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.
Katherine Bennell-Pegg continues to make history, named 2026 Australian of the Year after becoming the first person to qualify as an astronaut under Australia’s space program. Ms Bennell-Pegg has made it her mission to inspire others, speaking at Science and Technology Australia’s (STA) premier event Science Meets Parliament in 2025. And, as a Superstar of […]
Professor Emma Johnston AO is being remembered as a transformative science leader with a passion to improve education and create opportunities for all kinds of people to thrive in STEM. Professor Johnston was President of Science & Technology Australia (STA) from 2017-2019. She is credited with growing STA’s visibility, membership and capacity to influence. STA […]
Australia’s scientists and technologists welcome increased funding for CSIRO and ANSTO in the mid-year budget update, but investment in research and development is not keeping up with rising costs. The Australian Government has committed an additional $233 million for CSIRO and $40 million for ANSTO to produce affordable nuclear medicines. “This is a welcome shot […]
The National AI Plan released today provides a level of certainty for the economy and direction for the research and innovation sector that is critically needed, but Australia must now make substantial investment in infrastructure and the future workforce, according to Science & Technology Australia (STA). The Stanford AI Index shows from 2013-24, the US […]
Visionary leader and ocean governance expert Jas Chambers has become Science & Technology Australia’s new President – with a drive to bring science, business, and government together to generate the industry and economy of tomorrow. Ms Chambers brings her deep experience of working in governance, policy, and international diplomacy to this sector-leading role, along with […]
It was Paula Taylor who summed up the heartbreak of the CSIRO declaring it would have to sack 350 research staff. The news broke late on Tuesday. That night I received a message from Paula, the recipient of this year’s Prime Minister’s Prize for excellence in science teaching in primary schools. “How do I make a case for students to pursue science?” she asked me.
Today’s funding cuts at CSIRO are disappointing and a step in the wrong direction for Australia’s research system. Our national science agency has today announced cuts of up to 350 full-time equivalent research roles and that some research activities will be deprioritised to ensure a sustainable future for the organisation. “We support CSIRO’s ambition to […]
The Australian Government’s statement on the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review demonstrates its commitment to building a more equitable STEM workforce. This review, published in February 2024, charted a path to boosting diversity, including by learning from best practice, such as Science & Technology Australia’s (STA) own Superstars of STEM program. “This statement outlines […]
The Government’s Strategic Examination of R&D (SERD) is failing vital discovery research, doesn’t propose a coherent solution for Australia’s research infrastructure system, and is not addressing calls to build a more cohesive system.
Science & Technology Australia will hold its annual general meeting (AGM) on 13 November 2025. This year, we welcome nominations for 2 Board director positions.
The nation’s science, technology, engineering and mathematics sector has welcomed the announcement that the Australian Government will explore joining Horizon Europe.
Science & Technology Australia is proud to congratulate Dr Noushin Nasiri, a 2021 Superstar of STEM and Head of the NanoTech Laboratory at Macquarie University, whose team, ‘Fission Chips’ has won the ANSTO Eureka Prize for Innovative Use of Technology.
Science & Technology Australia is thrilled to celebrate Dr Vanessa Pirotta, a 2021 Superstar of STEM, and mentor in our 2025 cohort, who this week won the prestigious Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science.
Last night at Parliament House, Science & Technology Australia joined Engineers Australia, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE), Consult Australia, and the Australian Council of Engineering Deans (ACED) for the launch of the new Parliamentary Friends of Engineering.
Science & Technology Australia marked its 40th anniversary last week with a celebratory event on Ngunnawal Country in Canberra, bringing together members, alumni, and leaders from across the STEM sector. The event highlighted four decades of advocacy, innovation, and programs that have shaped the Australian science and technology landscape. STA Deputy CEO Sandra Gardam opened […]
Australia’s STEM sector has called for a seat at the Economic Reform Roundtable to ensure a focus on using research and development (R&D) to create new industries and build an innovation-driven economy to power productivity.
Science & Technology Australia announces the appointment of outstanding leaders from across the STEM sector to its key governance committees.
This NAIDOC Week, we honour and celebrate the deep and enduring scientific knowledges of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, whose innovation, connection to Country, and leadership continue to inform and enrich science across Australia. From astronomy to engineering, land care to ecological systems, Indigenous knowledges inspire and strengthen STEM fields every day. We’re proud […]
The upcoming Productivity Roundtable should focus on the big picture of driving growth through research and innovation, rather than getting lost in the weeds of tax tinkering and niche ‘nice-to-have’ needs.
Science & Technology Australia (STA) congratulates STA President, research rock star and commercialisation champion Professor Sharath Sriram on his appointment as the new Chief Scientist of Western Australia.
Science & Technology Australia is seeking candidates to join our Committees. These positions are fantastic opportunities for individuals to contribute their ideas and expertise to help STA achieve its mission.
Australia’s scientists and technologists congratulate the Labor Party on its successful re-election, and look forward to the Government building on the science, research, technology and innovation foundations it laid in the first term.
