Australia’s new 2035 emission target exposes gaps in Australia’s energy transition R&D system. Government, research institutions and industry need to coordinate the direction of research investment and deployment to accelerate the energy transition to the pace required to meet Australia’s 2035 target and net zero by 2050. Australian Council of Learned Academies’…
Download report It is a privilege to present ACOLA’s Annual Report for 2024-25 – a year defined by collaboration, and national impact. Together, we are strengthening ACOLA’s role through the Academies, as a catalyst for collaboration and a national voice for evidence-based policy and innovation. Professor Louise Baur AM FAHMS Chair, Board of Directors ACOLA Chair’s…
ACCELERATE 2035 Summit will convene Australia’s most influential leaders across all sectors of research, government, industry and the Learned Academies, to collectively shape the national energy research priorities needed to support Australia’s energy transition towards Net Zero. Event Details Date: Friday, 27 February 2026 Time: Doors open 8:15am for a 9:00am start –5:00pm Cost: AU $500…
Download the factsheetDownload the report Examining JUST energy metrics: Exploring Australia research opportunities Australia’s shift to renewable energy is accelerating, reshaping communities, economies and landscapes nationwide. Yet while the nation pushes toward ambitious 2030 targets, one challenge remains largely unresolved: how do we measure whether the transition is fair? Technology is advancing rapidly, but without…
Download the factsheetDownload the report Vulnerability and Australia’s Energy Transition: Why Understanding Risk Matters Australia’s transition to renewable energy will reshape daily life, local communities and the national economy. While much attention has been given to technologies and emissions targets, far less has focused on a critical question: who is most vulnerable to the…
Canberra, 1 December 2025 – Two new nationally significant reports released today by the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA), deliver a multifaceted view on the research needed for Australia to ensure fairness and inclusion are embedded into policy and industry practice for Australia’s energy transition. These reports form a critical part of ACOLA’s Australian…
A fair energy transition for all Australians begins with evidence. Watch the full webinar Australia’s transition to renewable energy is reshaping communities, economies and everyday life. Yet the impacts—and benefits—are not felt equally. Join ACOLA and leading experts as we explore the findings of two significant reports that offer practical frameworks, policy insights and tools to support a fair, inclusive transition to net zero. This…
Canberra – The Australian Government has today announced a $18 million national initiative to break down barriers, shift attitudes, and build a more inclusive Australia for people with disability, with ACOLA receiving $3 million to lead one of the key programs. Commissioned by the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing, the Australian Council of Learned…
The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) congratulates Senator the Hon Tim Ayres on his appointment as Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science and welcomes the Hon Dr Andrew Charlton MP as the new Assistant Minister for Science, Technology and the Digital Economy. With the Albanese Government’s strong mandate, Australia has a…
Download submission (PDF 544KB) The Australian Research Council have released the Discussion Paper: A New Plan for ARC-Funded Research. The paper, which proposes significant reforms to the ARC’s National Competitive Grants Program, has been developed in response to extensive consultations with stakeholders undertaken in 2024. Launched in 2024, the Policy Review is examining the fundamental settings…