Australia and the United States allied on the science front

For the first time, the peak scientific bodies from Australia and the USA have struck a partnership to facilitate better cooperation in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

Science & Technology Australia (STA) and the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) have today pledged to combine their voices to enhance the role of STEM on the global stage.

President of STA, Professor Emma Johnston, said that the cooperation between Australia and other influential global partners was paramount for the future health and wellbeing of the country.

“Science, technology, engineering and mathematics transcend national boundaries and provide a common language and common quest for humanity to extend our understanding of the universe, define big challenges and pose evidence-based solutions,” Professor Johnston said.

“Global challenges are mounting: in the equitable provision of reliable energy, food and water security, in population health, biodiversity protection, cyber security, and the prevention of catastrophic climate change.”

“We know science and technology can provide solutions, and STA is proud to partner with the world’s largest general scientific society to provide a united voice in the support and promotion of science.”

AAAS CEO, Rush Holt said there was no better time for this cooperation.

“The United States and Australia span the globe geographically, and our two organisations span all the STEM disciplines between us,” Mr Holt said.

“In science and diplomacy, there’s much work for us to cooperate on, for example we both want to extend diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

“Between us, we can advance science not just in our own countries, but around the world.”

The new partnership will involve joint activities, exchanges and collaborative initiatives to bring the Australian and US STEM sectors together.

“We have the potential to learn from each other, and amplify the voice of scientists and technologists across the globe,” Professor Johnston said.

“We’ll be working hard with the AAAS to improve STEM sector diversity, improve job security, and shore up support for curiosity-led research and the rapid translation of scientific and technological discoveries”.

STA media contact: Dion Pretorius | 0418 281 777 | dion.pretorius@sta.org.au

AAAS media contact: Anne Q. Hoy | ahoy@aaas.org