SCIENCE FOR PARLIAMENTS
Welcome to the second Science for Parliaments newsletter
The Science of Immunisation - New Academy publication
Reaching our potential: developing Tasmania’s science research capability
National Nanotechnology Research Strategy
Excellence in Research for Australia
National Research Investment Plan
New Senate inquiry - recent trends in and preparedness for extreme weather events
Science funding boost in the UK
Can you measure research impact?
Grand plan for Australian physics evolutione in Australia
Welcome to the second Science for Parliaments newsletter
Through this newsletter we aim to bring you informative news about the Academy's activities, the latest developments in science policy in Australia and elsewhere, as well as providing links to important reports that are of significance to the sector. We hope you find this newsletter useful and we would be pleased to receive your suggestions and feedback to science.policy@science.org.au
The Science of Immunisation - New Academy publication
This new Academy publication aims to address confusion created by contradictory information about immunisation in the public domain. It sets out to explain the current situation in immunisation science, including where there is consensus in the scientific community and where uncertainties exist. The document is structured around six questions:
- What is immunisation?
- What is in a vaccine?
- Who benefits from vaccines?
- Are vaccines safe?
- How are vaccines shown to be safe?
- What does the future hold for vaccination?
Free hard and electronic copies of the document are available from through the Academy's website.
Reaching our potential: developing Tasmania’s science research capability
On the 14 December, David O’Byrne MP – Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology launched the Tasmanian Government science research sector strategy Reaching our potential: developing Tasmania’s science research capability.
This strategy focuses on developing science research capability in the state to provide the necessary ingredients for the sector’s expansion and economic growth. Reaching our potential seeks to support the science research sector in three main ways:
- the development of an evidence based framework to guide Tasmanian Government investment in science research;
- facilitating relationships, information sharing and investment; and
- the development of a science engagement program to increase community knowledge and communication with the science research sector.
Reaching our potential is available for download at http://www.development.tas.gov.au
National Nanotechnology Research Strategy
The Academy has released a National Nanotechnology Research Strategy which highlights a range of existing and emerging nanotechnology applications to improve community health and environmental stewardship, aid national security and revitalise Australian manufacturing.
The strategy was launched by Senator the Hon Kate Lundy on 7 December 2012. The strategy outlines a bold vision for a nanotechnology enabled Australian Economy. The strategy includes eight key recommendations for strategic investment and coordination considered essential for supporting Australian nanotechnology research and effective translation of that research into benefits for the community.
Electronic and hard copies of the research strategy are available through the Academy's website.
Excellence in Research for Australia
The Australian Research Council (ARC) has carried out its second national assessment of research quality. Each discipline in each university has been given a ranking on a five point scale according to the quality of research that is being undertaken. The results show that there has been a 24 per cent increase in research outputs since 2010, and 16 per cent increase in patent awards.
The results are published in a report which details both how well disciplines performed, and how well universities performed compared to each other. The report is available from the ARC website.
National Research Investment Plan
The National Research Investment Plan was released on 28 November 2012 by the Minister for Tertiary Education Skills and Research, the Hon Chris Evans at the ATN-GO8 Symposium Excellence in Innovation for Australia. The Plan attempts to set out a comprehensive national research investment planning process. The aim of the plan is to take a ‘whole-of-government’ approach’ future research investments so that they meet national needs and provide value for money. A copy of the research plan is available from DIISTRE.
New Senate inquiry - recent trends in and preparedness for extreme weather events
The Standing Committee on Environment and Communications is holding an inquiry into 'recent trends in and preparedness for extreme weather events'. The inquiry will examine the current and projected frequency of extreme weather events; the costs associated with them and our preparedness to deal with them; and the effectiveness of the current division of responsibilities between different governments in responding to them. The inquiry will also examine the progress made in developing an effective national coordination of climate change response and risk management, and whether there are any gaps in Australia's Climate Change Adaptation Framework. Submissions to the inquiry are due by 18 January 2013. The inquiry is due to report by 20 March 2013. Further details can be found on the Parliament of Australia website.
Science funding boost in the UK
The UK's Chancellor has announced that the government will invest an additional £600 million in science research. This new investment will be spent on research council grants and on facilities for applied research and development. This investment, in part, reverses past cuts to the science budget. Further details can be found on the Nature news blog.
Can you measure research impact?
A national trial to measure research impact has been undertaken by 12 universities to try and answer this question. The trial looked at 162 case studies of research and found that there are significant positive economic, social and environmental impacts arising from research undertaken at Australian universities.
One of the findings from the trial is that several of the high impact case studies were shown to provide tangible economic benefits to industry.
The trial was a joint initiative of the Group of Eight Universities and the Australian Technology Network of Universities. The report is available to download from the Group of Eight website.
Grand plan for Australian physics evolutione in Australia
A new decadal plan for physics has been published by the Academy. The plan 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. A copy of the plan can be found on the Academy's website.
