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AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH LANDSCAPE

AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH AND INNOVATION LANDSCAPE

In August 2024, the Australian Government released its National Science Statement, which aims to provides a framework to shape science policy and leadership across governments, in labs, in research institutions and in boardrooms, to 2034. It is supported by a set of revitalised National Science and Research Priorities. These emphasise the science and research collaborations Australia will need to solve its greatest challenges. It aims to place science at the forefront of Australia’s industrial transformation and the government’s efforts towards a Future Made in Australia.

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To this end, it outlines 5 imperatives which aspire to shape the national science system and national science policy, and their influence on Australia’s transformation, over the next 10 years. These are collective imperatives, engaging not just governments, but civil society, academia, industry and international partners. They are:

  1. Australian scientists, science institutions, and infrastructure shaping Australia’s science future 

  2. Science at the centre of Australian industry

  3. A diverse, skilled workforce to underpin the translation of science into new industries

  4. Embracing science to drive Australia’s regional and global interests

  5. A science system prepared for future challenges.

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The 5 priorities, which are designed to be challenge-based, overlapping, and to cut across discipline, sector and knowledge system boundaries, are:

  1. transitioning to a net zero future

  2. supporting healthy and thriving communities

  3. elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems

  4. protecting and restoring Australia’s environment

  5. building a secure and resilient nation.

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The Australia​n Government has invest AUD 14.9 billions (0.54% of GDP) in science and research through the Federal Budget 2024-2025 which includes: 

  • $1.7b Future Made in Australia Innovation Fund to support innovative green technologies and $1.5b to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency to supercharge investments in renewable energy

  • $566.1m to Geoscience Australia to map Australia’s resources and critical minerals

  • $523.2m to establish the Battery Breakthrough Initiative

  • $290.5m over five years to continue delivery of the Australian Antarctic Program

  • $95m for the Square Kilometre Array

PRINCIPAL AUSTRALIAN RESEARCH ACTORS

  • The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) is the Australia's flagship science agency and plays an active role in addressing its 6 keys priorities: health and wellbeing, food security and quality, a secure Australia and region, resilient and valuable environments, sustainable energy and resources and future industries. CSIRO Website

  • The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is the national nuclear organization which is at the heart of the Australian nuclear expertise. ANSTO website 

  • Geoscience Australia is the organization which advises the government on all geoscience questions, but is also the custodian of the nation’s geographical and geological data and knowledge. Geoscience Website. Geoscience Australia’s Data Cube offers a new approach to organize and analyze the large quantity of satellite images and earth observation data. Data Cube Website 

  • The Australian Space Agency (ASA) is a governmental organisation created in 2018, which aims to support the Australian space industry. ASA Website

  • The Defence Science and Technology Group brings together interdisciplinary expertise from across Australia and around the world to address Defence and national security challenges. DSTG Website

  • The Australian Institute of Sport which seeks to leads and enables a united and collaborative high performance sport system that supports Australian athletes to achieve international podium success. AIS Website

  • Industry Innovation and Science Australia also provides connective tissue between research and commercialisation. IISA Website

  • Universities: There are 42 universities in Australia (list) and some are grouped in cluster organizations that seek to advance their members’ interests:

    • The Group of Eight (Go8) is the key organisation gathering the 8 most research-intensive universities in Australia: the University of Melbourne, The Australian National University, the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, the University of Western Australia, the University of Adelaide, Monash University, and the University of New South Wales. Go8 Website 

    • The Australian Technology Network (ATN) gathers six universities with a strong emphasis in engineering: Curtin University, Deakin University, RMIT University, University of South Australia, University of Newcastle and University of Technology Sydney. ATN Website 

    • Universities Australia is the organisation representing all Australian universities and supports a sustainable national university system which can be defined by its quality, accessibility, innovation and its high level of performance, positioning Australia as a world leader and respected international partner. Universities Australia Website

    • Other clusters are Innovative Research Universities (IRU) and Regional Universities Network (RUN).

FUNDING AGENCIES

  • The Australian Research Council (ARC) advises the Government on research matters and administers competitive research grants programs covering the entire scientific spectrum. ARC Website

  • The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) administers competitive research grants programs for medical research. NHMRC Website

  • The Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) supports a range of research initiatives to improve the health of Australians. MRFF Website

  • The Industry Growth Centres Initiative is an initiative guided by industry and focused on domains where Australia has a high degree of competitiveness, or a strong strategic priority. Industry Growth Centres Website

  • The Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) program is a competitive, merit-based program, which aims to support partnerships of collaborative research led by industry, as well as gathering partners, researchers and the community. CRC Website

  • The Rural Research and Development Corporations (RDCs) have helped drive agricultural innovation since 1989. They allow Australian government and primary producers to co-invest in research and development (R&D). This benefits industry and regional communities. RuralRDC Website

  • The CSIRO has also specific funding opportunities and programs that can help either SMEs, start-ups or researchers. CSIRO Website

Overview of Australian research and innovation strategy: Service
Overview of Austrlan Research
Principal Australian Research
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