The impact of food and water shortages, the spread of diseases like dengue fever and greater risks to mental health are just some of the problems being discussed by leading researchers in Brisbane this week.

World experts and 60 young researchers are coming together to look at the risks, solutions and opportunities that will matter for population health in a changing climate.

The Australian Academy of Science strongly supports a proposal for a long-term strategy for Australian science released today by the Chief Scientist.

“Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Australia’s Future” looks at how to support science to meet the needs and goals of Australian society and its economy.

Academy President Professor Andrew Holmes said “Australian science has been crucial towards the success of this country. But without a long-term plan guiding scientists, governments and business, there are limits on our potential”.

The Australian Academy of Science supports the National Curriculum review’s endorsement of the present science curriculum and urges the government to show leadership to make science an education priority.

While the Academy acknowledges the issue of curriculum overcrowding, particularly at primary level, Professor Denis Goodrum, the director of the Academy’s secondary school science education program Science by Doing, said science should remain a priority.

The Academy of Science has warned that a draft plan to protect the Great Barrier Reef won’t prevent its decline and fails to address key pressures affecting the Australian icon.

In its submission to the Australian and Queensland governments’ Reef 2050 Long-Term Sustainability Plan, the Academy warns that the draft plan fails to effectively address any of the key pressures on the reef including climate change, poor water quality, coastal development and fishing.