Can there ever be too much science? Never! November has been a stellar month for science and you can read about it in this bumper edition of the Academy newsletter.
Earlier this month, the Academy’s innovative STEM Women online platform, designed to enable women working in STEM fields to raise their profile and discover opportunities to progress their careers, reached new heights by going global. The Academy is delighted to bring STEM Women Global, an Australian innovation, to the international STEM sector. Woman working in STEM anywhere in the world can join STEM Women Global and connect with individuals and organisations looking for diverse STEM experts.
Last week, we were overjoyed to present Science at the Shine Dome 2022, our annual flagship event to celebrate excellence in science. This year was our first opportunity to hold it in person since 2019, and what a spectacular event it was!
It was fantastic to admit to the fellowship the Academy Fellows elected in 2020, 2021 and 2022, and to hear scientific presentations covering the depth and breadth of science. We also presented the Academy’s Premier Awards and Honorific Medals to so many talented scientists.
A personal highlight was the Gala Dinner in the Great Hall of Parliament House where the Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic held an inspiring conversation with Gamilaroi yinarr woman and astronomer Karlie Alinta Noon. The Academy also honoured Professor Robyn Williams who has presented the Science Show on ABC Radio for nearly 50 years!
We had a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of Indigenous knowledges and contemporary science in a workshop guided by Professor Tom Calma AO, descendant of the Kungarakan and Iwaidja tribal group, who was elected to the fellowship this year.
Science at the Shine Dome provided a wonderful opportunity for Fellows, early- and mid-career researchers and others from the research community to connect, network, collaborate and share knowledge and it was wonderful to see the Shine Dome/Ian Potter House precinct buzzing with activity. You can catch it all online.
Two important announcements were made during the festivities. The Academy is proud to be assisting Ukrainian scientists who have fled the war with Russia or who have been unable to work because of it. Thanks to a generous donation from the Breakthrough Prize Foundation the Academy will establish long-term research collaborations between Ukrainian and Australian scientists.
And we established the David Vaux Research Integrity Fellowship which recognises individuals who have led efforts to foster and promote integrity in science. Professor David Vaux AO FAA FAHMS, who has championed research integrity in Australia, has been recognised as the inaugural recipient of this new Academy award.
Last but definitely not least, a hearty congratulations to Academy Fellow Scientia Professor Trevor McDougall for being awarded the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science. Professor McDougall’s long career in oceanography has benefited ocean and climate science immensely, and equally as important is his commitment to supporting young researchers.
Grab a cup of coffee and enjoy reading about the talented scientific community we have in Australia!
Anna-Maria
© 2024 Australian Academy of Science
