Review of Australia’s National Science and Research Priorities Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic, made the announcement to ensure they were “fit for purpose.”

Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, will lead the 12-month review, which will also update the 2017 National Statement of Science. Dr. Foley will be supported by a task force of the Department of Commerce, Industry, Science and Resources, and public consultations will begin soon.

According to the terms of the commission, the review aims to “identify opportunities across science, technology, innovation, and commercialization systems so that efforts and investments can be better aligned.”

Science and research priorities should also follow other ongoing priorities of the Albanian government, such as the National Recovery Fund.

Husic said the current priorities and country statements are outdated. He said they need to be updated to promote sustainable economic and social prosperity.

“The Albanian government has put science back into government. We are focused on evidence-based policy and for that we need a fit-for-purpose scientific framework,” said Minister Fusic.

“Now is the time to revitalize the National Science Research Priorities and the National Science Statement to ensure they reflect contemporary society and provide a vision for Australia’s science system.

“Current priorities do not address indigenous knowledge, do not adequately recognize climate change, and do not adequately engage with emerging and critical technologies that are essential to the prosperity of nations and our well-being. Hmm.”

The government has already proposed three new priorities.

• Support stronger action on climate change, including investing in renewable energy, reducing emissions and transitioning to a net-zero world
• Elevate and invest in First Nations perspectives on science, technology and innovation
• Harness the potential of emerging technologies and scientific research to pursue not only economic growth but also improved welfare in Australia

Researchers applying for grants through the Australian Research Council Program are asked to identify the scientific and research priorities that the project aligns with. However, in his two recent programs, a significant number of researchers have left this unspecified.

The priorities were announced in 2015 and aim to focus government investment in science and research that increases productivity, achieves sustainable economic growth, creates jobs and improves the welfare of its citizens.

The nine priorities today are food, soil and water, transport, cybersecurity, energy, resources, advanced manufacturing, environmental change, and health.

Meanwhile, the National Science Statement sets a long-term vision for the government’s role in supporting science and research in Australia. The four new priorities proposed by the government are:

• Strengthening local and international partnerships to pursue common goals – providing national and international collaborations that reflect shared priorities
• The role of open access and data sharing
• National Science Engagement Strategy
• The Importance of Scientific Advice for Decision-Making

Tuesday’s announcement adds to a range of reviews initiated since the Albanian government joined parliament.

In August, Husic announced the review of Australia’s Key Technologies List, less than a year after the Coalition first produced it. Other ongoing reviews include government programs to advance women in STEM, Australian Research Council reviews, and grants committed through her Modern Manufacturing Initiative, which ended in August. will be

Husic will also release a performance review of the Growth Center, which has been in the coalition government since 2020.

do you know more? Please contact James Riley by email.