Australian Academy of Science President Gives an Update, Meets With PM. (September 19, 2011)

The September 2011 issue of the Australian Academy of Science Newsletter has published an update of those matters its president, Professor Suzanne Cory, deems of particular current consequence. Excerpts are reprinted below.

Australian science has been in the spotlight recently and several Australian scientists have received significant recognition and respect during the last quarter. Academy Fellows have once again garnered a number of important awards, and are recognised later in this newsletter. And, if it’s any measure of the public mind, a recent Reader’s Digest survey listed seven renowned Australian science professionals – including two Fellows and a Corresponding Fellow in the top 10 most trusted Australians.
 

Recently I met with the Prime Minister and received a warm reception. I praised her government’s decision to not cut the budget for health and medical research, and strongly advocated for increased investment in science and science education, emphasising the critical role of science and technology for the future prosperity of this nation. I also assured her of the Academy’s ongoing commitment to providing government with expert independent scientific advice relevant to public policy development.
 

The new Australian Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, is proving to be a strong champion for science. In meetings with me and senior members of the Secretariat, Professor Chubb has indicated he is keen to maintain a positive working relationship with the Academy.
 

However, the ‘sphere of influence’ of science is not as extensive as we would wish. This has been clearly demonstrated with the recent destruction by Greenpeace of a CSIRO trial of genetically modified crops and threats of violence directed against climate change scientists. At the same time there is a declining government commitment to science education and international science linkages. Rumours of cuts to ABC science programs are of great concern. This apparent disconnect in our society, with a high regard for science seen in some contexts and disregard or dismissal in others, is troubling.
 

The Academy has endorsed the new campaign by Science & Technology Australia (formerly the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies), which advocates for science in public policy and politics. The ‘Respect the Science’ campaign has earned widespread recognition and has quickly become a much-uttered catchcry. Scientists have the right and duty – free of fear or favour – to argue a case based on evidence, because only public discourse and experimental challenge can advance understanding.
 

The Academy continues to ensure that science and knowledge underpin public policy. Recently two important submissions were made to Government reviews and inquiries. The 2011 Strategic Roadmap for Australian Research Infrastructure provides recommendations regarding Australia’s future research infrastructure investments. The Academy’s response to the Inquiry into Australia’s biodiversity in a changing climate calls for the development of practical ways to mitigate the effects of climate change on biodiversity.
 

The Academy’s excellent initiatives in the education sphere continue. Primary Connections has produced a new DVD resource, launched in Canberra by Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb, as well as releasing its first unit fully aligned to the new national curriculum. After 18 months in development and testing, Science by Doing’s junior secondary science resources are also now available for sale from the Academy website.