.

The importance of international networks for Australian researchers
The Academy has released a report examining opportunities available to work in overseas laboratories. (Posted 27 April 1999)

Australian Science Festival
Get the details of events taking place at the Academy during the festival. (Posted 23 April 1999)
Media release

Supporting health and medical research
The Academy has commented on the recommendations of the Wills Committee's review of health and medical research. (Posted 23 April 1999)

Interviews with Australian scientists
The transcripts of interviews with two of Australia's most eminent scientists, Sir Geoffrey Badger and Professor Peter Bishop, are now available online. (Posted 12 April 1999)

March 1999

Integrated pest management – the good, the bad and the genetically modified
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 25 March 1999)

On human cloning
The Academy has released a position statement with the aim of contributing to informed public debate. (Posted 16 March 1999)
Media release

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (January-April) is now available online. (Posted 4 March 1999)

February 1999

The bitter-sweet taste of toxic substances
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 25 February 1999)

From cutting-edge science to suburban roof-tops in twenty years: the remarkable story of the 1999 Australia Prize winners
Academy President congratulates winners of the 1999 Australian Prize. (Posted 17 February 1999)
Media release

The ups and downs of air traffic control
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 11 February 1999)

Yahoo! Australian Web site joins the global best
According to the Web's most used search site, Yahoo!, the Academy's Nova: Science in the news Web site is a member of a global elite. (Posted 5 February 1999)
Media release

January 1999

Pioneer Award for Science Teachers
Pioneer International Ltd is sponsoring three teachers to attend the education workship and symposium on Sunken Treasure? Australia's Coast and Oceans. (Posted 22 January 1999)

Population and Environment Fund
Professor Ralph Slatyer has launched a new fund to promote research on population and the Australian environment. (Posted 22 January 1999)
Media release

100 Years of Australian Science
The Academy has received a grant for this project from the National Council for the Centenary of Federation's History and Education Program. We will undertake video interviews with eminent scientists to complement our existing Video Histories of Australian Scientists program. (Posted 14 January 1999)

December 1998

The Academy's President looks forward to some of the major impacts of science and technology early in the next century. (Posted 11 December 1998)
Transcript

Do environmental chemicals disrupt sex hormones? Separating fact from fiction.
Professor Ian F.H. Purchase will address recent claims that some chemicals to which humans are exposed daily may be disrupting hormonal (endocrine) systems.

The free public lecture will be held at Becker House (the Dome), Canberra on Thursday, 10 December starting at 8 pm. (Bookings are not necessary.) (Posted 7 December 1998)

Monitoring the white death – soil salinity
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 1 December 1998)

November 1998

Interview with Sir Rutherford Robertson
The transcript of an interview with one of Australia's most eminent scientists is now available on-line. (Posted 23 November 1998)

Cleaner production – a solution to pollution?
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 11 November 1998)

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (October-December) is now available on-line. (Posted 4 November 1998)

Measurement in sport – the long and the short of it
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 2 November 1998)

October 1998

Australia's Centenary Dome
A grant from the Centenary of Federation Fund will put the Academy's Dome – a national symbol – into peak condition for the nation's next century. (Posted 22 October 1998)
Media release

Beyond El Niño
A plan for Australian research was presented at the International CLIVAR (Climate Variability and Predictability) Conference in December 1998. (Posted 20 October 1998)

Academy congratulates a Nobel Member
Professor John A. Pople, Corresponding Member of the Academy, has been awarded the 1998 Nobel Prize for chemistry. (Posted 15 October 1998)
Media release

Looking down the track at very fast trains
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 6 October 1998)

September 1998

The Liberal Party's policies for science and education
The Academy's response. (Posted 24 September 1998)

The ALP's science policy and education statements
The Academy's response. (Posted 16 September 1998)

August 1998

Wind power gathers speed
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 27 August 1998)

The impact of Australian science
Possible reasons for the decline in Australia's share of scientific citations in the international literature. This 1996 report is now available in PDF format. (Posted 24 August 1998)

Academy screenings on Optus Vision television
New program series includes the conference 'Pests and people: Prospects for 2020' and five interviews for 'Scientists reflect: The environment'. (Posted 24 August 1998)
Media release

Pointing the bone at osteoporosis
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 7 August 1998)

July 1998

Mobile phones – communications on the go
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 30 July 1998)

Business innovation heading in the wrong direction
A statement by two Academy Presidents. (Posted 15 July 1998)
Media release

Looking for clues to our mineral wealth
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 15 July 1998)

June 1998

A new scheme for higher education research
The Academy's response to the West report on higher education policy and funding. (Posted 29 June 1998)

Australian space research reviewed
A report to the international Committee on Space Research (COSPAR). (Posted 23 June 1998)
Report

How to keep our biomedical research healthy
Submission to the Wills Review of Health and Medical Research. (Posted 23 June 1998)

Documenting our biodiversity – the role of ABRS
Submission to the program evaluation. (Posted 23 June 1998)

1998 Kanagawa Award
Applications for this award for research on the Precambrian history of life in Western Australia and its analogues in Hamelin Pool, Shark Bay, close on 14 August. (Posted 19 June 1998)
Media release

When bugs have you on the run
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 12 June 1998)

Endocrine disruption – is there something in the water?
The report of the National Science and Industry Forum. (PDF file, 663KB) (Posted 10 June 1998)

Scientists Reflect: The Neurosciences
This four-part television series will be shown fortnightly on Optus Vision channel 55 in Sydney and Melbourne starting 12 June. (Posted 1 June 1998)
Media release

May 1998

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (April-June) is now available on-line. (Posted 26 May 1998)

Population and Environment Fund
The Academy is seeking contributions to a new fund to promote research on population and the Australian environment. (Posted 25 May 1998)
Media release

How to get your head around the brain
Go to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 19 May 1998)

Australian industry – staying in business?
A statement by two Academy Presidents. (Posted 1 May 1998)
Media release

Scientists Reflect television series
Optus Vision is screening the Academy's four-part series Scientists Reflect: The Neurosciences starting 1 May.
Media release

April 1998

Twelve new members join the Academy's 300 Fellows
The result of elections at this year's AGM. (Posted 30 April 1998)
Media release

New Academy President
takes an innovative approach to basic science. (Posted 30 April 1998)
Media release

Sir Gustav Nossal's parting words
The Academy's retiring President's 'state of the Academy' report to the AGM. (Posted 30 April 1998)
Media release

Using a SHRIMP to read Earth's clock
Earth scientist receives major award for achievement in geological dating. (Posted 29 April 1998)
Media release

A pest by any other name
Dr Hugh Tyndale-Biscoe says sheep may be the indirect cause of Australia's rabbit plague. (Posted 27 April 1998)
Media release

West higher education review – missed opportunities
The Academy's initial response to the West review. (Posted 24 April 1998)
Media release

The Academy's 1998 AGM and Symposium, 30 April-1 May 1998
All welcome! The Symposium subject this year is Pests and people: Prospects for 2020.
Media release

Is there something in the water?
...such as oestrogen, and does it matter? (Posted 7 April 1998)
Media release

Are the endocrine systems of humans and wildlife at risk?
Can exposure to certain chemicals in the environment interfere with the endocrine system and cause birth defects, add to the incidence of breast and testicular cancer or change the gender balance of some animal species? A meeting of the Academy's National Science and Industry Forum on 7 April 1998 will examine the evidence and consider appropriate Australian responses.

Fuelling the 21st century
Go to Nova: Science in the news to find out how fuel cells will help. (Posted 3 April 1998)

March 1998

Science alliance to boost coverage
A new coalition has been formed to promote the public understanding of science and technology in Australia.
Media release

Young Australian researchers get recognition at the highest level
Four young Australian scientific researchers awarded prizes for world-class research. (Posted 24 March 1998)
Media release

Pioneer Award for Science Teachers: Applications close 20 March
Pioneer International Ltd is sponsoring a national award for three science teachers to attend the Academy's AGM.
Media release

Public lecture – Biotechnology: Biology or technology?
Emeritus Professor Arthur Kornberg of the Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University, will present a public lecture at Becker House (the Dome), Gordon Street, Canberra on Thursday, 19 March starting at 5.30 pm. He shared (with Professor Severo Ochoa) the 1959 Nobel Prize for Physiology or Medicine, for accomplishing the first enzymatic synthesis of DNA. This is a free public lecture and bookings are not necessary. (Posted 19 March 1998)

Queen's Trust Awards for young teachers: Applications close 16 March
Science teachers under the age of 28 can apply for funding to attend the Academy's AGM symposium in May.
Media release

What do Jose Carreras and colony stimulating factors have in common?
Go to Nova: Science in the news to find out. (Posted 13 March 1998)

'Train the trainers' course, 6-7 March 1998
A Primary Investigations 'Train the trainers' course is being presented in Brisbane on March 6-7.

February 1998

New Nova topic posted
A new topic, The Southern Ocean and global climate, is now available. (Posted 26 February 1998)

Science is a global enterprise
In a joint statement prepared in November 1997 the Academy and the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering explore the value of international links to Australian researchers, and the Academies' role in promoting them. (Posted 24 February 1998)
Report

Australia to share in 'Heavenly Twins'
The Academy welcomes the announcement that Australia is to join the International Gemini Project which is building two telescopes. (Posted 18 February 1998)
Media release

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (January-March) is now available on-line. (Posted 17 February 1998)

Primary Investigations on Optus Vision
Optus Vision is screening a three part series on Primary Investigations starting 4 March. (Posted 17 February 1998)
Media release

Scientists Reflect
Scientists Reflect, a television series using interviews from the Academy's Video Histories of Australian Scientists project, will screen on Optus Vision. (Posted 13 February 1998)
Media release

New Nova topic posted
Our first Nova topic for 1998, Cochlear implants – wiring for sound, is now available. (Posted 6 February 1998)

January 1998

SCIENCE NOW! – New national science forum
Melbourne will host a new national science forum in May following the grant of $200,000 from the Victorian State Government. (Posted 27 January 1998)
Media release

December 1997

Industry policy and basic science
The Academy warns of the need to maintain the science base following the announcement of the Government's industry statement Investing for Growth. (Posted 9 December 1997)
Media release

Many quality science research projects miss out on funding
The Academy's reaction to the announcement of the 1998 Australian Research Council Large Grants. (Posted 2 December 1997)
Media release

November 1997

New Nova topic posted
El Niño – riding the climate roller coaster is a timely addition to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 28 November 1997)

International science and technology
A joint paper from the Academy of Science and the Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering on the role of the Academies in international science and technology was launched today. (Posted 24 November 1997)
Media release

Nova wins Internet award
The Academy's web site, Nova, has won the 1997 Australian Internet Award for best science site. (Posted 11 November 1997)
Media release

New Nova topic posted
A new topic, Kissing the Epstein-Barr virus goodbye?, has been added to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 11 November 1997)

Academy Newsletter
The Academy's latest Newsletter (October-December) is now available on-line. (Posted 6 November 1997)

CRCs and public funding
The Academy makes the case for continued public funding of our vigorous Cooperative Research Centres. (Posted 4 November 1997)
Submission

October 1997

Academy projects named award finalists
Primary Investigations is a finalist for the Michael Daley Eureka Prize; and Nova, for the Australian Internet Awards. (Posted 24 October 1997)
Media release

Immunisation explained on Nova
Teachers, students, parents and the wider community need sufficient scientific background to make reasoned judgements about this issue. (Posted 18 October 1997)
Media release

Promotion of science and technology to Cabinet
The science and technology portfolio has been taken over by Mr John Moore, a Cabinet Minister. (Posted 7 October 1997)
Media release

Demise of ANZAAS?
The ANZAAS AGM has recommended dissolution of the century-old organisation. (Posted 3 October 1997)
Media release

New Nova topic posted
A new topic, Immunisation, has been added to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 2 October 1997)

Progress in Aboriginal health hailed
The Academy welcomes a step forward in the field of Aboriginal health. (Posted 1 October 1997)
Media release

Spreading the safe sex message to teenagers
Professor Roger Short on improving sex education for adolescents in Australia and China. (Posted 1 October 1997)
Media release

September 1997

Science and technology – a big future needing a senior Minister
Mr Peter McGauran's resignation from the science and technology portfolio leaves a big gap that needs filling urgently. (Posted 29 September 1997)
Media release

Nova provides science behind environmental issues
Teachers value the current environmental information that Nova provides. (Posted 22 September 1997)
Media release

New Nova topic posted
A new topic, The enhanced greenhouse effect, has been added to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 17 September 1997)

Academy Newsletter
The last three issues of our quarterly Newsletter are now on-line. (Posted 16 September 1997)

Research reactor a must
A media release on the Government's decision to build a new research reactor at Lucas Heights. (Posted 4 September 1997)

August 1997

New Nova topic posted
A new topic, Toxic algal blooms, has been added to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 22 August 1997)

Minister launches science training for country teachers
A media release about the Primary Investigations 'Do-it-yourself' inservice workshop package for country teachers. (Posted 19 August 1997)

Science must experiment with business
An article by the President of the Academy on the value of the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) program and comment on the Mortimer Review's recommendations on the CRC program. (Posted 12 August 1997)

New Nova topic posted
A new topic, Local air pollution, has been added to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 5 August 1997)

July 1997

Marine Science and Technology Plan
A joint submission prepared by the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technological Science and Engineering. (Posted July 1997)

Mathematical Sciences: Adding to Australia
A report prepared by the National Committee for Mathematics. (Posted July 1997)

Scientific research caught in Mortimer's wake
The Academy's response to the Mortimer review of business assistance programs. (Posted 24 July 1997)
Media release

Primary Investigations satellite broadcasts
The Academy is working with the Victorian Department of Education to produce a series of satellite television broadcasts based on Primary Investigations. They will be produced by the Science and Technology Education in Primary Schools (STEPS) program and broadcast to Victorian schools on 23 July, 6 August, 20 August and 3 September, 1997.

1997 Selby Lecture
Title: From artificial hips to metals with a memory: the magic of modern materials
Where: Becker House (the Dome), Gordon Street, Canberra.
When: 5.30 pm, Thursday, 17 July
This is a free public lecture and bookings are not necessary.

June 1997

Commonwealth Environmental Powers
Submission to the Senate Inquiry prepared by the Academy's National Committee for the Environment. (Posted June 1997)

New Nova topic posted
A new topic, Malaria, has been added to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 27 June 1997)

Strategy for Australia – a response to the Stocker report
The report points directly to the importance of science and technology as cornerstones for future prosperity in this country. (Posted 24 June 1997)
Media release

New Nova topic posted
A new topic, Gene technology and plants, has been added to Nova: Science in the news. (Posted 16 June 1997)

Cancer cures, new crops and human cloning – the rewards and risks of research
The Academy's response to the survey of public interest in science released by the CSIRO. (Posted 15 June 1997)
Media release

May 1997

Budget for science and technology
The Academy has challenged the Government to build on the steady-state budget next year. (Posted 13 May 1997)
Media release

Annual General Meeting Symposium
Title: Information science and technology
Where: Becker House (the Dome), Gordon Street, Canberra.
When: 9.00 am to 3.30 pm, Friday, 2 May
This is a free public seminar and bookings are not necessary.

13 new Fellows elected
The Academy's Fellows at their AGM today elected 12 researchers and a distinguished engineer as new members of the Academy. (Posted 1 May 1997)
Media release

West Committee review
Text of the Academy's submission to the West Committee review of higher education financing and policy. (Posted 1 May 1997)
Media release

April 1997

Australian scientist first to win top International award
The Alfred Wegener Medal has been awarded to Academy Fellow Professor Kurt Lambeck. (Posted 24 April 1997)
Media release

Free public lecture
Title: The inventory of life on Earth: past, present and likely future.
Speaker: Professor Sir Robert May (Chief Scientific Adviser to the UK Government, head of the UK Office of Science and Technology and Royal Society Research Professor at Oxford University and Imperial College).
Where: Becker House (the Dome), Gordon Street, Canberra.
When: 5.30 pm, Thursday, 17 April

Launch of the Academy's Nobel prize poster
Nobel prize winner Professor Peter Doherty launched the Academy's Nobel prize poster at the National Press Club on 16 April.
Media release
The Australian Academy of Science interviews Australia's latest Nobel Laureate, Professor Peter Doherty

Launch of Nova: Science in the news
The Minister for Science and Technology, the Honourable Peter McGauran MP, launched Nova: Science in the news, the Academy's new World Wide Web site, at Parliament House on 8 April. The site was developed for secondary school science, health and environment teachers, but is also of interest to students, journalists and the public.
Media release

March 1997

Free public lecture
Dr Tim Flannery, Principal Research Scientist at the Australian Museum, Sydney, is the Academy's 1996/97 Lemberg Fellow. He will present a lecture entitled Evolutionary trends in low nutrient ecosystems at 5.30 pm on Thursday 13 March at Becker House (the Dome), Gordon Street, Acton, Canberra.
Further information on the Rudi Lemberg Travelling Fellowship

February 1997

1997 Australia Prize awarded to Academy Fellow
Professor Allan Snyder, Head of the Optical Sciences Centre at the Australian National University, has been awarded the Australia Prize for his ground-breaking work on the theory of light in optical fibres. (11 February)

November 1996

Interview with Australia's latest Nobel Laureate, Professor Peter Doherty
In a recent visit to Australia shortly after the announcement of the award, Roger Beckmann spoke to Peter Doherty on behalf of the Australian Academy of Science about his early life, the process of scientific research and the nature of his own discovery.

National Science and Industry Forum report
Enhancing Australian chemical manufacture, reversing the chemical deficit. (Posted November 1996)