National conversation to reset Australia's science vision

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 — a conversation that was officially launched at an event yesterday at Burwood Girls High School in Sydney.

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

With a discussion paper to guide the conversation having now been released, Husic is asking all Australians to help identify priority areas that will deliver social, economic and environmental benefits for our country.

“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,” 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.”

Husic has appointed Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, to lead the revitalisation of Australia’s science priorities, saying she is “perfectly placed to engage people from across Australia over the coming months”. Indeed, Foley said she wants 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 in the years to come, ensuring we are all pulling in the same direction,” Foley said.

“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.”

Industry representatives have reacted positively to the news of a refreshed science vision. Kylie Walker, CEO of the Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering (ATSE), said her organisation looks forward to joining the national conversation and agrees with the 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”. At the same time, ATSE also strongly supports the inclusion of fundamental research in the National Conversation Starter.

Walker said it was vital that we understand our nation’s opportunities and strengths, including the importance of our international collaborations. She said, “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.”

Dr Tom Carruthers, Co-President of the Australian Science Communicators (ASC), said Husic was “engaging in one of the principles of good science communication” by creating two-way dialogue and involving 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,” Carruthers said.

“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.”

Professor Steve Wesselingh, President of the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences, concluded, “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.”

An online portal is now open to allow Australians to submit their views; 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. For more information and to have your say, visit https://consult.industry.gov.au/sciencepriorities1.

Image credit: iStock.com/Charday Penn