Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, is leading a review by his Office of Australia’s science education, research and development outputs set for publication in the first quarter of 2012.

• 20 October 2011

Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb, is leading a review by his Office of Australia’s science education, research and development outputs set for publication in the first quarter of 2012.

The review will profile the strengths and vulnerabilities of Australia’s present science capabilities. Australia’s capacity to capture the benefits of emerging science areas and the increasing internationalisation of science will be particular focus areas.

The project will consider the physical (including engineering and technology) and life (including biomedical, agricultural and veterinary) sciences undertaken by government, university and industry sectors.

Key questions include:

1. What is the breadth and quality of Australian science?
2. What disciplines are vulnerable due to training, workforce or funding issues?
3. How reliant is each discipline on Government, Higher Education or Industry?
4. How do various disciplines compare internationally?
5. What are emerging science areas and does Australia have the necessary skills to develop them?

The aim is to ensure that Australian science has the skills needed for the future. This will ensure that Australian science can continue to drive innovation throughout the economy, deliver health and well-being outcomes for all citizens, inform defence capability, and provide the objective evidence required for sound decision-making across government, business and the community.

For this important project the Office of the Chief Scientist is collaborating with numerous government departments and agencies, the Australian Academy of Science and Universities Australia. To view the recent Universities Australia report on STEM and Non-STEM First Year Students click here