The Albanese Government wants our world-class science and research sector to help build a Future Made in Australia. 

We have today released Australia’s new National Science Statement and National Science and Research Priorities placing science at the forefront of our industrial transformation. 

In unveiling the priorities and statement, Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic said it’s been nearly a decade since the former Abbott government released its priorities.

For the first time, the updated framework elevates Indigenous knowledge systems. It will also better prepare the nation to face future pandemics, adapt to a changing climate, and respond to rapid developments in artificial intelligence and automation.

Science is central to our capacity to deal with the challenges, disruptions and opportunities facing our country and our place in the world. 

It’s why the Government asked the Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, to lead a national conversation to refresh the Government’s science framework. 

Dr Foley led an exhaustive nationwide consultation process speaking to hundreds of people across science, research and industry, as well as everyday Australians. These consultations helped shape the priorities. 

Under a more focussed framework, there are five National Science and Research Priorities that will guide government, university and private sector efforts, and these are:

• Transitioning to a net zero future – to develop and adopt next generation technologies, particularly in clean energy and storage, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, quantum and robotics.
• Supporting healthy and thriving communities – so more Australians can enjoy healthier lives from birth well into old age.
• Elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems – to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people particularly to have more of a say in advancing research that affects them.
• Protecting and restoring Australia’s environment – to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect our biodiversity, diverse landscapes and ecosystems.
• Building a secure and resilient nation – to strengthen our democratic institutions while addressing economic, social, geopolitical, defence and national security challenges.

The new National Science Statement lists five imperatives that will shape Australian science investment over the next decade:

• Australian scientists, science institutions, and infrastructure shaping Australia’s science future. 
• Science at the centre of Australian industry. 
• A diverse, skilled workforce to underpin the translation of science into new industries. 
• Embracing science to drive Australia’s regional and global interests. 
• A science system prepared for future challenges.

Australia’s National Science Statement and National Science and Research Priorities are available at:  

industry.gov.au/NationalScienceStatement

industry.gov.au/NationalScienceResearchPriorities

Quotes attributable to the Hon. Ed Husic, Minister for Industry and Science:

“Great ideas of our scientists and researchers lead to great products and great jobs.

“We want science to drive industry growth, creating stronger businesses and more secure, well-paid jobs for Australians.

“It’s been nearly ten years since the Abbott Government handed down the last National Science Priorities which were no longer fit for purpose.

“35 years ago, Bob Hawke released his National Science Statement establishing the first national Chief Scientist and The National Science and Technology Council.   This new statement continues his legacy of elevating science. 

“The Priorities also recognise the breadth of knowledge systems developed over 65,000 years on this continent by First Nations people – and seek to apply that know-how for our economic and social benefit. 

“I wish to thank Dr Foley for leading an exhaustive national conversation and consultation process, as well as members of Australia’s science and research system for the time and effort they’ve invested.”

Quotes attributable to Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley:

“I found a remarkable consensus among the Australians I met around the country during the national conversation to develop these priorities. 

“It’s fantastic to know that Australians share this ambition for the country we want to be – one that protects our unique environment, moves quickly to clean energy in a way that creates new industries and maintains prosperity, ensures everyone has access to advanced healthcare no matter where they live, and protects the strength of our democracy. 

“Australians also want Indigenous knowledge and knowledge systems at the centre of all we do. 

“Science is at the heart of almost every aspect of our lives, and is especially important as we tackle today’s challenges. 

“These priorities are a great starting point, and I hope we can come together as a science and research community with industry and government to bring them to life.”