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News & Media > Health of Australian Science Report: decision makers can’t say they haven’t been warned

Health of Australian Science Report: decision makers can’t say they haven’t been warned

Science & Technology Australia welcomes the Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb’s Health of Australian Science Report that outlines the strengths and vulnerabilities in Australia’s science system.

“The comprehensive Health of Australian Science Report provides the evidence needed to drive policy decisions that can shape Australia’s science system strategically so as to meet the nation’s future economic and social needs” said Professor Michael Holland, President of Science & Technology Australia.

“Decision makers, including politicians, education providers, the science sector, and industry leaders now have the information they need to make strategic decisions about how they each contribute to a strong science system.

“Australia’s current demand driven education system may let the nation down in the long term, so attention and action is needed now to ensure crucial opportunities are not missed.

“I urge political leaders to take a close look at the Health of Australian Science Report and embrace the opportunities it presents.

“Australia cannot remain internationally competitive if it neglects to build stronger relationships between science and industry domestically and internationally.  Nor will we reap the benefits of our world-class research if knowledge is not converted to technologies that improve all our lives.

“Australia needs a total re-think on how we finance Australian research and innovation so that we can make good of Australian genius.

“The Health of Australian Science Report gives us the information we need to develop a quality science education system which underpins a coherent innovation strategy. A coherent innovation strategy will include:  measures to build a strong commercialisation environment; better collaboration between researchers and industry; measures to forge strategic partnership with our international counterparts; and diverse science financing mechanisms” Professor Holland concluded.

Download the report here

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Media contact: Anna-Maria Arabia 0412 940 921
Released: 23 May 2012

  • http://profile.yahoo.com/2XEKWZBNLT6NGDMNIIQ4JT5JSY Aubery

    While not having read every word, a scan of this 202 page document on the health of Australian science reveals not a single recommendation regarding, nor even a reference to, the relevance that the generally low levels of remuneration associated with working in science and science research might have for the current health of Australian science.

    Amazing!

    Data for starting salaries for a number of different science graduate categories are provided – and they all fall below the average for all graduates – yet not so much as a passing comment about this is to be found. The provision of only starting salary data also hides an additional downside of science remuneration, that science salaries are also generally much flatter over a career life than is the case for many other vocations.

    Can it therefore be concluded that the remuneration awarded for a career in science/research, which is generally poor relative to many other career options open to those with the capacity for high level research, is completely unimportant to Australia’s science policy?

    Aubrey
    ACT