The Australian Academy of Science

The Parliamentary Friends of Science was established 12 years ago by Science & Technology Australia with the support of The Australian Academy of Science, and has been co-chaired by The Hon Karen Andrews MP and the Hon Richard Marles MP. With Ms Andrews retiring from politics at the next federal election, our Chief Executive, Anna-Maria Arabia, paid tribute to Ms Andrews' legacy, service to science and service to the nation, her leadership, integrity and unwavering commitment to advancing women and girls in STEM. “Thank you for your support for science, for the Parliamentary Friends of Science group, your support for women, your support of Science and Technology, Australia, the Australian Academy of Science, your personal support of me and the integrity with which you have discharged your duties. You are a role model for many, you leave big shoes to fill, and this parliament will be poorer for your absence.” 📷 The Hon Karen Andrews MP (centre) with all who have been CEO of Science and Technology, Australia. (L-R) Catriona Jackson (2013–2016), Misha Schubert (2020–2024), Kylie Walker (2016–2019), Anna-Maria Arabia (2009–2012), Ryan Winn (current CEO), Dr Cathy Foley AO FAA FTSE (2009 to 2011).

Leading scientists are calling for the creation of a national agency to coordinate climate science in Australia, saying the current lack of unified leadership is hampering progress, and that scattered programs are failing to provide cohesive answers. The proposed Australian Institute for Earth System Science would offer strategic oversight and implementation, as outlined in the Decadal Plan for Earth System Science 2024–2033 (released today), which highlights ambitious research needed to understand and mitigate climate impacts. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/gAN6CSh9 #EarthSystemSciences

New climate challenges require a new approach. Join us on Monday, 25 November, for a free online event that will highlight how better coordination of Earth system science is key to addressing Australia’s environmental and economic challenges. We’ll explore a new Decadal Plan’s 14 recommendations, beginning with the urgent establishment of an Australian Institute for Earth System Science. 📆 Monday, 25 November 2024 ⏰ 12pm – 12:45 pm AEDT 📍 Online (Zoom webinar) 💲 Free 🔗 Register: https://lnkd.in/gM6e__bQ #EarthSciences

Where science meets law. Seats are limited for our next #SciLaw symposium, this time discussing the evolution of how evidence is dealt with in the courts. Chaired by The Hon Chief Justice Lucy McCallum FAAL, speakers include Former Chief Scientist of Australia, Professor Ian Chubb, and expert evidence specialist, Dr Ian Freckelton. Two Professors from Denmark, Michael Toft Overgaard and Mette Nyegaard, will join us to share their role in the scientific inquiry that led to Kathleen Folbigg's exoneration. 🧑💼 Perfect for professionals working at the intersection of science and law. 📍 Attend in person at the Shine Dome, Canberra, or via livestream. 🎟️ $20–GA, $10–students, Free–Academy Fellows and livestream viewers free. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/gfEWS2Hk #SciLaw Co-hosted by the Australian Academy of Law

Earlier this month, the Academy made a joint submission with the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology to the Opportunities in the Circular Economy inquiry. Learn more https://lnkd.in/gKik7eEC There are scientific opportunities in the circular economy that will drive Australia’s circular economy and sustainable industry transition. Synthetic biology—the application of engineering principles to biology—can be used to redesign biological systems for environmental problem-solving. The submission identifies the following opportunities to scale up the adoption of circular economy principles: Establish a national framework to standardise ‘waste’ definitions and incentivise waste as a resource. Deepen collaboration between government, academia and industry to define research missions and drive circular and bioeconomy growth. Invest in advanced recycling infrastructure and localised waste management systems to enhance waste recovery and create skilled local jobs. This video, featuring Prof Veena Sahajwalla FAA FTSE, explains the straightforward yet highly effective process of a circular economy.

Join us to deep dive into Australia’s defence export controls. Understand key aspects of the AUKUS license free environment, new permit types and how to maintain compliance with the Defence Trade Controls Act. Register now: https://lnkd.in/gNxVSr8h

We welcome the announcement today by Minister for Health and Aged Care Mark Butler of Genomics Australia, a national body to provide leadership, coordination and expertise so all Australians can reap the benefits of cutting-edge genomic research and technologies. The announcement said one of Genomics Australia's first priorities will be to improve access to personalised cancer care. The Blood Cancer Research Roadmap—released earlier this week with a goal of zero preventable deaths by 2035—listed personalised medicine as one of three missions, calling for the integration of advanced genomics into models of care. View the roadmap: https://lnkd.in/gJfN3Y22 Government announcement: https://lnkd.in/gCr9cV9m Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care #genomics

Curious about your microbiome—the trillions of microorganisms living in your body? Prof Gene Tyson FAA has pioneered new diagnostic tests to reveal their role in your health. He’s also developed methods to study microorganisms that can't be grown in the lab—allowing many to be studied for the first time. QUT (Queensland University of Technology) #FellowFriday

Join this free, live streamed forum today on the real, pressing dangers to democratic systems of government, hosted by Royal Society of NSW and Australia's Learned Academies: https://lnkd.in/e28Nxupy

Trust in politics has always been important, but it has taken on added significance in recent years as major events have been characterised by low trust and increasing cynicism and scepticism about politics and politicians. Yet despite so much talk about the crisis of trust in democracy, there has been no sustained research that directly engages with the perspectives and experiences of politicians. In this talk, James Weinberg PhD will tackle this important gap by asking not only whether the public trusts in politicians, but also whether politicians accurately perceive the trust placed in them, and how much our current age of distrust impacts politicians on a personal level. Ariadne Vromen will then dig deeper into what this could mean for Australian politicians in the face of an upcoming election. Join us in person or online for this interesting and free seminar at Parliament House Theatre. 🗓️ Wednesday 13 November 2024, 11:00 am - 12:00 pm (AEDT) 📍 Parliament House Theatre, Parliament House and live streamed Register now - https://shorturl.at/uFako