Govt will pursue a national science policy

The Australian Government has announced its intention to develop a whole-of-government policy for science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). The decision follows the latest meeting of the Commonwealth Science Council, which focused on STEM and future science research priorities.

In collaboration with Chief Scientist Ian Chubb, the government plans to conduct consultations with the science sector and industry to help formulate a policy that will enhance Australian competitiveness, support high-quality education and training, maximise research potential and strengthen international engagement through STEM. Information about the government’s consultations, and how to be involved, will be available on www.science.gov.au in the coming weeks.

The Australian Academy of Science is particularly looking forward to working with the government on the policy, having previously voiced its support for a long-term science strategy. The academy’s secretary for science policy, Professor Les Field, said the “long overdue” national strategy has the potential to be a game changer for Australian science.

“At the moment, science in Australia is a made up of lots of different parts that aren’t always pulling in the same direction,” said Professor Field. A whole-of-government strategy would not only guide the way Australians do science, he said, but it would also help tackle the problem of declining maths and science skills.

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