National Science Academies as one National Science Academies as one Driver in Knowledge-Based Driver in Knowledge-Based

DevelopmentsDevelopments

Kurt LambeckKurt LambeckPresident, Australian Academy of SciencePresident, Australian Academy of Science

Buildings of the Academy

Ian Potter House Shine Dome

Australian Academy of Science

• Objective:

To promote, declare and disseminate scientific knowledge, to maintain standards of scientific endeavour and achievements in the natural sciences in Australia; and to recognise outstanding contributions to the advancement of science.

Australian Academy of Science

Promote science through a range of activities in four major program areas:

• recognition of excellence• education and public awareness • science policy • international relations

Australian Academy of Science

• Established in 1954 as an independent body of Australia's leading research scientists.

• There are currently about 420 elected Fellows who are among Australia's top scientists, distinguished in the physical and biological sciences (including mathematics) and their applications (about half < 65 years).

Australian Academy of Science

Contribution in development of national science policies and agenda:

• Establishment of ASTEC • Later known as Science &Technology Council • Later known as Prime Minister’s Science,

Engineering & Innovation Council (PMSEIC)

Australian Academy of Science

Science policy

• Position papers (cloning, hydrogen economy, climate change, etc.)

• Response to government enquiries (Review of Australian Higher Education Discussion paper, the current Innovation Review, Review of Government Research Agencies, etc.)

• Public statements (gene technology and GM plants, climate, environment, energy etc.)

Australian Academy of Science

How to increase effectiveness of an Academy?

• Make use of a country’s Diaspora

• Use discipline-based national committees that are representative of broader S&T community

• Engage with young scientists

• Linking with other comparable bodies

National Committees

• Currently 21 National Committees (physics, medicine, maths, chemistry, etc)

• Discipline reviews underway- space science- earth systems science- physics

Australian Academy of Science

High Flyers Think Tanks

• Preventative health: Science and technology in prevention and early detection of disease (2008)

• Extreme natural hazards (2007)

• Innovative technical solutions for water management in Australia (2006)

National Academies Forum

• NAF is the peak organisation for the four Australian learned academies:

• Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia• Australian Academy of Science• Australian Academy of Technological Sciences

and Engineering • Australian Academy of the Humanities

Australian Academy of Science

These core activities involve:• education at all levels, • raising the level of scientific understanding of the community

at large, • improving career developments and opportunities for our

young researchers, • retaining a highly skilled basic research capability,• improving our participation in international programs and

enhancing bilateral and multilateral links, and• contributing to the setting of national research agendas and

priorities.

ARC Future Fellowships scheme - new

• 200 new fellowships per year for 2009-2013

• For Australian and international mid-career researchers

• Announcement in May 09 for start in second half of 2009

• Up to $140,000 per yr; and up to $50,000 for equipment, travel, relocation costs

PrimaryConnections

linking science with literacy

Linking science and literacy

PrimaryConnections supported by the Australian Government

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Education, The Hon Julia Gillard, launches Schoolyard safari, 24 April 2008

Thank you

www.science.org.au