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EXPERT REACTION: National conversation to reset Australia's science vision

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Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic is encouraging all Australians to get involved in a national conversation to guide the direction of Australia’s science priorities. The discussion aims to help identify priority areas that will deliver social, economic and environmental benefits for Australia. Below, Australia's leading science organisations respond.

Organisation/s: Australian Science Media Centre

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Media release

From: Australian Government - Dept of Industry, Science and Resources

NATIONAL CONVERSATION TO RESET OUR SCIENCE VISION

A national conversation to guide the direction of Australia’s science priorities was launched at Burwood Girls High School in Sydney today.

Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic is encouraging all Australians to get involved in the discussion, to help identify priority areas that will deliver social, economic and environmental benefits for Australia.

“With our scientific knowledge constantly evolving and improving, a science system geared to our future is essential for our national prosperity and the well-being of the Australian people,” Minister Husic said.

“We want to hear the views of a wide range of Australians on the issues they are facing that require a solution drawing on the breadth of our science and research communities.”

Minister Husic has appointed Australia’s Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley to lead the revitalisation of Australia’s science priorities.

“A discussion paper to guide the conversation has now been released, and Dr Foley is perfectly placed to engage people from across Australia over the coming months,” Minister Husic said.

“Investing in science is investing in our future. Engaging with Australians is key to refreshing Australia’s National Science and Research Priorities and our National Science Statement.”

Dr Foley said she wanted to see input from as wide a cross-section of the community as possible, including the research and business communities, people at the cutting edge of innovation and commercialisation and Indigenous Australians.

“This is about coming up with a set of priorities that will guide science and research in the years to come, ensuring we are all pulling in the same direction.

“We want to ensure we can tackle the big challenges – and that means supporting a strong and energetic research sector and a real sense of collective focus.”

An online portal will allow Australians to submit their views. Dr Foley will also conduct a series of roundtables with a broad cross section of the Australian community.

The first phase of engagement closes on 31 March 2023, with more opportunities becoming available in the months ahead.

Expert Reaction

These comments have been collated by the Science Media Centre to provide a variety of expert perspectives on this issue. Feel free to use these quotes in your stories. Views expressed are the personal opinions of the experts named. They do not represent the views of the SMC or any other organisation unless specifically stated.

Kylie Walker is CEO of the Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) looks forward to joining the national conversation on science and research priorities. We agree there’s a need to refresh the priorities, to define and develop Australian research strengths in crucial areas for our resilient future - such as low-emissions technologies and modern manufacturing. 

Australia’s facing complex challenges now, and in the future – and it’s vital that we understand our nation’s opportunities and strengths, and focus STEM research and translation to best build resilience, meet these challenges, and take advantage of the opportunities they present. 

Australia’s research impact is bigger than our population size might suggest: this strength is dependent on our international collaborations. Our national priorities must recognise these connections, and be established alongside global issues including the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Simultaneously, we must recognise and foster collaborative research within Australia, including respectful partnership with Traditional Knowledge systems.

ATSE also strongly supports the inclusion of fundamental research in the National Conversation Starter. Curiosity-driven research is crucial to Australia’s wellbeing and wealth – and innovation is not possible without it. As a strong advocate of research translation and application, ATSE recognises that a well-supported fundamental research sector lays the groundwork for future industries and national capacity and capability.

Last updated: 22 Feb 2023 2:23pm
Declared conflicts of interest:
None declared.
Dr Tom Carruthers is co-president of the Australian Science Communicators (ASC), the national body that represents those who research, practice and have an interest in the communication of science

In calling for a discussion on Australia’s challenges, opportunities and strengths, Minister Husic is engaging in one of the principles of good science communication: creating two-way dialog and involving us in the community as active participants in scientific pursuit.

It is the right time for the national priorities to be readdressed, and an exciting opportunity for us as a community to consider what areas we want to see Australia lead the world in. All Australians should feel empowered to engage in this process.

But whichever ideas or problems we collectively decide should make the list, it is vital for quality communication to be embedded as core to the whole of scientific endeavour, not just as a ‘nice to have’ at the end of the process.

Our science priorities need to recognise evidence-based communication as an essential part of the process. It saves lives. It’s what tells us how to best share crucial public health information that is clear and accurate. It builds social licence for progress, helps us make better decisions and it inspires us to envision a better future. But the evidence-base can only exist through a strong social science sector and appropriate acknowledgement of the critical role of science communication academics and practitioners.

Last updated: 22 Feb 2023 2:22pm
Declared conflicts of interest:
None declared.
Professor Steve Wesselingh is President of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences

We welcome the government’s commitment to setting priorities as part of a strategic approach to investing in research and innovation. Identifying science and research priorities will help to ensure that as a nation we can harness the benefits of these endeavours for economic growth, productivity, job creation and benefits to society, including to health and wellbeing

Last updated: 22 Feb 2023 2:21pm
Declared conflicts of interest:
None declared.

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