On Saturday 9 August 2025, Australia's Chief Scientist, Prof Tony Haymet, gave an interview on ABC Weekend Breakfast. He spoke about National Science Week being an opportunity to recognise those who work in science and tech. He also highlighted the importance of encouraging the next generation of scientists in Australia.
Fauziah Ibrahim: Now, whether you're a space enthusiast, a tech lover or a wildlife warrior, there's something going on in the next week for you.
In case you didn't know, National Science Week kicks off today. There are thousands of events happening right across the country.
Thomas Oriti: Yeah, there's a lot going on. To discuss Australia's celebration of all things science, we're joined now by the Chief Scientist, Professor Tony Haymet. Professor, good morning, thank you very much for your time.
Prof Haymet: Good morning. Thanks for having me.
Thomas Oriti: More than 3 million people participate in this week, so it's massive. And I know, your first National Science Week in the role as Chief Scientist.
Why firstly, is it I guess important to celebrate science and technology in Australia and I guess more importantly to draw attention to it?
Prof Haymet: Well, I think it's an opportunity to thank everyone who works hard in science and also to recruit the future generations of scientists that Australia so desperately needs.
So I know for me every week is science week, but we have a special 9 day period, starting today, where we, as you mentioned, have a lot of events around Australia and also get out and explain to people what it is that we do.
Thomas Oriti: One of the things that excites me, Professor, is, you know, a big part of this is you just flag this, encouraging the next generation to pursue jobs of the future, right? Is it fair to say a lot of these jobs, they don't even really exist yet, do they?
Prof Haymet: I think that's true. I think when people look back, you know, in 1958, half the jobs that we have now didn't even have titles.
In 1958, the invention of the Internet, all kinds of integrated computer chips, silicon chips, all of those things have changed our world in the last 40 or 50 years.
You know, as far as we can tell, the pace of change is only going to get bigger. I think the thing we can do is stay curious, stay humble, stay motivated and learn to keep up with what's going on in the world.
Thomas Oriti: One of the purposes of the week is to provide an opportunity for those historically underrepresented in the sciences to participate in these events and activities.
What areas of under-representation do you think we need to address when it comes to science in Australia?
Prof Haymet: Well, we've been working very hard in under-represented communities. I think we've made a good start from, from my perspective, we've made a huge change.
You may know I worked in oceanography and chemistry and when I started we didn't let women on our ships or, you know, in our Antarctic bases. All that changed quite a long time ago. On the other hand, we still have a lot to do. So we want the full range of Australians to have the opportunity to get into science and maths and engineering if that's what they'd like to do. So, all kinds of communities across Australia.
In the next few months we'll be seeing the Minister for Science and the Prime Minister awarding the Prime Minister's first science prize for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems. So trying to extend a welcoming hand to all kinds of ways of observing the world and understanding the world and trying to bring as many Australians into the opportunities that STEM provides.
Thomas Oriti: While we're on the topic of celebrating it, Professor, I want to talk about, I guess the link between science, innovation and growth.
Do you think there's enough support at the moment here in Australia for that home grown science and innovation? Because there's been concern over time about, you know, losing great minds overseas.
Prof Haymet: Well, I think we're doing better in Australia, but for the last 15 years a lot of people have been saying that we're under investing in research and development.
The current government has a really important review under way, a strategic review of R&D and I'm looking forward to the outputs of that study. I think the Treasurer has an upcoming round table on productivity and I think there'll be a lot of science and technology will be fed into that round table.
I was lucky enough to attend a preliminary roundtable last Friday with my colleague Doug Hilton from CSIRO and a number of university vice chancellors with the Minister for Science, Senator Tim Ayres, and a lot of ideas were put on the table that he'll be taking to the Treasurer's roundtable. So, I think we're in a good period.
Obviously, we always have to justify, as scientists, why we're spending taxpayers’ money as we are, but I think if we look back over the history of Australia, we've had a great series of inventions, a lot of technology that's helped Australia and helped our position overseas. So I think we have a great track record. We just need to make sure that we explain to everyone why it is we need to invest in science and technology.
Thomas Oriti: Well, as you say, professor, every week is Science Week to you, so no different, but enjoy the week and thank you very much for joining us this morning. I appreciate your time.
Prof Haymet: My pleasure. Thank you.