In September, the Academy continued to call for greater investment in research and development (R&D). Following the figures released in late August by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, which show that national investment in R&D continues its 14-year decline, I published a statement arguing that letting our science base continue to decline puts our future at risk.
Applications are now open to Australian Early- and Mid-Career Researchers (EMCRs) for the Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) 2023–24 grant program.
The Theo Murphy Initiative was established by the Royal Society to further scientific discovery. The fund is administered by the Australian Academy of Science and provides grant funding to support career development opportunities for Australia’s EMCRs in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC PresAA FREng FTSE – Distinguished Fellow, Australia India Institute
Professor Frances Separovic AO FAA – 2024 Rosalba Kampman Distinguished Service Award, Biophysical Society (US)
Professor Michelle Simmons AO FAA FTSE FRS – Boyer Lecture Series, ABC
Dr Simon Poole AO FAA FTSE – Inaugural recipient of the Industry Achievement Award, IEEE Photonics Society
From testing out a cyclotron to sampling hemp cookies, Academy President Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC PresAA FREng FTSE and Chief Executive Anna-Maria Arabia have had an opportunity to engage with the impressive research and innovation Academy Fellows are undertaking across Australia.
The pair have been meeting Fellows on their home turf, so far visiting Hobart, Melbourne, Adelaide and Brisbane.
“It’s been wonderful, and so fascinating, to connect with our Fellows and learn more about their cutting-edge research,” says Professor Jagadish.
UPDATE 1 February 2024: Read about the outcome of the second round of the fund.
Academy Fellow Professor Michelle Simmons AO FAA FTSE FRS has been awarded the 2023 Prime Minister’s Prize for Science for her world-leading research in quantum electronics.
The award recognises her influential contribution to technology that promises to transform many industries—from cryptography to drug design.
The role of science in overturning one of Australia’s biggest miscarriages of justice has featured in a national TV documentary broadcast to more than half a million Australians.
This month I am delighted to share with you the Australian Academy of Science’s contribution to two landmark gatherings.
Just last week in Apia, Samoa, a historic agreement was reached to establish a Pacific academy of sciences and humanities, providing a mechanism to bring together and empower local experts to be part of solutions in their region.
Scientists from 31 countries came together in Kuala Lumpur on 6 October for the International Science Council’s (ISC) Global Knowledge Dialogue, the first held in the Asia-Pacific region.
© 2025 Australian Academy of Science
