The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has announced plans to refresh Australia’s Science and Research Priorities as well as the country’s National Science Statement.
According to the Department, Australia’s Science and Research Priorities were last updated in 2015, while the National Science Statement was published in 2017.
To be led by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, revitalising Australia’s science Priorities and Statement will help develop a national policy framework that will embed science into Government decision-making which will align efforts and investments in science better and therefore deliver more and better social, economic and environmental benefits for all Australians.
The Department said Dr Foley would also lead a national conversation to develop the refreshed Priorities and Statement.
It said she would be supported by a taskforce in the Department and will include extensive consultation with science, research and industry stakeholders.
“We will also run a public consultation process to ensure that all Australians have an opportunity to contribute,” the Department said.
“We will provide more information about the consultation process soon.”
Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic welcomed the renewals saying they would establish a unified sense of purpose for Australia’s science and research communities to address their most pressing national challenges.
Mr Husic said States, Territories and international partners would be engaged.
“The Government wants Australians from all walks of life to have an opportunity to contribute to this vital conversation,” Mr Husic said.
He said the revitalised Priorities and Statement would take into account other Government initiatives, such as the National Reconstruction Fund, and reflect Australia’s strategic interests and comparative advantages.
“This work will also complement related reviews and initiatives, such as the review of women in STEM programs, strategies to support the quantum and robotics sectors, the review of the Australian Research Council and the development of a Universities Accord,” he said.
“The current priorities do not mention First Nations knowledge, do not properly acknowledge climate change and fail to adequately engage with emerging critical technologies, which are essential for national prosperity and our wellbeing.”
Mr Husic said the framework incorporating the revitalised National Science and Research Priorities will be finalised within 12 months.
The Terms of Reference for Revitalising Australia’s Science Priorities can be accessed at this PS News link.
