National Science Academies as one Driver in Knowledge-Based Developments Kurt Lambeck President, Australian Academy of Science

Buildings of the Academy Ian Potter House Shine Dome

Australian Academy of Science Objective: To promote, declare and disseminate scientific knowledge, to maintain standards of scientific endeavour and achievements in the natural sciences in Australia; and to recognise outstanding contributions to the advancement of science.

Australian Academy of Science Promote science through a range of activities in four major program areas: recognition of excellence education and public awareness science policy international relations

Australian Academy of Science Established in 1954 as an independent body of Australia's leading research scientists. There are currently about 420 elected Fellows who are among Australia's top scientists, distinguished in the physical and biological sciences ( including mathematics ) and their applications ( about half < 65 years ).

Australian Academy of Science Contribution in development of national science policies and agenda: Establishment of ASTEC Later known as Science &Technology Council Later known as Prime Minister’s Science, Engineering & Innovation Council (PMSEIC)

Australian Academy of Science Science policy Position papers ( cloning, hydrogen economy, climate change, etc.) Response to government enquiries ( Review of Australian Higher Education Discussion paper, the current Innovation Review, Review of Government Research Agencies, etc.) Public statements ( gene technology and GM plants, climate, environment, energy etc.)

Australian Academy of Science How to increase effectiveness of an Academy? Make use of a country’s Diaspora Use discipline-based national committees that are representative of broader S&T community Engage with young scientists Linking with other comparable bodies

National Committees Currently 21 National Committees ( physics, medicine, maths, chemistry, etc ) Discipline reviews underway - space science - earth systems science - physics

Australian Academy of Science High Flyers Think Tanks Preventative health: Science and technology in prevention and early detection of disease (2008) Extreme natural hazards (2007) Innovative technical solutions for water management in Australia (2006)

National Academies Forum NAF is the peak organisation for the four Australian learned academies: Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia Australian Academy of Science Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering Australian Academy of the Humanities

Australian Academy of Science These core activities involve: education at all levels, raising the level of scientific understanding of the community at large, improving career developments and opportunities for our young researchers, retaining a highly skilled basic research capability, improving our participation in international programs and enhancing bilateral and multilateral links, and contributing to the setting of national research agendas and priorities.

ARC Future Fellowships scheme - new 200 new fellowships per year for For Australian and international mid-career researchers Announcement in May 09 for start in second half of 2009 Up to $140,000 per yr; and up to $50,000 for equipment, travel, relocation costs

PrimaryConnections linking science with literacy Linking science and literacy

PrimaryConnections supported by the Australian Government Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Minister for Education, The Hon Julia Gillard, launches Schoolyard safari, 24 April 2008

Thank you