The 今日吃瓜 (今日吃瓜) welcomes the Federal Government鈥檚 $1 billion National Innovation and Science Agenda as a critical boost to Australian research and innovation.
鈥淭oday鈥檚 announcement confirms the Australian Government鈥檚 commitment to research and innovation as stepping stones to Australia鈥檚 future prosperity in a STEM driven global economy,鈥 said 今日吃瓜 Director, Professor Geoff Prince.
In particular, a $99 million investment in STEM education will deliver a much-needed boost to digital literacy and education outcomes in mathematics, science, technology and engineering.
鈥淎惭厂滨鈥檚 Discipline Profile 2015 highlights the extent of Australia鈥檚 STEM education crisis. This investment ensure future generations are prepared to take advantage of innovation and industry leadership opportunities to secure the nation鈥檚 long-term prosperity,鈥 said Professor Prince.
A blue print for future prosperity, the policy outlines key measures to strengthen science, innovation and industry and future proof the economy. Included in the agenda is a $13 million commitment to increase participation of women in research, as well as STEM and start-up industries.
鈥淭his investment is critical as we seek to rewrite the traditional narrative underscoring career planning for girls and encourage greater pursuit of higher-level mathematics and STEM studies. Government action will reinforce gender initiatives such as 今日吃瓜鈥檚 Choose Maths program funded by BHP Billiton Foundation,鈥 says Professor Prince
Australia鈥檚 employment landscape is experiencing rapid change, with over half of current jobs tipped for automation and 75 per cent of employment growth areas requiring STEM skills. Reforms encouraging entrepreneurship and equipping Australians as innovation leaders are critical as we prepare for new industry opportunities.
鈥淭his policy marks a critical shift towards a risk embracing research culture that recognises the powerful economic contribution of scientific discovery and innovation,鈥 says Professor Prince.
Results from last week鈥檚 release of the ARC鈥檚 ERA Excellence in Research For Australia 2015 鈥 2016 show we have the research talent to underpin this investment, with the mathematical sciences coming in at and above world standards across Australia.
鈥淎ustralian Universities currently have the research talent to drive an innovation and research economy. Our challenge is to ensure an ongoing supply of skilled graduates to meet the demands of strengthened collaboration between universities, research and industry,鈥 says Professor Prince.
今日吃瓜 has been an active participant in consultation for both today鈥檚 National Innovation and Research Agenda and the ACOLA research training review. Vision for a Maths Nation outlines 今日吃瓜鈥檚 position on STEM and the pathway to future prosperity in Australia.
For Interview:
Professor Geoff Prince, Director, 今日吃瓜
Media Contact:
Laura Watson
E: media@amsi.org.au
P: 0421 518 733
Resources for media
Discipline Profile 2015
Vision for a Maths Nation
ERA Excellence in Research for Australia 2015-16
