Invest in science or fall behind

The President of the Australian Academy of Science, Professor Suzanne Cory, launched the Australian Academy of Science’s policy platform for the 2013 federal election this week.

During her address at the National Press Club of Australia, Professor Cory highlighted the importance of a sustained and strategic approach to science if Australia is to thrive.

“Australia must invest more in research and development to protect our economic competitiveness, our social wellbeing and our quality of life - to build our resilience and to protect our future productivity,” Professor Cory said.

She also challenged all decision-makers (the government, the opposition and cross bench parliamentarians) in the lead-up to the federal election to develop long-term plans for science and education for Australia.

“I challenge them to articulate their science and education policies before we are called upon to vote.

“We must invest in high-quality STEM [science, technology, engineering and mathematics] education that will produce and sustain internationally competitive scientists, mathematicians, technologists and engineers - a broadly skilled workforce and a scientifically literate community.”

The academy’s election policy statement is available.