The Australian Academy of Science provides independent, authoritative and influential scientific advice, promotes international scientific engagement, builds public awareness and understanding of science, and champions, celebrates and supports excellence in Australian science.

The Academy is a not-for-profit organisation of individuals elected for their outstanding contributions to science and research.

The Academy’s Constitution was modelled on that of the Royal Society of London. It receives government grants towards some of its activities but has no statutory obligation to government.

Mission

The Academy provides independent, authoritative and influential scientific advice, promotes international scientific engagement, builds public awareness and understanding of science, and champions, celebrates and supports excellence in Australian science.

Influential voice

The Academy aims to be deeply influential in setting Australia’s science agenda, and to be a trusted, independent advisor on scientific matters.

It will achieve this by:

• publishing and continuously promoting a vision for Australian science
• actively engaging with key government stakeholders on science and policy matters
• developing and promoting a suite of policy position papers, discussion papers and reports drawn from the National Committees and Fellowship
• hosting a President’s Circle to grow industry reach and engagement
• seeking opportunities to develop a Science Policy Centre within the Academy.

The Academy expects to achieve a stronger voice for science, a greater understanding of the Academy’s role in policy, and increased influence with government, industry and other sector stakeholders.

International engagement

The Academy aims to be a leader in the international science academy network.

It will achieve this by:

• assisting the Australian Government to deliver its international science activities
• advocating for a strategic and comprehensive international science engagement program
• developing our international exchange programs
• providing science leadership in South-East Asia
• supporting Future Earth Australia to become an independent entity
• nominating Australian scientists to international bodies.

The Academy expects to achieve better opportunities for Australian scientists to work with and benefit from international collaborations, and a stronger focus on science in its region.

Scientific literacy

The Academy aims to deliver innovative education programs at scale and with impact, and to enable a better-informed public that values science.

It will achieve this by:

• producing high-quality, engaging and informative science content for a growing and far-reaching global online audience
• developing and delivering integrated school science and maths program, with ongoing funding secured
• running science events throughout Australia
• holding an annual scientific symposium on a topic of national importance.

The Academy expect to achieve enhanced school science and maths education, with more engaged, numerate and scientifically literate students, and a greater public understanding and appreciation of science and of the Academy.

Excellence and diversity

The Academy aims to be a national leader in diversity, equity and inclusion in the science sector, and to empower the next generation of scientists.

It will achieve this by:

• becoming an exemplar of diversity and inclusion in all programs and activities
• establishing the Science in Australia Gender Equity (SAGE) Initiative as an independent and sustainable entity
• delivering and implementing the Women in STEM Decadal Plan
• providing awards and grants to the best and brightest scientists
• working with Indigenous communities to develop an Indigenous Science Agenda
• supporting the Early- and Mid-Career Researcher (EMCR) Forum to continue representing and advocating for EMCRs.

The Academy expect to achieve a steady shift in diversity and inclusion in STEM, and a growing voice for EMCRs.