It was an honour to be given the opportunity to deliver the Ralph Slatyer Address on Science and Society. I remember Ralph fondly. He was a true optimist, with a natural inclination to seek out solutions.
Like Ralph, I am also an optimist. In Australia, we have exceptional scientists, world-class research, and the essential ingredients needed for success. What we need now is courage; the courage to position science and technology as a strategic national asset, and the willingness to make necessary investments, even in challenging circumstances.
The Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) presents a vital opportunity to reshape our R&D system to meet the challenges ahead, and the time to act is now. We look forward to the publication of the SERD report by the Australian Government.
This month, I felt immensely privileged to join Indigenous Fellows, thought leaders and knowledge holders from Aotearoa New Zealand, Canada, and Australia at Taikura, the second summit of the Tri-Academy Partnership.
The Academy proudly led the Australian delegation to Aotearoa New Zealand, where we learned and shared approaches to shape Indigenous international research agendas and strengthen engagement with Indigenous knowledge holders.
The Academy looks forward to hosting the third summit at the Shine Dome in November 2026.
We also welcomed the recipients of the 2025 Prime Minister's Prizes for Science to the Shine Dome for our long-standing tradition of a post-awards breakfast. I extend my congratulations to everyone who received an award.
Among the winners was Professor Michael Wear, who received the inaugural Prime Minister's Prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Knowledge Systems. This recognition of Michael’s extraordinary work reminds us of the value of bringing together diverse scientific, cultural, and traditional knowledge systems so we can build a more sustainable and healthy future.
Academy Fellow Professor Lidia Morawska FAA FTSE won the Prime Minister’s Prize for Science – a fitting recognition of her many years of work to advance clean indoor air for all.
The same week of her big win, the Academy launched a critical report on indoor air quality spearheaded by Professor Morawska as lead expert. This is an issue affecting all Australians, yet largely absent from our public health framework.
As the report states, we have the scientific evidence and the technological solutions to achieve clean indoor air. What we need now is the collective will to implement them – working together across government, industry and academia. Our report sheds light on the policy pathways we can take to create indoor air quality standards.
I take great pleasure in welcoming the 13 leading Pacific researchers and innovators who have been elected as new Fellows of the Pacific Academy of Sciences, marking a significant milestone for the Pacific Academy’s one-year anniversary.
This week, the Academy will host the final instalment of this year’s Public Speaker Series, where panellists will discuss the role of AI in science and research and what this means for society. I hope you will register to join us either in person at the Shine Dome, or online, for the discussion.
The Public Speaker Series has been a calendar highlight this year. From pest-detecting drones used in farming to AI-powered bots that scam the scammers, our attendees have embraced this new knowledge about how AI is changing the way we live and work.
Thank you to all the attendees, speakers, our host Lish Fejer, and convenors Professor Bob Graham AO FAA FAHMS and Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb AC FAA FTSE.
In this edition of the newsletter, you can find the Academy's year in review. This year, we have continued to inform science policy in Australia by mapping our scientific landscape, leading discussions on key science topics, and engaging with people from all levels of government.
Next year, we are looking forward to welcoming you back to our annual celebration Science at the Shine Dome, which will take place from 15 to 17 September 2026. Please save the date!
Finally, the 2025 Fellows’ summer reading and listening list is now available. Find your holiday entertainment with recommendations from some of Australia's top scientists.
Thank you for your interest in and support of the Academy’s activities this year. We look forward to seeing you again in 2026.
I wish you all a wonderful holiday season.
Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC PresAA FRS FREng FTSE
President, Australian Academy of Science
© 2025 Australian Academy of Science
