The Australian Government has initiated a review looking at ways to achieve excellence in Australian schools. The review will examine and report on how Australian schools could use additional funding to improve student performance.
Australia has remained one of the leading countries in terms of public investment in education—at the same time as students’ average performance in science and mathematics has declined in relative terms.
The Academy recently hosted a Primary Connections showcase professional learning workshop at Queensland University of Technology (QUT). This was the first workshop of its type, with key stakeholders in STEM education observing part of the workshop and engaging with the 30 primary school educators in attendance.
Primary Connections is an innovative approach to teaching and learning which enhances primary school teachers’ confidence and competence for teaching science. It develops students’ knowledge, understanding and skills in both science and literacy.
The Academy has awarded more than $200,000 to a number of high-quality research projects and conferences, generously supported by donations to the Academy. In 2018 these will, among other things, fund cutting-edge Australian marine, soil and plant biology research and help the survival of some of Australia’s endangered species.
In addition to the Academy’s opportunities for scientists, there are many opportunities to nominate for prizes and awards managed by other organisations. The following are currently open.
See our full calendar of external awards and prizes
The Royal Society AwardsThe Royal Society has a broad range of medals that recognise and celebrate excellence in science.
Emeritus Professor David Boger FAA FRS FTSE—Distinguished Alumni Award, University of Illinois College of Liberal Arts and Science
Professor David Gardner FAA—2017 American Society for Reproductive Medicine Distinguished Researcher Award
A collection of videotaped biographical interviews with more than 130 important figures in clinical medicine and science from the United Kingdom and Australia—including several Academy Fellows—is now available online.
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