Science & Technology Australia contributes to conversations around science and technology in Australia. We comment on national policy, investment, priorities for the sectors, and advocate on behalf of our varied membership.
For all enquiries please contact our Communications Director, Martyn Pearce.
Tonight’s Federal Budget takes some welcome steps towards reform of the research and development system in Australia but lacks ambition and creates greater uncertainty. Science & Technology Australia (STA) CEO Ryan Winn welcomed the establishment of the National Resilience and Science Council, which is essential to implement the Ambitious Australia report. “Ambitious Australia provided the blueprint for the future of research and development. […]
This time last year, Treasurer Jim Chalmers spoke about five ‘seismic changes’ reshaping the world in his Federal Budget speech. Shifts from globalisation to fragmentation, hydrocarbons to renewables, IT to AI, a young population to an older one and shifts in the industrial base. He noted that each of these challenges put a premium on resilience. We argue they also put a premium on Australia’s Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) capability. Delivering solutions to the challenges Australia faces in the context of these changes will require strong investment in our nation’s STEM capacity. But there are significant roadblocks.
Today’s announcement by the Australian Government that $1.5 billion in funds for research and development will be cut or redirected in next week’s Federal Budget creates uncertainty at a time when the research and development (R&D) industry is desperate for a plan. Finance Minister Katy Gallagher has confirmed Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) program will be […]
The release of the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) report on the Department of Education’s Administration of the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) reinforces NCRIS’ vital role for Australia’s research system and the need for stronger governance, predictable investment and long-term planning to ensure it continues delivering for the nation. STA Chief Executive Officer […]
Science & Technology Australia (STA) has welcomed the release of the Senate inquiry report into funding and resourcing for the CSIRO, warning it highlights urgent, system-wide workforce and capability challenges that must be addressed in the upcoming Federal Budget. The report highlights the critical role CSIRO plays in building Australia’s sovereign capability, ensuring that the […]
Australia risks falling behind in global science, advanced manufacturing and innovation following the Government’s decision not to pursue membership of the European Southern Observatory (ESO), a step backwards at a critical moment for the nation’s productivity ambitions. The decision comes just weeks after the release of the Ambitious Australia report, which called for a step-change […]
How would you feel if I told you that today’s morning coffee was going to be made by someone with no training in making the perfect brew? Or that your medical treatment was going to be performed by an engineer filling in for the day? You might applaud them for having a go, but you’d probably be more comfortable with someone who had specific expertise.
Day Two of Science Meets Parliament began with the Parliamentary Forum, featuring speakers from across the aisle. The Great Hall was full of STEM professionals, focussed and enthralled as the panel urged the room to share their expertise with MPs. Senators and MPs talked about all the ways scientists can advocate for their work and […]
Science Meets Parliament Day One has wrapped! More than 400 STEM professionals packed into the Great Hall for a full day of career development and networking. And a milestone this year – more than 40 per cent of the parliament is involved. The scene was set by Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital […]
Science & Technology Australia (STA) has today announced a major new national leadership initiative to better connect Australia’s world-class science with the nation’s economic and business decision-making. Science Meets the Economy will equip STEM industry professionals with the skills and insight to engage more effectively with business leaders, utilising their knowledge, methods and technological know-how […]
Science & Technology Australia (STA) has welcomed the Australian Government’s announcement that it will begin treaty negotiations on association to Horizon Europe, describing it as a major step forward for the nation’s research and innovation system. The Government’s move, announced by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, will open the door for Australian researchers and businesses to […]
Science & Technology Australia (STA) welcomes the release of the Strategic Examination of Research & Development (SERD) ‘Ambitious Australia’ Report as a once-in-a-multigeneration opportunity to address many significant challenges facing our sector and the opportunity to co-design the implementation. STA President Jas Chambers commended the Government for commissioning the SERD, which is necessary to supercharge […]
Good afternoon Chair, and Committee members. Thank you for the opportunity to appear today. I am here in my capacity as CEO of Science & Technology Australia, the peak body for Australia’s science and technology sectors. STA has a 40-year legacy as the sector’s advocate. We represent more than 250,000 scientists, engineers, educators and technologists […]
We congratulate eight outstanding and emerging STEM leaders awarded a Science Meets Parliament scholarship for 2026! These scholarships enable participation from a diverse cohort of leaders from across Australia, reflecting STA’s ongoing leadership in championing equity, diversity and inclusion in science and technology. With the support of our partners, scholarships were awarded across seven categories; […]
Australia is at risk of weakening its national science capability unless the Australian Government urgently addresses the way it funds the CSIRO, other public research agencies and science in general. Responding to the inquiry into Funding and resourcing for the CSIRO, the Science & Technology Australia (STA) submission argues that ongoing budget pressures, coupled with […]
The Australian Government must take urgent action to ensure Australia can attract the world’s best and brightest, including better support for migrant STEM professionals, according to the Science & Technology Australia (STA) submission for the Inquiry into the value of skilled migration to Australia. The nation is facing a critical shortage of STEM professionals, with […]
Australia’s STEM capability is facing a severe crisis and immediate action is needed to avoid the loss of critical research capabilities, mass exodus of talent and failure of key government priorities, according to the Pre-Budget Submission by Science and Technology Australia (STA). This crisis is being fuelled by the flatlining in real terms of Commonwealth […]
Minister Tim Ayres will deliver the Science Meets Parliament 2026 National Press Club address, sharing his vision for how research and innovation can translate into new Australian industries, high-value jobs and a stronger economy.
