CANBERRA - The Australian government has identified the net-zero transition and the protection of biodiversity among the country's new science and research priorities.
Ed Husic, the minister for Industry and Science, on Monday released the new National Science Statement and National Science and Research Priorities to guide government, university and private sector research efforts.
He said in a statement that the updated framework would help better prepare Australia for future pandemics, adapt to a changing climate and respond to rapid developments in artificial intelligence and automation.
The five new priorities are transitioning to a net-zero future, supporting healthy and thriving communities, elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander knowledge systems, protecting and restoring Australia's environment and building a secure and resilient nation.
It marks the first new set of National Science and Research Priorities since 2015 and the first National Science Statement since 2017.
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"Great ideas of our scientists and researchers lead to great products and great jobs," Husic said.
"We want science to drive industry growth, creating stronger businesses and more secure, well-paid jobs for Australians."
The government in 2023 asked the nation's Chief Scientist, Cathy Foley, to lead a nationwide consultation process on refreshing the science framework.
She said on Thursday that she found a remarkable consensus during the process of developing the new priorities.
The new National Science Statement lists five imperatives that will shape Australian science over the next decade, including putting science at the center of Australian industry and allowing scientists and science institutions to shape the science future.
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The Australian Academy of Science described the release of the new framework as an important first step but called for an implementation plan to drive action across government portfolios, industry and the research sector.
