News and views

With new gene-editing technologies that override natural selection set to come into use in the next 3-5 years, now is the time for Australia to have a national discussion about the implications of the new technology, according to a new report released today by the Australian Academy of Science.

The Academy has just admitted two internationally renowned scientists as Corresponding Members, Dr Raghunath Mashelkar (India) and Professor Rudiger Wehner (Switzerland).

Dr Raghunath Mashelkar (India) and Professor Rüdiger Wehner (Switzerland) have been admitted to the Australian Academy of Science for outstanding scientific contributions to their fields.

How will we provide enough food, water and energy for the 9.7 billion people living on Earth in 2050? This will be one of the questions to challenge school students in National Science Week this August, thanks to a new sustainability science resource by the Australian Science Teachers Association (ASTA).

The Academy has awarded the Douglas and Lola Douglas Scholarship to Dr Bianca Middleton for her research on improving the health of Indigenous children.

Smarter bank notes, health-protecting wearable electronics, and bendy solar cells are just some of the ways that polymer science is making plastic fantastic. Next week, three Australian researchers will tell audiences in Sydney and Melbourne how they are putting polymers to work.

Academy President Professor Andrew Holmes has been recognised with Australia’s highest honour, Companion in the General Division of the Order of Australia in the 2017 Australia Day Honours list.

The Australian Academy of Science has welcomed newly-appointed Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science—Senator Arthur Sinodinos AO, and congratulates Minister Greg Hunt MP on his appointment as Minister for Health and Sport.

The Academy Medal was awarded to Australia’s former Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb AC, at a special ceremony held at Ian Potter House on Thursday.