Science and research priorities help us capitalise on our strengths

Aligning research efforts with the needs of the nation – including business and industry – will ensure the Government’s $9.7 billion annual investment in science produces a wide range of benefits, according to Minister for Industry, Innovation and Science Christopher Pyne.

Mr Pyne today released capability statements – in the form of fact sheets – for the Government’s nine science and research priorities.

“Since the Government’s science and research priorities were announced in May, we have been working with experts from universities, research institutions and the private sector to ‘map’ capability across the research system,” Mr Pyne said.

“The results have helped to identify how researchers across the country can respond to each of the priorities and the associated practical challenges. Science and Innovation are at the heart of the Government’s agenda, and these capability maps show that while Australia is strong in some areas, that work needs to be done in others”

“We need to work together to address these gaps and opportunities – this will harness science and innovation for the national interest.”

To date, the priorities have informed work around a range of activities and programmes, including Australian Research Council grants, the Australia-India Strategic Research Fund, and the Australia-China Science and Research Fund. They will also inform the implementation of the Government’s Innovation and Science agenda which will be released next week.

“The priorities will continue to help guide strategic planning for innovation and research, including future investment decisions. They also line up with the areas of competitive strength that are the basis for the Government’s Industry Growth Centres,” Mr Pyne said.

“The priorities will inform future advice on policy decisions to inform the Government’s work in science and research.”

The science and research priority fact sheets are available at www.science.gov.au