The Australian Academy of Science has broadly endorsed a suite of measures proposed by Government to improve Australian science and science education.
In a submission to Vision for a Science Nation, the consultation paper responding to the Australian Chief Scientist’s proposed national science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) strategy, the Academy has provided detailed recommendations about what proposals will have the most impact on the sector and on the Australian community.
“From the lab to the classroom to the boardroom, there was no plan that tied scientists, industry and educators together. After a long time being the only country in the OECD without a national science strategy, it’s great to see political commitment to creating a long-term plan for science in this country,” said Professor Les Field, the Academy’s Secretary for Science Policy.
“If we get this strategy right, it could help deliver transformational breakthroughs in scientific discovery and research application that will improve our quality of life and drive completely new industries in the future.”
Professor Field said that overall Vision for a Science Nation responded well to the Chief Scientist’s recommendations but there were still some concerns over clear mechanisms to increase public and private science funding and a lack of focus on professional development for current science and maths teachers.
He also noted that many of the difficult issues such as funding and tax incentives have been pushed out to future reviews and in the long term, new funding will be needed to ensure the strategy achieves its targets.
“We also need to make sure that both applied and basic research are adequately supported in the new strategy – you can’t do one well without the other,” Professor Field said.
The Academy welcomed the following proposals set out in Vision for a Science Nation:
The Academy also recommended:
Professor Les Field is available for comment.
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