National security and the economy

Safeguarding our nation, powering prosperity and enhancing industry through science and innovation.

Our focus

The Academy is a vital nexus between the research sector and government and industry, facilitating dialogue, and balancing knowledge creation with security and economic opportunity.

We provide expert advice on national security matters that intersect with Australia’s research effort. We are also strengthen Australia’s scientific diplomacy architecture, promoting global scientific cooperation in Australia’s national interest.

Related submissions

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Parliamentary Committee inquiry

Submission – Inquiry into Funding and Resourcing for the CSIRO

Declining R&D investment places CSIRO and key research infrastructure at risk. Australia needs sustained, evidence-based funding to support national capability and interests.

Published on 04 February 2026

Commonwealth Government

Submission—2026–27 Pre-Budget submission

The 2026–27 Budget must begin long‑term reinvestment in R&D, supercomputing and scientific talent.

Published on 30 January 2026

Commonwealth Government

Joint submission—A national strategy for indoor air quality

Health and science organisations urge the Government to fund a national indoor air quality strategy and advisory council in the 2026–27 Budget.

Published on 30 January 2026

Parliamentary Committee inquiry

Submission – Inquiry into the Value of Skilled Migration to Australia

The Academy urges aligning migration with priority science areas and expanding talent‑attraction programs to secure global research leaders.

Published on 08 January 2026

Commonwealth Government

Submission—Circular Economy inquiry

On 8 November 2024, the Academy made a joint submission with the ARC Centre of Excellence in Synthetic Biology to the Opportunities in the Circular Economy inquiry.

Published on 08 November 2024

Related publications

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Indoor air: The science of indoor air and pathways to improve indoor air quality in Australia

Poor indoor air quality harms health and productivity, and Australia needs urgent action through monitoring, reporting, and enforceable standards to ensure clean indoor air.

Published on 05 November 2025

Indoor air: the science of indoor air and pathways to improve indoor air quality in Australia

��Ƶ, Australia's future: Science 2035

An investigation into Australia's future science capability needs reveals eight key areas with projected gaps.

Published on 04 September 2025

��Ƶ, Australia's future: Science 2035. Where do we want to be?

Issues paper: Incentivising business investment in R&D

The ��Ƶ is calling for an urgent national conversation on research and development investment in Australia.

Published on 24 July 2025

International scientific collaborations in a contested world: Summary of the National Symposium, November 2023

Exploring the role of science in an uncertain geopolitical landscape.

Published on 20 December 2024

International Scientific Collaborations in a Contested World: Summary of the national symposium, November 2023

The future computing needs of the ��Ƶ sector

A brief on the future computing needs of the ��Ƶ sector, calling for for a national strategy backed by at least one exascale capability.

Published on 20 February 2024

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Federal Budget must mark turning point for Australian R&D investment

The ��Ƶ warns the 2026–27 Budget must reverse a decade of declining R&D investment or risk lasting damage to Australia’s economy, security and global competitiveness.

02 February 2026

New report provides roadmap to plug national science capability gaps

In June this year the Federal Treasurer said the government has “an obligation to future generations to deliver a better standard of living than we enjoy today.”

04 September 2025

Incentivising business investment in R&D

The ��Ƶ is calling for an urgent national conversation on R&D investment in Australia.

24 July 2025

Bringing better science to the justice system: ABC interview with Academy Chief Executive Anna-Maria Arabia

TOPICS: Kathleen Folbigg and creating a more science-aware justice system. Broadcast on Tuesday 27 May 2025

27 May 2025

Scientists call for urgent investment in science infrastructure and education

Australia’s leading scientists are calling on the Australian Government to urgently invest in the nation’s supercomputing capability and boost science and mathematics education as critical priorities of the 2025–26 Budget.

18 February 2025

Related projects

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Aerial Shine Dome May 2015 Credit Adi Chopra

Current

Incentivising business investment in R&D

The ��Ƶ is calling for an urgent national conversation on R&D investment in Australia.

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