The 21st meeting of the National Science and Technology Council (‘the Council’) was held at Parliament House in Canberra on 5 November 2025. Prime Minister the Hon Anthony Albanese MP, Chair of the Council, opened the meeting. It was the first Council meeting for Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science (Deputy Chair), Professor Tony Haymet, Australia’s Chief Scientist (Executive Officer) and new expert scientific member Professor Archa Fox. The Hon Dr Andrew Charlton MP, Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy, attended as a guest.

The Prime Minister spoke about the global context for science and technology, noting recent discussions at APEC on artificial intelligence and its profound implications for work, research, and society. He emphasized the need to build trust and social licence, engage Australians on why science matters, and ensure preparedness for technological change.

The Council discussed how science and technology can provide opportunities for regional Australia. Members highlighted the potential for new industries and high-value jobs in regional areas, including critical minerals, sustainable agriculture, and tourism. They stressed the importance of aligning research and development with community needs and ensuring social licence for emerging technologies.

The Council reviewed and approved advice on two recently concluded projects. The Council’s advice on research infrastructure highlighted Australia’s strength in research but identified fragmentation and short-term funding cycles as barriers to impact. Members outlined how a potential strategic framework for research infrastructure could include a coordinated, decadal approach to long-term investment, a national registry of infrastructure, and workforce development to ensure capability across regions.

The Council’s advice on information resilience outlined potential actions to counter misinformation. These include improving media literacy, strengthening trusted institutions, and developing a coordinated public strategy to counter harmful narratives.

Professor Reuben Bolt updated the Council on the project to inform NSTC advice on implementing the National Science and Research Priority: Elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems. Members agreed that embedding Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge in research and education is essential for addressing national challenges.

The Council discussed its future work plan. It will undertake projects on misinformation and trust in science and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems.

The Council noted that the meeting was the last for Distinguished Professor Genevieve Bell as an expert scientific member and thanked her for her sustained service and contribution to the work of the Council over 2 terms.
Deputy Chair Senator the Hon Tim Ayres thanked members for their contributions and anticipated that the next Council meeting will be held in early 2026.