News and views

With much of the nation focused on the loss of lives and the destruction of property and wildlife from last summer’s bushfires, the significant damage to Australian soil may have gone unnoticed by many.

Australia’s investment in astronomy and our hosting of two of the world’s most powerful telescopes means we are well placed to contribute to more big international breakthroughs in our understanding of the universe, according to a new review.

For many Australians, the nation’s coasts and oceans are central to our self-image. These areas are some of our busiest locations and are among the fastest growing economic sectors. However, the fragmented way we currently manage and govern the ecological and social processes that connect ocean and coastal waterways puts them under threat.

Despite an unprecedented global research effort and record-breaking times to first in-human trials there are no guarantees that a vaccine will be available soon for COVID-19, according to one of Germany’s pre-eminent virologists, Professor Doctor Marylyn Addo.

Global industry giant 3M has demonstrated its commitment to supporting STEM in Australia during COVID-19 by continuing to provide funding support to the Australian Academy of Science in partnership despite planned events and activities being cancelled.

Australians have put their trust in science as a way forward to set our path out of the COVID-19 pandemic and meet the challenges arising.

The Australian Academy of Science has reaffirmed its commitment to gender equity in STEM by signing the ‘Preserving gender equity as a higher education priority during and after COVID-19’ joint statement.

The coronavirus pandemic has proven the world is capable of a global response to address a crisis. But why haven’t we seen the same type of swift action on climate change? And can we expect our leaders to pay as much attention to scientific advice for other challenges as we emerge from the pandemic?