Year in review: science must aim high to build the world we want

Cosmos has invited the Australian learned academies to review 2023 and explore 2024 in this end of year series.

By Kylie Walker.

Chief Executive Officer

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering 

Applied sciences and engineering are fundamental for navigating our world and meeting the challenges facing people and the planet. With a triple threat of climate change, insufficient investment in research and development, and dire STEM workforce shortages, we require powerful responses from government, industry and research to thrive in an uncertain future. ATSE is catalysing this by supporting expert inputs to policymaking, facilitating global scientific cooperation and helping train the next generation of diverse engineering and technology leaders.

Our Antimicrobial Resistance report in February 2023, produced in partnership with CSIRO, provided the expert advice required to address and overcome one of the top 10 public health threats facing humanity. Key recommendations, including creating a central coordination for antimicrobial resistance management, have been implemented by the Federal Government.

In June, we joined with ACOLA and the Australian Academy of the Humanities to provide to the National Science and Technology Council a rapid-response overview of Generative AI and its risks and opportunities. This has directly informed the government’s proposed AI regulation framework which is currently under review. The report also catalysed a collaboration with the Australian Institute for Machine Learning, with 13 AI thought leaders sharing their recommendations for making Australia a leader in Responsible AI. 

In September, ATSE published our ambitious call to action for a net zero by 2035 greenhouse gas emissions target. On behalf of nearly 900 of Australia’s most distinguished engineers and applied scientists, the statement expresses the need for immediate, substantial and concerted action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. The opportunities to make significant impact at a global scale, through homegrown renewable technology and innovation, are incredible.

A significant milestone for ATSE in 2023 was the launch of our Traditional Knowledge Innovation Award, a core part of our Reconciliation Action Plan goal of celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander innovation and innovators. The inaugural winners of the award, Nyikina Mangala man John Watson and Professor Ron Quinn from Griffith University, are working together to commercialise a pain relief gel based on the bark of the Mudjala mangrove tree found in the Kimberley, with full rights and ownership belonging to the local Traditional Owners.

This year also marked the first year of our nation-leading Elevate: Boosting women in STEM program supporting up to 500 women and non-binary people with scholarships, training, networks and mentoring to study and thrive in science, technology and engineering over seven years, supported by the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. ATSE is especially proud to provide inclusive and equitable access to these scholarship opportunities, supporting people from regional and remote areas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, people with caring responsibilities, members of the LGBTIQ+ community and more.

The Elevate program is in strong demand, and growing; 116 scholars make up the 2024 cohort starting in January. We’re proud to partner with the Defence Science and Technology Group to offer 14 additional scholarships in 2024.

Review: 2024 hopes and wishes…

 There is no time to waste in reaching our 3% of GDP funding target for research and development. This will bring Australia in line with our international peers and catalyse a technology, science, innovation and education boom that will make our workforce more effective and our industries more capable. We’re continuing to advocate for STEM education and national skills infrastructure to support employers, employees and trainers.

To help build the world we want to see, we must aim high. We look forward to seeing Traditional Knowledge become a central element driving Australian technological innovation. Following the outcome of the Voice referendum, it is more critical than ever to learn from, and be guided by, our first scientists and celebrate over 60,000 years of discovery and ingenuity.