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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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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.
Parliament House in Canberra

A starting point, not a solution: The 2026–27 Budget for Australian science

The Academy’s analysis of the 2026–27 Budget highlights first steps to reform Australia’s ailing R&D system, but measures won’t shift the dial on years of underinvestment.
Australia Parliament House

Budget signals support for ambitious reform for Australian science

The Academy welcomes 2026–27 Budget measures that back key recommendations of the Strategic Examination of Research and Development.
Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC

Message from the President: April 2026

This newsletter marks my last as Academy President. As my term draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on what makes this Academy matter.
Three large telescope buildings under a starry night sky.

As the world looks up, Australia looks away

The Australian Government’s decision to withdraw from its association with the European Southern Observatory (ESO) is short-sighted and risks long-term damage to the country's astronomy capability.

Related projects

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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.

Aerial Shine Dome May 2015 Credit Adi Chopra
  • Current

Incentivising business investment in R&D

The Australian Academy of Science is calling for an urgent national conversation on R&D investment in Australia.

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.

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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