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Explore updates on Academy initiatives, scientific developments, and expert perspectives on issues shaping research and policy. Our commentary reflects the Academy’s role in fostering informed discussion and sharing thought leadership that connects science with society.
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Australia's Parliament House in Canberra with the flag flying against a blue sky with fluffy white clouds

‘Ambitious Australia’ report: There is not a moment to waste

The Academy strongly supports recommendations from the Strategic Examination of Research and Development to stop the long-term decline in research funding and to craft an R&D system that supports scale and focus. Without this, Australia will fall behind.
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Fellows update: March 2026

Keep abreast of the Academy Fellowship in the Fellows update, which includes honours and awards, obituaries and recently published biographical memoirs.

Opportunities for scientists: March 2026

Find out more about available opportunities including the Academy's honorific awards.

Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC

Message from the President: March 2026

This month, the Academy welcomed the Australian Government’s 'Ambitious Australia' report, the most comprehensive examination of Australia's research and innovation system in decades.

Close up of NSW Premier John T. Lang’s signature

‘The Bearer of this Letter ...’ 

Newly discovered archival letters reveal how early 20th-century Australia deployed its scientists abroad, armed with prime ministerial introductions.

23 profile photos arranged in a grid

Academy celebrates the best of Australian science 

Prestigious honorific awards acknowledge outstanding contributions from 23 scientists across disciplines and career stages.

Clockwise from top left: Dr Jing He, Dr Jake Robinson, Dr Rocio Camacho Morales and Dr Jackie Webb.

2026 J G Russell Award recognises diverse research projects 

Four early-career researchers will receive top-up grants to advance their experimental work.

Parliament House, Canberra

Game changer: Australia on track to join world's largest research funding program

Academy welcomes Australia's move to join the world's largest research funding program, in a milestone win for international scientific collaboration.

A collage of nine headshots and the Australian Academy of Science logo

Australian scientists bound for Nobel Laureate Meeting

Nine outstanding Australian early‑career researchers have been selected to attend the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, joining Nobel Prize winners and peers from around the world.

Anna-Maria Arabia standing under the arches of Shine Dome next to the blue water of the moat. She is smiling.

Anna-Maria Arabia OAM to step down as Chief Executive of the Australian Academy of Science

Over a tenure of almost 10 years, Ms Arabia's leadership strengthened the Academy's reach and impact across public policy, STEM education and global scientific engagement.