Two brand new career awards will form part of the Academy’s 2021 award round, honouring two of Australia’s pioneering women scientists.

Above: Professor Laura Mackay was awarded the 2019 Gottschalk Medal by the Academy and later in the year a Prime Minister’s science prize.

It’s been a very difficult six or so months for Australians, with many parts of the country—including millions of people—experiencing ongoing drought as well as extreme heat, bushfires, air pollution, floods and storms. I extend the thoughts and kind wishes of the Fellows and staff of the Academy to all those affected, both directly and indirectly, by what we have experienced and are still experiencing.

Academy Chief Executive Anna-Maria Arabia (far left) attended a roundtable of peak bodies and government ministers in January.

The Academy is actively responding to this season’s bushfires through its Fellows and its capabilities in policy and communications.

Dr Michael-Shawn Fletcher and Mr Frank Loban are the recipients of the Australian Academy of Science Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Scientist Travelling Research Award for 2020.

Regional researchers got together in Armidale NSW to build their professional skills. The conference was a Theo Murphy Initiative event and was supported by the University of New England.

Early- and mid-career researchers (EMCRs) working in regional areas were recently provided with a valuable opportunity for professional development and networking at the Academy’s Empowering Regional Research conference.

The biographical memoir of entomologist Max Day features in the latest edition of Historical Records of Australian Science. 

Contributed by the journal’s Editors, Dr Sara Maroske and Professor Ian Rae

Honours and awards to Fellows Australia Day 2020 Honours

Professor Anthony Thomas AC FAA— Companion of the Order of Australia (AC) for eminent service to scientific education and research, particularly in the field of nuclear and particle physics, through academic leadership roles

Dr Brian Walker AO FAA FTSE— Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to science, particularly to ecosystem ecology and research, and to professional scientific bodies

It’s impossible not to meet new people at Science at the Shine Dome. Register now for Science at the Shine Dome, 26–28 May

One of Australia’s most exciting events on the scientific calendar will take place on 26–28 May when the Academy holds its annual three-day convergence.

Professor Veena Sahajwalla. Credit: Anna Kucera, UNSW Sydney

Australians must start treating waste as a resource rather than a problem, says recycling science expert Professor Veena Sahajwalla.

© 2025 Australian Academy of Science

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