STEM education & jobs

Our commitment to strengthening Australia’s research workforce starts by empowering school educators and continues by promoting equity and diversity and supporting early-career researchers.

Our focus

The Academy empowers educators, promotes equity and diversity, and supports the research workforce across all career stages, including fostering stronger industry connections.

Our programs help teachers deliver transformative STEM education that equips young people with critical skills. We champion equity, diversity and inclusion in STEM, demonstrating sector leadership in diversity initiatives and Indigenous reconciliation. The Academy’s Early- and Mid-Career Researcher Forum provides a platform for emerging scientific leaders to develop their skills and have their voices heard.

Related submissions

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State or Territory Government

Submission – Queensland's Science and Innovation Strategy

The Academy recommends that Queensland’s Science and Innovation Strategy prioritises fundamental research, workforce development, First Nations knowledge, and mission-driven collaboration to enhance long-term innovation, resilience and global competitiveness.

Published on 01 April 2026

Parliamentary Committee inquiry

Submission – Inquiry into Funding and Resourcing for the CSIRO

Declining R&D investment places CSIRO and key research infrastructure at risk. Australia needs sustained, evidence-based funding to support national capability and interests.

Published on 04 February 2026

Parliamentary Committee inquiry

Submission – Inquiry into the Value of Skilled Migration to Australia

The Academy urges aligning migration with priority science areas and expanding talent‑attraction programs to secure global research leaders.

Published on 08 January 2026

Commonwealth Government

Submission—Jobs and Skills Australia’s Generative Artificial Intelligence Capacity Study

On 22 May 2025, the Academy made a submission to Jobs and Skills Australia’s Generative Artificial Intelligence Capacity Study.

Published on 22 May 2025

Commonwealth Government

Submission—Strategic Examination of Research and Development

On 16 April 2025, the Academy made a submission to the Australian Government’s Strategic Examination of Research and Development (R&D).

Published on 16 April 2025

Related publications

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Australian perspectives of early- and mid-career researchers: 2025 survey report

A survey conducted by the EMCR Forum finds that early- and mid-career researchers are experiencing widespread career uncertainty, barriers to participation and increased risks of mobility and attrition.

Published on 26 May 2026

Australian perspectives of early- and mid-career researchers: 2025 survey report cover

Australian science, Australia's future: Science 2035

An investigation into Australia's future science capability needs reveals eight key areas with projected gaps.

Published on 04 September 2025

Australian science, Australia's future: Science 2035. Where do we want to be?

Astronomy decadal plan 2026–2035

A strategic review and vision for Australian astronomy for the decade 2026–2035.

Published on 09 July 2025

Bioscience 2030: educating Australia’s future bioscientists

Opportunities, challenges and essential skills for bioscience education in the next decade.

Published on 08 December 2023

Empowering EMCRs to lead the future of the science of nutrition: Summary report

At a 2023 Theo Murphy-funded symposium, early- and mid-career researchers reviewed the progress of Nourishing Australia, the National Committee for Nutrition’s decadal plan.

Published on 14 November 2023

Summary report: 2023 Theo Murphy symposium ‘Empowering EMCRs to Lead the Future of the Science of Nutrition’

Related news

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Five kids sitting inside in a circle engrossed in an activity with bright coloured counters

Launch, inquire, act: A framework for teaching and learning science

The 'Launch, inquire, act' (LIA) framework is an updated approach for teaching science and STEM that grounds science firmly in everyday life.

10 August 2026

Message from the President: June 2026

The Academy has launched its biggest campaign in our 72-year history. Join our effort to Restore Science.

16 June 2026

Four people smiling, wearing conference lanyards and holding drinks

UNSW Sydney supports the next generation of science leaders

UNSW Sydney brings rising researchers to Australia's premier science gathering – where conversations shape the nation, and careers.

15 June 2026

Two scientists at a microscope in a dimly lit lab with the overlaid text 'Back Australia's ability'

Australians back scientists as new national campaign calls for urgent action to stop the brain drain

The Academy's new 'Restore Science' campaign calls for urgent action to restore investment in Australian science, as declining funding risks weakening national capability, driving talent overseas and eroding global competitiveness.

09 June 2026

Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) 2026 grant funding recipients announced

The Australian Academy of Science congratulates the grant recipients of the Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) grant funding for the 2026 round.

15 December 2025

Related projects

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Current

Science Connections

Science Connections is the Academy’s new secondary science education program for Years 7 to 10.

Current

Primary Connections

Primary Connections is the Academy’s flagship primary science program to enhance teachers’ confidence and capability for teaching science.

Current

Academy Education

Australian Academy of Science Education delivers evidence-based education programs to support effective science and mathematics teaching and learning in Australian schools.

Current

reSolve Maths

reSolve is the Academy's mathematics education program, providing innovative curriculum-aligned teaching resources and professional learning for teachers.

Current

Restore Science

The Academy of Science has launched the Restore Science campaign, built on new independent research into Australian public attitudes to science.