SCIENCE POLICY

The objectives of the Academy are met through a range of activities, not least of which is the contribution of scientific advice to government for the purposes of policy development.  In providing that advice, the Academy’s Fellowship assists government not only to formulate evidence-based policy and inform decision-making, but also assists to inform domestic and international public debate.

The Academy brings together top Australian scientists – many of whom are seen as world figures in their fields – from universities, industry and within government. This provides the capability to access expertise over many scientific areas and issues.

The Academy also supports 22 national committees. and two task forces. Each committee – which is widely representative of its discipline – fosters a designated field of science, and serves as a link between Australian and overseas scientists in that field. The committees are frequently called on to comment on proposals and advise on science policy. Through the national committees and ad hoc committees, the Academy prepares reports and submissions to government inquiries, and public statements.

Some issues in science

Climate change

The Science of Climate Change: Questions and Answers was prepared by a Working Group and Oversight Committee made up of Academy Fellows and other Australian scientists with internationally recognised expertise in climate science.
It was launched at the Shine Dome on Monday 16 August 2010 as part of National Science Week.

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The Future Science

The Computer Science project is the first of the Academy's new initiatives to conduct science foresighting studies. These studies will consider the scientific potential for specific scientific areas of study over the next few decades. The Future Science – Computer Science project is currently being developed with the aim to scope future capacities and applications of high performance computing over the next 10-20 years. The project will culminate with the production of a concise report by late 2012, and will be made available on this website. Planning is underway for further foresighting studies.

Creationism and intelligent design

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. Intelligent design is the proposal that certain aspects of the universe, including living things, can be best explained by an intelligent cause, rather than an undirected process such as natural selection.

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Statement on ethics

The Australian Academy of Science adheres to the principles outlined in The Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research.  It guides institutions and researchers in responsible research practices and promotes integrity in research for researchers. The Code shows how to:

• manage breaches of the Code and allegations of research misconduct
• manage research data and materials
• publish and disseminate research findings, including proper attribution of authorship
• conduct effective peer review and manage conflicts of interest, and
• explains the responsibilities and rights of researchers if they witness research misconduct.

Developed jointly by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC), the Australian Research Council (ARC) and Universities Australia, the Code has broad relevance across all research disciplines. It replaces the Joint NHMRC/AVCC Statement and Guidelines on Research Practice (1997).
Compliance with the Code is a prerequisite for receipt of NHMRC funding.
Research involving humans should conform to the principles outlined in the NHMRC's National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Research Involving Humans The 2007 revised National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research was tabled in Parliament on the 28th of March 2007 and replaces the 1999 National Statement. Ethics and ethical principles extend to all spheres of human activity. They apply to our dealings with each other, with animals and the environment.

Research involving animals should conform to the principles outlined in the NHMRC's Animal research ethical issues. The Animal Welfare Committee plays an important role in ensuring that the highest ethical standards apply to NHMRC funded research involving the use of animals for scientific purposes and that the NHMRC addresses relevant animal welfare issues as they evolve or emerge. For a list of various NHMRC guidelines for research involving animals, see:  http://www.nhmrc.gov.au/health_ethics/animal/issues.htm

Gene technology and GM plants

The Academy supports the responsible and ethical use of gene technologies to produce genetically modified plants for use in Australian agriculture.

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Stem cells and human cloning

In its 9 March 2011 submission to the Legislation Review of Prohibition of Human Cloning for Reproduction Act 2002 and Research Involving Human Embryos Act 2002, the Australian Academy of Science again advocated that the existing laws have served Australia well and do not need revision.
The Academy of Science continues to promote public discussion on human stem cell research and restates its position of opposition to cloning 'whole human being' on the basis of safety and general ethical concerns. Since February 1999, the Australian Academy of Science has adopted as its policy the following:

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