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Advice and advocacy

Providing independent, evidence-based advice using the latest scientific knowledge to inform policy that shapes Australia.
Advocacy
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Our focus

By bridging the gap between scientific research and decision-making, the Academy advocates for policies that advance Australia’s wellbeing, prosperity and sustainability.

We provide independent, evidence-based advice wherever it is needed and we work with decision-makers to enable choices, legislation, systems and policy to be shaped by the latest scientific knowledge. We convene unparalleled expertise to produce rapid-response evidence briefs during emergencies, prepare long-term strategic analyses, and lead national conversations about scientific issues. From informing pandemic responses, to the future of the iconic Great Barrier Reef, and advocating for a science-aware justice system, the Academy’s expert advice generates impact.
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Related submissions

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Anna-Maria Arabia

Academy Chief Executive on the 'Ambitious Australia' report

The report provides a clear-eyed assessment of the strengths and weaknesses of the current system – and importantly, it provides a coherent roadmap forward.
From left to right: Professor Louise Baur, President of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences; Professor Kate Darian-Smith, President of the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia; Professor Stephen Garton, President of the Australian Academy of the Humanities and Chair of the Australian Council of Learned Academies; Professor Chennupati Jagadish, President of the Australian Academy of Science; and Dr Cathy Foley, President of ATSE

Learned Academies and ACOLA: Joint response to the Strategic Examination of R&D

In a joint media conference, the Australian Council of Learned Academies and Australia’s five Learned Academies respond to the 'Ambitious Australia' report.
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.
Parliament House, Canberra

Federal Budget must mark turning point for Australian R&D investment

The Australian Academy of Science warns the 2026–27 Budget must reverse a decade of declining R&D investment or risk lasting damage to Australia’s economy, security and global competitiveness.
Season's greetings

Season's greetings from the President

Reflecting on scientific achievements and urgent future challenges, this year saw the Academy call for major reinvestment in research, infrastructure and innovation to meet the challenges ahead.

Related projects

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Aerial image of the reef
  • Completed

Reef Futures Roundtables

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water engaged the Academy to convene a series of roundtables to support the Reef 2050 Independent Expert Panel in its role of advising government.

ASAF large
  • Planned

Australian Science, Australia's Future

Analysing Australia’s science capability to meet national challenges informed by the forces shaping our economy, the ASAF report identifies the eight science capabilities increasing most in demand over the coming decade.

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  • Completed

Advancing data-intensive research in Australia

Exploring opportunities and challenges associated with data-intensive research and provides recommendations to improve Australia’s research data ecosystem.

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  • Completed

Australian Learned Academies Data Interworking Network

The Australian Academy of Science is working in collaboration with Australia’s other Learned Academies on a project to understand the data infrastructure, skills and policy required to enable world-leading research.

Library from above
  • Current

Accessing Australia’s Research Collections

A project to conduct scoping work to help understand the potential opportunities that a national approach to collections could deliver for Australian researchers.

The Australian Academy of Science acknowledges and pays respects to the Traditional Owners of all the lands on which the Academy operates, and where its Fellows and employees live and work. The Academy recognises Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first innovators and scientists of this land and honour their enduring connection to Country, from which we are committed to learn. We pay our respects to, and recognise the cultural authority of, their Elders past and present.

© 2026 Australian Academy of Science. All rights reserved.
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