Advancing Australia's Science-Policy System

A strong national science-policy system is one in which policymakers have easy access to the best scientific knowledge and expertise, and the capacity and resources to effectively interpret that knowledge to enable evidence-informed decision-making in government. Ensuring that Australia’s science-policy system is maintained and enhanced is crucial to Australia’s prosperity in both the short and long term. Harnessing science for policy can help the Australian government understand and seize the potential of emerging technologies, deliver on international commitments (for example, environment or human rights), and respond to emergencies such as COVID-19. But, in a time of social, economic and environmental challenges, technological change, and global political uncertainty, are we building the science-policy system we need?

18 Months In - Exploring the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on Australia’s research workforce

Authors: Will Grant, Inger Mewburn, Hanna Suominen, Ran Cui, Li’An Chen, Chenchen Xu

Australia’s research workforce has gone through a tough 18 months. Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in early 2020, we’ve seen significant academic job losses, major changes to teaching practices, and a highly uncertain workforce horizon.

But more data is needed to properly understand these changes.

In this brief update we present data showing the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on the research labour market both inside and outside the Australian higher education sector.

By better understanding research labour force trends, we hope that students, educators and key decision makers can better plan for the future, and work towards a better fit between the higher education sector and Australia’s other users of highly skilled researchers.

Tracking Trends in Industry Demand for Australia's Advanced Research Workforce

Authors: Inger Mewburn, Hanna Suominen and Will Grant

This report was created in collaboration between the Australian National University and Data61 within the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. It was funded by the Australian Government Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, with raw data provided by SEEK Limited. The project aimed to produce data and methods to address the following two key challenges for Australia: 1) helping universities prepare graduates for workplaces outside academia, and 2) helping industry to recognise the value of the research skills developed by graduates of PhD and MPhil programs. The project successfully used Machine Learning to analyse job ads in order to better understand Australian industry demand for highly skilled researchers. Though further research and development work is required, The Machine developed in this project can be used to perform a longitudinal examination of Australian industry response to the innovation agenda.

Developing an Evidence Base for Science Engagement

Authors: Sue Stocklmayer and Sean Perera

This report was commissioned by Inspiring Australia and prepared by Professor Sue Stocklmayer and Dr Sean Perera from CPAS, with the Developing an Evidence Base for Science Engagement Working Group chaired by Mr Richard Eckersley. It offers a plan for identifying and sharing best practice for an evidence base for science engagement in Australia. It finds that much needs to be done to create stronger links between the constituent parts of Australia’s national innovation system, proposing ten recommendations divided into three main themes: The Australian Public, Science Engagement Enterprises, and Funding for Science Communication.