Science 'mapping' reference group announced

The Minister for Education, Science and Training Dr Brendan Nelson has announced the the membership of the Reference Group charged with overseeing the mapping of Australia's science and innovation activities across the public and private sectors.

The 17 members have been drawn from across industry and science and include some of Australia's research and innovation leaders.

The complex mapping exercise will identify key strengths and weaknesses "“ highlighting those areas in Australia's science and innovation landscape that should be maintained and developed as well as noting any gaps which need to be addressed.

The Reference Group, to be chaired by the Chief Scientist, Dr Robin Batterham, will play an important advisory role on the mapping's scope and methodology and will be responsible for guiding the development of the draft and final reports.

The mapping exercise will cover key elements of the innovation process including:

• Australia's ability to generate ideas and undertake science and related research and development;
• the commercial application and utilisation of research and the frameworks which support it; and
• the development and retention of relevant skills for science, innovation and enterprise.

The Reference Group is expected to meet formally at least three times with a view to completing a report by the end of this year.

A full list of the group members can be found at The Department of Education, Science and Training