An expert in optoelectronic engineering has been announced as the Australian nominee for the 2017 international ASPIRE Prize.

Professor Dayong Jin from the University of Technology Sydney, is one of 16 international nominees in the running for the prestigious US$25,000 Asia–Pacific region science prize, which will be announced in May in Vietnam.

Nuclear fuel pellets.

A symposium of energy experts has called for a national discussion on nuclear options, including mining, power generation and waste storage, to help address Australia's energy security and climate change challenges.

Dr Raghunath Mashelkar (India) and Professor Rüdiger Wehner (Switzerland) have been admitted to the Australian Academy of Science for outstanding scientific contributions to their fields.

Dr Mashelkar, currently President of the Global Research Alliance (GRA) is a highly successful polymer chemist. He has played a critical role in shaping the direction of India’s science and technology policies.

Professor Jim S Williams, Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, The High Commissioner of India Dr AM Gondane, and Academy President Professor Andrew Holmes.

The Academy has just admitted two internationally renowned scientists as Corresponding Members, Dr Raghunath Mashelkar (India) and Professor Rudiger Wehner (Switzerland).

With new gene-editing technologies that override natural selection set to come into use in the next 3-5 years, now is the time for Australia to have a national discussion about the implications of the new technology, according to a new report released today by the Australian Academy of Science.

The technology could wipe out malaria-carrying mosquitos, cane toads or other pests and plant diseases within years, but like any new technology, has potential risks.

The Academy has released a discussion paper on new gene-editing technologies that override natural selection.

‘Gene drive’ technology allows scientists to manipulate the DNA of small plants or animals in a way that forces or ‘drives’ inheritance of particular genetic traits and characteristics to successive generations. The technology could wipe out malaria-carrying mosquitos, cane toads or other pests and plant diseases within years, but like any new technology, has potential risks.

Professor Gerard Milburn, Professor Susanne von Caemmerer and Professor Edward Holmes. Photos: supplied

Three Academy Fellows have been elected to the Royal Society of London. 

Science has largely flown under the radar in a restrained Federal Budget, with no big spending measures and no major cuts apart from previously-announced university funding changes, according to the Australian Academy of Science.

Professor Les Field, Secretary for Science Policy, said it is pleasing to see $26 million to support an astronomy partnership with the European Southern Observatory, ensuring Australia’s involvement in major astronomy initiatives around the world.

Science has largely flown under the radar in a restrained Federal Budget, with no big spending measures and no major cuts apart from previously-announced university funding changes.

An astronomy partnership with the European Southern Observatory will recieve support of $26 million, ensuring Australia’s involvement in major astronomy initiatives around the world. Funding for advanced manufacturing will come under the CRC program, and the first real investments will start to flow from the Medical Research Future Fund.

The Academy also welcomes:

© 2025 Australian Academy of Science

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