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…
Download submission (PDF 544KB) Australia’s research and development (R&D) system is at a critical juncture. As global challenges intensify and technological advancements accelerate, the need for a robust, well-coordinated and adequately funded R&D system has never been more pressing. The Australian Government is undertaking a strategic examination of our research and development (R&D) system to…
Download submission (PDF 544KB) Australia’s research and development (R&D) system is at a critical juncture. As global challenges intensify and technological advancements accelerate, the need for a robust, well-coordinated and adequately funded R&D system has never been more pressing. The Australian Government is undertaking a strategic examination of our research and development (R&D) system to…
2024 Annual Report This year, the Learned Academies have continued to come together through ACOLA to deliver unique value to government, industry, and society. With access to over 3,000 Fellows, representing some of Australia’s leading minds. We continue to provide independent, trusted, and evidence-based policy advice and solutions to complex global problems and emerging national…
Media Statement: December 2024 Statement on funding cuts to New Zealand Marsden Fund – Humanities and Social Science Research While it is not usual practice for ACOLA or the Australian Learned Academies to comment on the policy and funding decisions of other nations, we note with great concern, last week’s decision by the…
Full ReportOverview Report Mapping Australia’s Indonesia Research Capability KONEKSI commissioned ACOLA, who, in partnership with their member Academy, the Australian Academy of the Humanities, provided a status update on Australia’s existing knowledge and capability with Indonesia. The report, focusing on Australian data and perspectives, outlines the current state of Australia-Indonesia bilateral research partnerships, highlights…
Media Release: August 2024 The Board of the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) is delighted to announce the appointment of Prerana Mehta as its next Chief Executive Officer. After joining CSIRO as Head of Global in 2022, Prerana became Head of Strategic Partnerships Group in 2023, where she was responsible for growing the organisation’s…
Health: how to focus on the sustainability of Australia’s health care system? | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. Health:…
Building Australia’s Mega-Engineering | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. Building Australia’s mega-engineering – how do we stack up globally?…
Wednesday, 20 March 2024 Today, the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) announces the departure of our Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Winn. After nearly five years of dedicated service, Ryan is leaving to take up another opportunity. During his tenure, Ryan has significantly contributed to ACOLA’s mission of advancing interdisciplinary research, and promoting collaboration among…
2023 Annual Report Without a doubt, this year, the Learned Academies have continued to come together through ACOLA to deliver unique value to governments, parliaments, and society. ACOLA, with its over 70 years of dedication to interdisciplinary leadership and convening of Australia’s leading minds, has been at the forefront of many key issues of policy…
Technology and the law | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. Technology and the law – managing intellectual property and…
“What a year 2023 has been. We hope you enjoy a well deserved and relaxing break. To help you on your way, we at ACOLA wanted to share some fun, thought-provoking and interesting research-based reading, watching and listening for wherever your holidays take you. Enjoy, and congratulations for getting to the finish line. We look…
With the energy transition well underway, it is pleasing to see increased and substantive actions by governments, industry and individuals across Australia. But there is still much uncertainty, including in our research needs, from critical technologies to social and cultural change. The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) is pleased to announce a refresh of…
Geoengineering – Climate Technologies | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. Geoengineering (also known as climate engineering) is the…
Research Assessment in Australia: Evidence for Modernisation At the request of the Australian Government, Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM FAA FTSE, is seeking to understand how research metrics influence the diversity of Australia’s research workforce, and shape research quality, outputs, and impact. The Office of the Chief Scientist commissioned ACOLA to undertake…
Developing Australia’s critical technologies | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. Many current and emerging technological advancements will have…
The implications of climate change for Australian agriculture | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and ACOLA to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. This webinar examines the likely effects of the changing climate…
Constitutional recognition of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is long overdue. The research sector, alongside the wider community, should progress and support recognition, truth telling and reconciliation. The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA), the convenor of Australia’s five Learned Academies, is proud to publicly state its support for the referendum to give the Government…
Opportunities and challenges for Australia in emerging neuro-technologies in health | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. Australian research…
Emerging battery technologies and Australian capability | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and ACOLA to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. Batteries are a crucial technology to enable the world to achieve the…
The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) welcomes the release of the Australian Government Discussion Paper on Safe and responsible AI in Australia today by the Minister of Science, Ed Husic. The last six months have seen the development of new artificial intelligence (AI) products and services, especially those known as Generative AI, accelerate at…
Generative AI – language models and multimodal foundation models The current ‘ChatGPT moment’ is provoking public conversation about the role AI should have in Australian society. In February 2023, Australia’s National Science and Technology Council, at the request of the Minister for Industry and Science, the Hon Ed Husic MP, commissioned a report exploring the…
Australia’s Mental Health Challenges & Our Health System’s Response | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. According to the…
Climate Change and its Impact on Industry | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and ACOLA to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. Australia’s climate is likely to change significantly over the next 20…
2022 Annual Report Over the 12 months, ACOLA has continued to adapt and respond to the needs of the changing policy landscape. This has led to new projects, stronger relationships, greater awareness and increased impact in policy discussions. This has come from a concerted effort from ACOLA, and also strong demand from a variety of…
Future of Australian Workplaces | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. The COVID-19 pandemic brought about many changes to…
Creating a Disability Responsive Workforce | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and ACOLA to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. This session was a conversation led by Professor Iva Strnadová and Professor Karen…
Hydrogen: Barriers and Opportunities | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. Australia’s emerging hydrogen industry is increasingly seen as…
“What a year 2022 has been. We hope you enjoy a well deserved and relaxing break. To help you on your way, we at ACOLA wanted to share some fun, thought-provoking and interesting research-based reading, watching and listening for wherever your holidays take you. Enjoy, and congratulations for getting to the finish line. We look…
AI Explainability | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars Artificial Intelligence Accountability and Explainability in Decision Making This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. This…
Media Release: October 2022 We can do better: training Australian workers to be more responsive to disability With 18 per cent of Australians living with disability, sectors including education, healthcare, justice and social services are being challenged to respond better to their clients and customers. Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth MP said the Albanese…
Media Release: October 2022 ACOLA puts words into action on disability responsiveness Some of Australia’s leading academics have applied their research results closer to home with the adoption of six key principles and five key areas for action on disability inclusiveness. The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) put four professional sectors under the microscope…
Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars Anti-Microbial Resistance (AMR) This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. This session was a conversation with…
Media Release: September 2022 Achieving Australia’s Energy Transition: Funding and translating knowledge The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) is pleased to release its next set of reports under the Australian Energy Transition Research Plan. The new papers outline the current state of Australia’s funding and translation of Australia’s energy transition research. While recent policy…
Carbon Capture and Storage / Utilisation | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. Achieving Australia’s net-zero target will be…
Digital Transformation of Media | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars Digital transformation of the media environment—from social media to automation This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of…
Realising and Enabling Australia’s Data-Enable Research Future The pandemic and recent natural disasters have highlighted the importance of rapid access to data to assist with timely decision making, and subsequently the need for coordinated, integrated data infrastructure. Data for research come from a range of sources: observations, images, sound, measurements, samples, computer programs and recordings.…
Media Release: June 2022 A Data-Enabled Research Future for Australia The pandemic and recent natural disasters have reinforced the importance of rapid access to data to inform timely decision making. Coordinated and integrated data infrastructure is vital to making data available when it’s needed for emergencies, and for answering research questions about the world around…
Blockchain | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars Frontiers of the new economy – Tokens, DeFi, NFTs & DAOs This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to…
Release of Energy Transition Research Plan Briefing Papers Following discussion with Academy Fellows and stakeholders, ACOLA today released three briefing papers identifying urgent and strategic energy transition research priorities. The thematic briefing reports (reports three to five) expand on the research priorities outlined in ACOLA’s Australian Energy Transition Research Plan (Report One). Released on 17…
Media Release: March 2022 ACOLA Statement on Ukraine ACOLA’s members, Australia’s Learned Academies, are deeply shocked and condemn the military operation by the Russian Government towards Ukraine. International disputes should be resolved through the rules-based order, according to the principles of international law and with the utmost respect for human rights and lives, and the…
“By training key sectors to understand the needs of people with disability we can start to shift our systems, address gaps and break down barriers to improve experiences for people with disability,” The Hon Minister Rishworth MP Enhancing Disability Responsiveness of Professionals All people have a right to fair and equitable access to services. While…
Biometrics | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. This session was a conversation led by Professor Jackie Craig AM…
Australia’s Space Industry | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars Australia’s Space Industry – Opportunities and Workforce Needs This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament.…
2021 Annual Report Notwithstanding the ongoing challenges of the pandemic in 2020-21, it has been an especially successful year for ACOLA. Our advice has led to better policy considerations and public scrutiny, and provided the evidence that underpinned new government initiatives. Professor John Shine AC PresAA Chair, Board of Directors ACOLA ACOLA STRATEGIC STATEMENT The…
Media Release: November 2021 Moving from rhetoric to action – a joint statement on COP26 We, the Presidents of Australia’s Learned Academies, recognise that our Academies’ collective expertise and leadership is critical to addressing the widespread and intergenerational impacts of climate change. At COP26 in Glasgow, world leaders convened with a singular goal – to…
Interested in working for ACOLA? We are currently looking for a Company Secretary to join our team on a part-time basis in Canberra. To find out more about this position, please see further details below. Company SecretaryPosition Description, Duty Statement and Selection Criteria Posted: 1 November 2021 Closing: 12 November 2021 (by 5pm) Position Title:…
Media Release: October 2021 Indigenous knowledge – a collaboration between AIATSIS and ACOLA to drive better policy Following a number of successful engagements and a growing relationship, the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) and the Aboriginal Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS) are excited to announce we have entered into an…
Global Heating | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars Global Heating This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. This session was a conversation led by…
Acknowledging the past | Moving forward together A response to the Uluru Statement from the Heart by the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) We welcome and support the Uluru Statement from the Heart The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) represents Australia’s five Learned Academies and seeks to contribute expert interdisciplinary advice to inform policy…
Media Release: August 2021 Australian research leaders commit to truth telling and a journey of change Today the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) has outlined its support for the Uluru Statement from the Heart, alongside its commitment to a journey of change between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the research sector for…
Webinar hosted by ACOLA for the Learned Academy Fellows and external stakeholders on its new Australian Energy Transition Research Plan View the recording of this webinar The first of its kind, ACOLA’s Australian Energy Transition Research Plan has been developed in close consultation with the energy sector and highlights the urgent and strategic Research Priorities…
Indigenous Knowledges | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars Indigenous Knowledges This seminar is part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to bring Australia’s leading minds from Australia’s Learned Academies and other experts to important topics of interest to Parliament. This session was a conversation with two…
Media Release: June 2021 The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) welcomes the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences as Australia’s newest Learned Academy. ACOLA welcomes the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS) as Australia’s fifth and newest Learned Academy, as defined under the Higher Education Support Act. This decision by the…
AUSTRALIAN ENERGY TRANSITION RESEARCH PLAN Report 1: The Research Plan June 2021 The global pathway to net zero emissions by 2050 is narrow, but still achievable The International Energy Agency (IEA) has outlined the essential priority actions for the global energy sector to reach net zero emissions by 2050. Importantly, the technologies needed to achieve substantial…
Media Release: 17 June 2021 An urgent shift is needed on energy transition research Australia’s transition to a net-zero energy system is a massive and complex task; requiring interdisciplinary solutions addressing Australia’s specific needs, to achieve this goal. This is why today, the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) is releasing its Australian Energy Transition…
National Acknowledgement of Country 2021 | National Reconciliation Week 2021 27 May 2021 “More than a word. Reconciliation takes action ” ACOLA acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands and waters on which we live and work across Australia and the continuing connection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to Country. More than a…
Pre-Budget Seminar | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars This is the fifth seminar as part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA). As we approach the next Federal Budget, this session will focus on two large issues that will frame this and subsequent budgets: on climate change and impact…
Antarctica | ACOLA Parliamentary Library Seminars The Antarctic — strategic competition and the future of the international legal regime This seminar, the fourth as part of a collaboration between the Parliamentary Library and the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA), will discuss Antarctica governing laws, state of health and territorial issues and the impacts…
Download submission (PDF 1.3MB) Link to: Senate Select Committee on Job Security The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) welcomes the opportunity to provide a submission to the Senate Select Committee on Job Security. We note that the gig-economy provides opportunities for both businesses and workers. However, given the complexities of the direct and indirect,…
International Women’s Day 8 March 2021 “Women in Leadership: Achieving an equal future in a COVID-19 world” ACOLA celebrates International Women’s Day as a global day of recognising the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of all women. The day also marks a call to action for accelerating women’s equality. In recognition of this year’s…
AUSTRALIAN ENERGY TRANSITION RESEARCH PLAN Research Priorities Consultation Paper – submissions closed January 2021 Purpose of this consultation paper: To test initial energy research priorities for the Australian Energy Transition Research Plan (Research Plan) following the first round of consultations and early analysis. Key questions: Do the three themes of research priorities, and underpinning eight…
Article: November 2020 Growing with technology: Australia’s agricultural future will need a comprehensive approach There’s nothing like an empty supermarket shelf to remind us how utterly dependent we are on agriculture. In the 1980s we were told agriculture was a sunset industry destined to decline in importance as the service and technology sectors grew. Fast forward to…
Media Release: 4 November 2020 2020: A year of rapid digital change How the Internet of Things builds on this momentum to support safer, healthier and more connected lives The Internet of Things (IoT) – devices with sensors enabled by connectivity and enhanced by artificial intelligence and data analytics – presents significant opportunities to improve…
Horizon Scanning Series The Internet of Things (IoT) presents exciting opportunities to reimagine the way that we live in our cities and regions. As the IoT is further developed, not only will enterprise and industry be transformed, but so too will be the way we interact with each other and the world around us. For…
2020 Annual Report In 2020, there has been a no more significant time in modern history that the research community, ACOLA and the Learned Academies have come to the service of the nation. Professor Joy Damousi FASSA FAHA Chair, Board of Directors ACOLA ACOLA STRATEGIC STATEMENT The scale and complexity of the challenges facing communities…
Past Event | Link to view Panel discussion: Research Investment will be vital to Victoria’s economic recovery Date: Wednesday, 21 October 2020 The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) hosted a panel session to discuss its report: Stimulating the Science and Research Ecosystem Creates Jobs and Investment. The report, commissioned by Victoria’s Lead Scientist, Dr…
Media Release: 29 September 2020 Australia’s agricultural future: growing with technology Drought, climate variability, biosecurity, global competition and consumer preferences are some of the greatest challenges facing Australian farmers, their impacts threatening our position among the most efficient primary producers in the world. However, Australia’s primary producers have a long history of embracing innovation and adopting…
Horizon Scanning Series The future of agricultural technologies The adoption of emerging agricultural technology could help to respond to future trends and catalyse the transformational change needed in the agricultural sector, in terms of profitability, sustainability and productivity. These are among the findings of a panel of experts in a new report from the Australian…
Media Release: September 2020 Research investment will be vital to Victoria’s economic recovery Victoria’s recovery from a year of crisis will rely on continued commitment to research and innovation – both key drivers of economic growth. A report released today by the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) shows that past investments in research have…
Stimulating the science and research ecosystem creates jobs and investment Past Event | Link to Panel Discussion recording ACOLA, commissioned by Victoria’s Lead Scientist, Dr Amanda Caples, has produced a report outlining the value of investing in science and research in Victoria, that has brought national relevance. It highlights the broad value of research across…
Download submission (PDF 544KB) Over the past year, Australia has faced significant challenges that have disrupted our social and economic wellbeing. In considering the 2020-21 Federal Budget, the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) and our members urge the Australian Government to adopt a strategic approach to supporting Australia’s research sector that maintains Australia’s strong…
Media Release: Tuesday, 18 August 2020 What will it take for you to trust artificial intelligence? Artificial Intelligence (AI) is helping to improve our society, enhance Australia’s wellbeing, improve environmental sustainability and create a more equitable, inclusive and fair society. But as we work to reshape government delivery with AI, are we asking the right…
Event August 2020 The role of AI in Australia in 2030: Policy implications and the nature of industry in society Tuesday, 18 August 2020, ACOLA and the Institute of Public Administration Australia (IPAA) (ACT Branch) held a virtual panel session on Artificial Intelligence and government delivery. Featuring a keynote presentation by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr…
Media Release: 30 June 2020 Download: ACOLA statement in response to the higher education reforms [pdf] Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) statement in response to the Australian Government Higher Education reforms Securing Australia’s pipeline for interdisciplinary expertise and research Research and innovation are key drivers of economic growth and improved quality of life. Major…
AUSTRALIAN ENERGY TRANSITION RESEARCH PLAN Design Issues Paper – Submissions closed April 2020 The questions… Would you or your organisation be willing to participate with ACOLA in the development and ongoing support of a Research Plan? What should be the scope of the Research Plan (how should we define ‘energy’, ‘transition’ and ‘research’)? What processes…
Download submission (PDF 332KB) Link to: Australian Human Rights Commission Report AI decision-making has the potential to advance human rights by enabling more informed decisions, improving the accessibility to services, and minimising systemic bias. At each stage of development, checks and assessments at an interdisciplinary, holistic level are needed to ensure AI evolves in line…
Image adapted from: Photo by Fusion Medical Animation on Unsplash Media Release: April 2020 Australia’s learned academies launch a public access database of experts to guide our national response to COVID-19 The learned academies of Australia represent over 3,000 of the nation’s best and most eminent scientists, researchers scholars and practitioners. Our Academies and experts…
International Women’s Day 8 March 2020 On International Women’s Day, ACOLA would like to thank and pay tribute to the many outstanding women who provide ACOLA with expert advice, guidance and support. Thank you to these amazing women for their contribution to ACOLA’s recent reports
Media Release: 13 February 2020 Download: ACOLA Consensus Statement on the Australian Bushfires [pdf] The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) Consensus Statement on the Australian Bushfires ACOLA expresses our deepest sympathy and support to all Australians affected by the recent and ongoing bushfires, particularly those who have lost loved ones. The recent rain has…
2019 Annual Report 2019 has been another very productive year with ACOLA working on four projects under the Horizon Scanning series for the Australian Government. It also saw the release of the third report in the Horizon Scanning series: Synthetic biology in Australia: an outlook to 2030 at Customs House in Brisbane on 4…
Enhancing research outcomes from Australia’s regional, rural and remote universities Improving research potential and outcomes at universities in the regional, rural and remote research sector The Australian Government Department of Education has engaged the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) to work with the regional, rural and remote (RRR) research sector to better understand the…
Media Release: August 2019 The Board is pleased to announce that Mr Ryan Winn will be joining ACOLA as our new Chief Executive Officer Starting 2 September 2019 Ryan has held various executive roles across the Australian Government over the last decade, including the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. He will be joining…
Horizon Scanning Series The effective and ethical development of artificial intelligence: An opportunity to improve our wellbeing As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes more advanced its applications will become increasingly complex and will find their place in homes, work places and cities. AI offers broad-reaching opportunities, but uptake also carries serious implications for human capital, social…
Human Intelligence the key to the Artificial Intelligence age Artificial Intelligence (AI) can enhance Australia’s wellbeing, lift the economy, improve environmental sustainability and create a more equitable, inclusive and fair society. These are among the findings of a panel of experts in a new report from the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) titled: The Effective and Ethical Development…
Download submission (PDF 433KB) Link to: Australia and New Zealand Research classification Review As developments in science and technology progress rapidly, it is important to draw on deep expertise across disciplines to analyse the future, navigate change and highlight opportunities for the nation. Interdisciplinary research provides the forum for ensuring that these issues are assessed…
Download submission (PDF 551KB) Link to: Data61 discussion paper. Artificial Intelligence: Australia’s ethical Framework While AI is likely to cause short- to medium-term disruption, it may also generate long-term growth in areas such as health, agriculture, environmental sustainability, and manufacturing. Although many of the opportunities for AI are still many years away, this disruption will…
In 2018, the Australian Council of Learned Academies transitioned through a governance restructure and is now a recognised Australian Research Institute, a registered Charity and is an endorsed Deductible Gift Recipient organisation. As part of this transition, ACOLA welcomed a new Board of Directors comprised of the Presidents of ACOLA’s Member Academies and the ACOLA…
ACOLA farewells CEO, Dr Angus Henderson ACOLA farewelled Chief Executive Officer, Dr Angus Henderson on 2 November 2018. During his time at ACOLA, Angus played a critical role in the success of the organisation as it transitioned from completing the Securing Australia’s Future program to establishment of the Horizon Scanning Series. He also helped guide through restructure of the organisation’s governance arrangements.…
Australia’s Learned Academies respond to current ARC grant issues Australia’s Learned Academies have voiced their concerns over highly-recommended Australian Research Council (ARC) applications that were revealed recently as being subject to non-transparent Ministerial veto under former Education Minister Simon Birmingham. Australian researchers face many hurdles in establishing a stable career in their field, including the…
Download submission (PDF 245KB) Link to: AHRC Human Rights and Technology Issues Paper 2018 While many of the opportunities for Artificial Intelligence remain on the distant horizon, our actions today will set a course toward or away from these opportunities and their associated risks. The complex nature of AI will require a holistic, collaborative and…
Synthetic biology could reshape the global industrial landscape, creating opportunities and challenges for Australian firms, according to a new report from the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA). Synthetic biology in Australia: an outlook to 2030 examines the prospects for a fast-evolving field characterised by bold thinking and interdisciplinary research. Broadly defined, synthetic biology involves…
Horizon Scanning Series Synthetic Biology in Australia: An outlook to 2030 Synthetic biology involves the design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems, as well as the re-design of existing, natural biological systems for useful purposes. Synthetic biology involves the design and construction of new biological parts, devices, and systems, as well as…
2018 Annual Report 2018 has been a very productive year for ACOLA. Progressing on several fronts, ACOLA has made landmark achievements internally, where it navigated a major restructure, and also externally, where it gained significant momentum delivering the Horizon Scanning series. Dr John Beaton, Chair, Board of Directors ACOLA Secretariat Limited ACOLA STRATEGIC STATEMENT The…
The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) has been awarded two project grants through the Australian Research Council’s Linkage Learned Academies Special Projects (LASP) program Supporting Responses to Commonwealth Science Council Priorities.
A report released today by the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) says that precision medicine has the potential to transform Australia’s health care system. Precision medicine combines knowledge of a person’s unique genetic makeup, protein levels, and their environment to allow accurate disease prevention and treatment tailored to individual needs. To date, the main…
Horizon Scanning Series The Future of Precision Medicine in Australia Recent technological advances have enabled assembly of a wide range of data about an individual’s genetic and biochemical makeup, as formed by their genes, environment and lifestyle. While medicine has always had personal and predictive aspects, precision medicine allows health and disease to be viewed…
Download submission (PDF 727KB) Link to: Senate Select Committee on the Future of Work and Workers Technology is constantly changing the nature of our work and an innovative workforce requires a strong education system that fosters academic skills across all disciplines. Australia faces short-falls in skilled workers due to an ageing population and advancements in…
ACOLA welcomes Professor Glenn Withers AO FASSA FRSN as the President of the Council for 2018.
MEDIA RELEASE: Bright future for Australian energy storage despite public uncertainty 20/11/2017 by ACOLA Admin Bright future for Australian energy storage despite public uncertainty A report released today by the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) says that Australia has the potential to lead the world in developing large and home scale energy storage systems…
Horizon Scanning Series The Role of Energy Storage in Australia’s Future Energy Supply Delivered as a partnership between Australia’s Chief Scientist and ACOLA, the Energy Storage project studies the transformative role that energy storage may play in Australia’s energy systems; future economic opportunities and challenges; and current state of and future trends in energy storage…
2017 Annual Report Financial Year 2017 has been a year of transition for ACOLA, as we completed the Securing Australia’s Future (SAF) program and initiated several projects through the new Horizon Scanning initiative for the Chief Scientist and the Commonwealth Science Council. Dr Christina Parolin, Chair, Board of Directors ACOLA Secretariat Limited ACOLA STRATEGIC…
Securing Australia’s Future Securing Australia’s Future: Harnessing interdisciplinary research for innovation and prosperity ACOLA formally launched the book Securing Australia’s Future: Harnessing interdisciplinary research for innovation and prosperity on Wednesday 28 June 2017 at the Shine Dome in Canberra. Following the launch, a panel session with Dr Alan Finkel, Prof Ian Chubb, Prof Peter McPhee…
‘Securing Australia’s Future’– book launch, 28 June 2017, The Shine Dome, Canberra Maintaining a strong education system and building industries of the future are two of the key findings in the Securing Australia’s Future book, launched today by the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA). Securing Australia’s Future was a four year, $10 million investment…
Australia’s top-flight innovators will draw on a mix of skills – creative, business and technical– to tap new sources of wealth, according to a new report. Skills and capabilities for Australian Enterprise Innovation, from the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA), provides a window into the business practices of innovation leaders today, and insight to…
Securing Australia’s Future SAF10: Skills and capabilities for Australian enterprise innovation It is widely accepted that Australia needs an innovative, flexible and creative workforce with the capabilities to enable the country to maximize its opportunities. While technical and scientific capabilities are recognised as critical, there is a growing awareness that innovation also requires people who…
Securing Australia’s Future SAF12: Securing Australia’s Future Program Review As a conclusion to the overall Securing Australia’s Future program, ACOLA conducted a review to collate findings from each of the twelve SAF projects and combined these into a summary report. It also sought to create a book which examined the body of research conducted through…
2016 Annual Report Financial Year 2016 has been a year of change for ACOLA. Along with substantive completion of the Securing Australia’s Future (SAF) program, ACOLA began to turn in a new strategic direction. Ms Anna-Maria Arabia, Chair, Board of Directors ACOLA Secretariat Limited ACOLA STRATEGIC STATEMENT Australia’s four Learned Academies are independent organisations…
Australia’s human bridges to Asia are critical national infrastructure, according to a new report from the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA). With Asian nations rising as the super-economies of the century ahead, the report, Australia’s Diaspora Advantage: Realising the potential for building transnational business networks with Asia, charts the path to stronger engagement for…
Securing Australia’s Future SAF13: Research training system review Australia’s Higher Degree by Research (HDR) training system is critical to our future economic strength. It provides a highly qualified research workforce, enabling research and innovation across the academic, industry, government and not-for-profit sectors, as well as contributing substantially to Australia’s and the world’s body of knowledge.…
Securing Australia’s Future SAF11: Australia’s Diaspora Advantage: Realising the potential for building transnational business networks with Asia As a dynamic economy in a rapidly developing region, Australia seeks to utilise all available resources to manage regional opportunities and risks for growth and stability. Australia’s international business relations are strengthened by the diasporas, of which Asian…
Future Earth Australia Future Earth Australia has been established with funding from the Australian Council of Learned Academies to coordinate Australia’s participation in the global Future Earth Initiative, a new international platform for building and connecting global knowledge to intensify the impact of research and find new ways to accelerate sustainable development. Future Earth aims…
Industry placements for PhD students and flexibility for graduate training are two key recommendations of a comprehensive review of Australia’s research training system launched today by Federal Minister for Education and Training, Senator Simon Birmingham. Established by the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) as part of the Securing Australia’s Future program, the review’s recommendations…
The Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) has reported that innovation in Australia is suffering from a lack of direction, short-termism and a haphazard approach. Translating research for economic and social benefit examined innovation initiatives in 14 nations and found a clear link between national policy and performance. The 14 were: Finland, Denmark, Sweden, Germany,…
Securing Australia’s Future SAF09: Translating research for economic and social benefit – Country comparisons There is an identified urgent need for Australia to improve the application of outputs from its investment in publicly funded research. Utilising country comparisons, this project will analyse international best practice approaches to encouraging and facilitating research translation, commercialisation and collaboration.…
Reforms across Australian institutions and investments for the future could add more than 20 per cent to living standards by 2030, according to a new report from the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA). Professor John Hewson AM will speak at the Canberra launch of the report today at the Academy of the Social Sciences…
Securing Australia’s Future SAF01: Australia’s Comparative Advantage Establishing proper policy foundations, combined with public support and effective leadership, will better place Australia on a trajectory for national well-being. While change is challenging, the benefits of systematic reform and investment in our future to build Australia’s comparative advantage will mean higher living standards, increased equity and…
Securing Australia’s Future SAF08: Delivering Sustainable Urban Mobility Australia is one of the most urbanised nations in the world, with almost two thirds of the population concentrated in five metropolitan areas. Projected urban expansion, and the residential expectations of many Australians, are raising acute questions relating to the planning and provision of social, economic and…
Cars and trucks are choking Australian cities costing billions of dollars in traffic congestion, harming human health and adding to greenhouse gas emissions, according to a new report from the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA). The report, Delivering Sustainable Urban Mobility, warns that Australia is heading down the wrong path and a new approach…
Securing Australia’s Future SAF05: Technology and Australia’s Future – New technologies and their role in our security, cultural, democratic, social and economic systems Adaptability and innovation are central to a healthy and prosperous future. New technologies (their creation and their uptake) are critical in enabling Australia’s innovative capacity and productive potential. This project will examine…
New technologies offer unprecedented opportunities for economic growth and community wellbeing, but only if Australians are ready to adapt and learn, according to a new report from the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA). Technology and Australia’s Future explores what it takes to win in the technology race and manage the human costs of disruptive…
The value of Australia’s agricultural exports could double in real terms by 2050 in response to surging global demand, according to a new report from the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA). The report, Australia’s Agricultural Future, explores the choices and challenges the sector faces on the path to sustainable growth in a changing market.…
Securing Australia’s Future SAF07: Australia’s Agricultural Future Agriculture is an important part of the Australian economy and an area of significant comparative advantage. Agriculture can post major successes in developing and adopting innovations and new technologies particularly in dry land cropping, pasture-based production systems and biosecurity arrangements that protect against pest and disease incursions. The…
Research Training System Review Expert Working Group Appointed ACOLA today has issued a media release announcing the appointment of the Expert Working Group for the Research Training System Review. The Australian Council of Learned Academies has appointed the Expert Working Group to conduct the review of the Research Training System, as announced by the Minister…
2015 Annual Report In FY2015, ACOLA has continued to deliver the first and second tranches ofthe program Securing Australia’s Future (SAF). The eight projects involved to date were designed to provide evidence-based research initially for the Prime Minister’s Science Engineering & Innovation Council (PMSEIC) and more recently for the Commonwealth Science Council. Dr Margaret…
Securing Australia’s Future SAF03: Smart engagement with Asia: Leveraging language, research and culture The depth of Australia’s linguistic and inter-cultural competence will be a determining factor in the future success of developments in innovation, science and technology, research capacity, international mobility, trade relations and economic competitiveness. In the medium to longer term, the Asia Pacific…
The rise of Asia requires vision and action in Australia, according to a new report from the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA). Smart Engagement with Asia provides new insight to the complexities of our relationships in the region, and a blueprint for the bridges Australia can build.
On Wednesday 20 May 2015, The Hon Christopher Pyne MP Minister for Education and Training announced that the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA) has been commissioned to undertake a review of Australia’s research training system, to ensure that it meets the country’s research needs in the 21st-century. The review will form the final project…
Making interdisciplinary research work Assistive health technologies for independent living: a pilot study. Lessons Learned for Interdisciplinary Research: Good Practice (2013-2014) A pilot research project to test the findings from Making Interdisciplinary Research Work – Achieving a Sustainable Australia and Making Interdisciplinary Research Work – Evaluation Framework and Report September 2014 The final component of…
2014 Annual Report In FY2014 ACOLA Secretariat Ltd has continued to deliver the research projects of the first tranche of the program Securing Australia’s Future. The company has also been closely involved in developing and initiating several second tranche SAF projects. All of these were designed to provide evidence based research for the Prime…
ACOLA today launches a new report, which for the first time confirms the importance of innovation, science and research to Australia as critical drivers of productivity and the building of future industries. The role of science, research and technology in lifting Australian productivity makes 25 key findings about Australia’s current performance and outlines opportunities to…
Securing Australia’s Future SAF04: The role of science, research and technology in lifting Australian productivity Through the identification of opportunities for applying knowledge and skills in science and research across a range of industries and sectors including private and public enterprises, this project examines ways to enhance innovation, creativity and productivity in the Australian workforce…
Making interdisciplinary research work The Character of Interdisciplinary Research. Examined through a sample of socio-environmental research projects Phase 2: Interdisciplinary Research Applications for Sustainable Resource Utilisation; and Sustainable Growth – Interdisciplinary Research Applications for Economic, Social and Cultural Prosperity (2011-2012) Making Interdisciplinary Research Work (ARC Linkage Learned Academics Special Projects Funding 2010 project LS1000004) commenced…
Australia’s Progress in the 21st Century Australia’s Progress in the 21st Century (AP21C) is a pilot research and community engagement project which underpins the development of the Australian National Development Index (ANDI) A collaboration of 40 leading community organisations, church groups, businesses and universities who aim to introduce a holistic measure of progress – ANDI…
2013 Annual Report 2012/13 has seen ACOLA Secretariat Ltd take on a new role, initiated by Australia’s Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb AO, and utilising its function as the liaison body between the four Learned Academies. Since June 2012, the company has managed a major new three-year multidisciplinary research program Securing Australia’s Future, providing…
Securing Australia’s Future SAF02: International comparisons of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) A vibrant capacity in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is pivotal to increasing our nation’s productivity. Building on recent research commissioned by Australia’s Chief Scientist to identify STEM skills shortages, this project will critically examine existing solutions to the STEM skills…
Securing Australia’s Future SAF06: Engineering energy: unconventional gas production Energy needs will require us to keep turning to opportunities for alternative sources such as shale oil gas and coal seam gas. As technology and geological knowledge continue to advance, and the consequent economics of extracting unconventional natural gas become more feasible, Australia could be in…
ACOLA today launches a new report, which for the first time examines the spectrum of issues facing the development of a shale gas industry in Australia. ACOLA today launches a new report, which for the first time examines the spectrum of issues facing the development of a shale gas industry in Australia. Engineering Energy: Unconventional Gas…
ACOLA today launches a new report, which for the first time compares science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education strategies on an international basis and identifies the key strategies of successful STEM countries. ACOLA today launches a new report, which for the first time compares science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education strategies on an…
Research workforce strategy – career support for researchers Researchers in Australia face many hurdles in establishing a stable career in their chosen field of research. To inform policy development, as part of the Australian Government’s Research Workforce Strategy, ACOLA was charged with exploring options to meet one of the priorities: that researchers are ‘supported to…
2012 Annual Report 2011/12 has seen a rapid expansion of the role of ACOLA as the liaison bodybetween the four Learned Academies. The earlier strengthening of the organisation through the appointment of a professional secretariat has proven to be timely. Those steps enabled ACOLA to swiftly rise to the challenge created early in 2012…
Making interdisciplinary research work Critical Examination of Interdisciplinary Research in Australia and abroad (2010) Component one, Strengthening Interdisciplinary Research – what it is, what it does, how it does it and how it is supported examined the status quo in the field of interdisciplinary research in Australia, made a number of key findings and presented…
2011 Annual Report 2010/11 has seen a reinvigoration of the affairs of ACOLA, with all four Learned Academies committing to heightened engagement in multidisciplinary projects, over and above the extensive research programs already operating within each organisation. The effects of a professional Secretariat have been to help bring focus and clarity to inter-Academy meetings…
National Academies Forum Understanding the Formation of Attitudes to Nuclear Power in Australia This study seeks to understand the development of Australian attitudes towards the use of nuclear energy for the large-scale generation of electricity. The topic has become more relevant as Australians are now well aware of the risks attributed to a continued dependence…
National Academies Forum Rediscovering Recherche Bay Edited by John Mulvaney and Hugh Tyndale-Biscoe, 2007 Beautiful Recherche Bay, in southwest Tasmania, came to prominence only recently, buts its significant for Australians goes back more than two centuries. It was there in 1791-1793 that many of Australia’s unique plants were collected by botanists for the first time;…
National Academies Forum Environmental, Social, Legal and Ethical Aspects of The Development of Nanotechnologies in Australia Australia has particular research strengths in nanoelectronics, nanobiotechnology, nanomedicine and nanomaterials and that these need to be at least maintained to give Australia a competitive edge in global science and technology and thus minimise the risk of losing out…
