Australian Science
During the 1990s science shifted to the centre of the public policy agenda in Australia, reflecting the growing consensus that science is now, more than ever, critical to the nation's economic, social and environmental future.
Over the past decade the Australian government has made an unprecedented commitment to science. Its aim has been to build a world-class science and innovation system, and to maximise the contribution all sciences make to the nation's development.
For more information, please go to the science related websites maintained by the Australian government and associated agencies listed below.
Recent activities
$210,000 to Strengthen Australia and Japan Research Ties
10 August 2009
Senator Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research announced that $210,000 will support three Australian scientific research organisations collaborating with highly regarded Japanese counterparts.
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Thirteenth Australia-Japan Joint Science and Technology Committee
On 14 October 2008, the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) hosted the Thirteenth Australia-Japan Joint Science and Technology Committee in Canberra. The meeting was held in Canberra to provide an opportunity for Japanese delegation members to attend celebratory events to mark the twentieth year since the founding of Questacon, Australia's National Science and Technology Centre, to which, in 1988, the Japanese Government and Japanese corporations contributed half of the funds for the main building. Australia and Japan agreed to advance discussions on three new joint initiatives designed to stimulate more activity in the bilateral science and technology relationship. The three joint initiatives are:
- Joint projects in marine science
- A joint high-level researcher symposium
- An exchange program for young scientists
An Innovation Agenda for the 21st Century
The government outlined its innovation agenda for Australia over the next decade in Powering Ideas An Innovation Agenda for the 21st Century, supported by a AUS$3.1 billion boost in funding over the next four years.
http://www.innovation.gov.au/innovationreview/Pages/home.aspx
Innovation Showcase
Australia and Japan are building strong connections in science, education and research, fostering innovation and enhancing scientific research and development.
Australian and Japan Innovation page
The Australian Government Science Portal
http://www.science.gov.au/Pages/home.aspx
The Australian Government Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
The Australian Institute of Marine Science
The Australian Institute of Marine Science (AIMS) was established by the Australian Government in 1972 to generate the knowledge needed for the sustainable use and protection of the marine environment through innovative, world-class scientific and technological research.
http://www.aims.gov.au
Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO)
The Australian Nuclear Science & Technology Organisation is Australia's national nuclear organisation and the centre of Australian nuclear expertise.
http://www.ansto.gov.au
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)
CSIRO is Australia's Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. Its work covers a broad range of areas of economic or social value to the nation, including agriculture, minerals and energy, manufacturing, communications, construction, health and the environment.
http://www.csiro.au
Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Programme
The Cooperative Research Centres (CRC) Programme brings together researchers and research users from universities, the public sector and business and plays an important role in the innovation process.
https://www.crc.gov.au
Questacon: The National Science and Technology Centre
Achievements
Japan's first astronaut, Dr Mamoru Mohri, honoured by Australia
On 14 December 2006, Dr Mamoru Mohri, Japan's first astronaut, was appointed an Honorary Member of the Order of Australia at a special ceremony held by the Australia's Ambassador to Japan, HE Murray McLean OAM. The award was presented to Dr Mohri in recognition of his service to Australia-Japan education and science relations.
Australians win Nobel prize
Australians Barry Marshall and Robin Warren won the 2005 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The researchers from Western Australia were recognised for their discovery of the bacterium Helicobacter pylori.
Read more about Australian Nobel Prize winners.