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Science excellence recognised in Academy awards

The Australian Academy of Science today announced the winners of some of Australia’s most prestigious science awards.

These include three new awards celebrating the careers of eminent biologists Sir Gus Nossal and Professor Jacques Miller, and engineer Professor John Booker which recognise the achievements of early- and mid-career researchers.

The winners of these new awards have undertaken pioneering research developing treatments for malaria, devising new drugs to treat obesity and making cheaper and more efficient solar cells.

Science forum calls for new gender equity trial

The Australian research sector has today been challenged to trial a gender equity program to address female under-representation and retention in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The Science in Gender Equity (SAGE) Forum, an initiative led by the Australian Academy of Science, has called for engagement from universities, medical research institutions and research agencies to ‘beta test’ a successful program that was originally developed in the UK.

Academy welcomes reinstatement of Science to the Australian Cabinet

The Australian Academy of Science today welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement that Ian Macfarlane is now the Minister for Industry and Science.

Academy President Professor Andrew Holmes said he hopes the move will be more than simply a change in title.

“Having a Minister identifiably responsible for science is a very significant forward step for this Government we very much hope that this signifies that the Government is placing greater value on the importance of science and technology to all Australians,” Professor Holmes said.

Academy warns of climate risks to Australia

The Australian Academy of Science today released its latest update on the state of climate science, warning of the consequences for Australia if no action is taken to address human-induced climate change.

The science of climate change: Questions and Answers aims to counter confusion and misinformation on this important scientific topic. It examines nine key questions, including what the science says about options to address climate change.

Open letter to the Prime Minister of Australia: Australia's national public research infrastructure preparing for shutdown

Dear Prime Minister,

We, the undersigned members of the National Research Alliance are writing to alert you to the damage being caused to significant public infrastructure by the continued uncertainty over operational funding for the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS).

Academy welcomes research infrastructure funding decision

The Australian Academy of Science today welcomed the Government’s decision to guarantee a further 12 months of funding to Australia’s major national research facilities.

This funding for 2015-16 will allow the continued operation of 27 facilities established under the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) that support fundamental and applied research in everything from astronomy to deep-ocean measurement to medical research.

Science – a major contributor to the economy (Joint Media Release)

A report released today has found that advanced physical and mathematical sciences make a direct contribution to the Australian economy of around $145 billion a year, or about 11 per cent of GDP.

When the flow-on impacts of these sciences are included, the economic benefit expands to about $292 billion a year, or 22 per cent of the nation’s economic activity.

The report was commissioned by the Office of the Chief Scientist and the Australian Academy of Science and produced by the Centre for International Economics (CIE).

Tighter stem-cell therapy regulation needed to protect Australian patients

The Australian Academy of Science has called for the closure of a loophole that is allowing some doctors to offer unproven, costly and potentially dangerous stem-cell therapies, in a submission to the Government regulator.

Development of National Science Strategy a positive step forward

The Government’s announcement that it will develop a National Science Strategy is a major step forward for Australian science. Following the second meeting of the Commonwealth Science Council, the Industry and Science Minister Ian Macfarlane has said the Government will pursue a national science strategy, including setting research priority areas, following further consultation with the science sector and industry.

Academy calls for a national conversation about Australia’s future

The Australian Academy of Science will today launch the final publication from its Australia 2050 project that aims to get Australians talking about our long-term economic, social and environmental future.

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