Facing up to the task

Following months of consultation with top researchers across a wide range of disciplines, Australia’s Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb has launched a proposal for a long-term strategy for Australian science at Parliament House in Canberra. Professor Chubb’s recommendations were presented as part of a national symposium looking at what the community and economy need from Australian science. In launching the proposal, Professor Chubb made the following comments published in a media release on 3 September.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Australia’s Future outlines what we need to do to build a stronger, more competitive Australia. Science is infrastructure and it is critical to our future. We must align our scientific effort to the national interest; focus on areas of particular importance or need; and do it on a scale that will make a difference to Australia and a changing world.

In this report I have outlined how to develop better capacity and capability through strategic investment, good planning and long-term commitment.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Australia’s Future focuses on:

  • Building competitiveness
  • Supporting high quality education and training
  • Maximising research potential
  • Strengthening international engagement

We are the only OECD country without a science or technology strategy. Other countries have realised that such an approach is essential to remaining competitive in a world reliant on science and science-trained people. I have drawn on the views of our science community and Australian business in framing this set of recommendations. I look forward to continuing working with government in securing a better future for Australia.

Professor Ian Chubb is Australia’s Chief Scientist. Download a copy of his report Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics: Australia’s Future

Watch a video of the Smart Science Symposium held at Parliament House on Tuesday 2 September.