The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has welcomed the release of Australia’s National Science and Research Priorities as an authoritative vision for research and evidence driving Australia’s future.

Launched by Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic MP, the outcome-based approach provides a transformational vehicle for elevating science as central to tackling Australia’s greatest challenges.

The priorities are accompanied by Australia’s National Science Statement, which outlines science’s place in underpinning national transformation. It specifies five imperatives that will shape the national science system and its role, affirming the importance of scientists, institutions, industry, and a diverse skilled workforce. The National Science Statement also encourages leveraging science to advance Australia’s regional and global interests.

The National Science Statement features commitments that ATSE has long advocated for including in a national vision of what science can be in Australia. Importantly, the Statement focuses on building up the foundational elements of a thriving science, research and development ecosystem through investment in evidence-informed policy, infrastructure, workforce development, teaching, science agencies and global engagement.

“ATSE is pleased to see that the priorities have a strong focus on transitioning to a net zero future, making this a stand-alone priority, with developing a circular economy an integral part of reaching that goal”, said ATSE CEO Kylie Walker.

“ATSE also welcomes the creation of a priority for elevating and investing in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems. This priority recognises the value of Traditional Knowledge and its application to emerging technologies, and positions Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as leaders. It also validates that policies to improve the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be crafted and applied in a genuine partnership and shaped by science and research.

“These two priorities reflect feedback provided by ATSE and others in the sector.”

Crucially, the National Science and Research Priorities note that they will inform and direct national research policy, driving investment and activity in university and industry research and development.

“The five priorities – spanning climate, environment, Traditional Knowledge, our communities and our nation – speak eloquently to the key research challenges and opportunities of our time,” says ATSE CEO, Kylie Walker.

“The importance of these priorities underscores the need to lift Australia’s ambition and capability through deeper investment in research and development (R&D), to be explored through the imminent Independent Review of R&D. ATSE advocates for R&D investment across the economy to be raised to internationally competitive levels of at least 3% of GDP,” said Kylie Walker.

ATSE is pleased to have engaged throughout the process of revitalising the Priorities, and thanks the Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM FAA FTSE, for leading a deep consultation to develop these.

ATSE stands ready to work with the Government to guide national policies and investment to realise the transformational potential of the priorities.