Election policy 2016: science priorities for Australian innovation

The Academy calls on Australia’s next government to put science and innovation at the heart of economic and social policy.
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Australia’s future economic prosperity and social wellbeing depend above all else on improvements in performance in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

This statement outlines three priorities, accompanied by 16 recommendations, to put science and technology at the heart of social and economic policy.

Priorities

  1. Priority one: A society with the understanding and skills to use and apply STEM in their lives and careers through world-class science and mathematics education for every student in every school and every tertiary institution.
  2. Priority two: The most intellectually and experimentally able scientists solving Australia’s current and future challenges by dismantling systemic barriers that prevent many women and diverse groups from achieving their full potential in STEM.
  3. Priority three: A strong, secure and globally connected research and innovation capability.