The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) says the release of Australia’s National Science and Research Priorities provides a transformational vehicle for elevating science as central to tackling Australia’s greatest challenges.
The new priorities, released on August 12, 2024, focus on transitioning to a net zero future, supporting healthy and thriving communities, elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders’ knowledge systems, protecting and restoring Australia’s environment, and building a secure and resilient nation.
Australia’s National Science Statement accompanies the National Science and Research Priorities. The statement outlines science’s place in underpinning national growth and specifies five imperatives shaping the national science system and its role. The statement affirms the importance of scientists, institutions, industry, and a diverse skilled workforce. The National Science Statement also encourages leveraging science to advance Australia’s regional and global interests.
The National Science Statement features commitments that ATSE has long advocated for, including in a national vision of what science can be in Australia. Importantly, the statement focuses on building up the foundational elements of a thriving science, research and development ecosystem through investment in evidence-informed policy, infrastructure, workforce development, teaching, science agencies and global engagement.
“ATSE is pleased to see that the priorities have a strong focus on transitioning to a net zero future, making this a stand-alone priority, with developing a circular economy an integral part of reaching that goal”, said ATSE CEO Kylie Walker. “ATSE also welcomes the creation of a priority for elevating and investing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems. This priority recognises the value of traditional knowledge and its application to emerging technologies, and positions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as leaders.”
Crucially, the National Science and Research Priorities note that they will inform and direct national research policy, driving investment and activity in university and industry research and development.
“The five priorities, spanning climate, environment, traditional knowledge, our communities and our nation, speak eloquently to the key research challenges and opportunities of our time,” adds Walker. “The importance of these priorities underscores the need to lift Australia’s ambition and capability through deeper investment in research and development, to be explored through the imminent Independent Review of Research and Development. ATSE advocates for economic research and development investment to be raised to internationally competitive levels of at least 3% of GDP.”
ATSE says it stands ready to work with the government to guide national policies and investments and help realise the priorities’ transformational potential.
