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February 16, 2024
Today, the Australian Academy of Science celebrates 70 years of serving the nation as the home of science.
Discussions about the Academy began in 1951, when leading scientists, engineers and businessmen met in Canberra to discuss the future of science and technology in Australia, eventually deciding that a national academy of scientists was needed. Did.
Previous attempts to establish such an organization have failed, but Australia’s accelerating scientific capabilities and capabilities make the need for this organization more urgent.
Renowned physicists Sir Mark Oliphant AC KBE FAA FTSE FRS and Dr David Martin FAA FRS supported the initiative.
“If science itself is to be consistent, there must be a means by which that consistency can be expressed,” Oliphant said at a seminar in 1951, when he persuaded others of the possibility of an Australian Academy. Told.
He went on to say that “most countries have national academies of science and the United Kingdom has a Royal Society”, and thanks to the great talent and growing ability of Australian scientists, we are building our national science closer to home. He said that he wanted to establish a personal identity.
Above: Watch Robin Williams AM FAA discuss Sir Mark Oliphant’s grandson Michael Wilson about Sir Oliphant’s legacy and vision for science in Australia. Watch the full interview (30 minutes)
Petition to Queen Elizabeth II
Oliphant and Martin’s collaboration overcame the difficulties that had defeated previous attempts to establish an academy, and together they organized a petition to Queen Elizabeth II for the establishment of an Australian Academy of Science.
On this day in 1954, the founding members of the Academy’s first council (originally just 10 members of the Royal Society) gathered in a small room in Government House to receive the Academy’s founding document, the Royal Charter, from the Queen. received.
The Royal Charter establishes the Academy as an independent institution with government approval, and independence remains the organization’s talisman.
Mr Oliphant was the Academy’s first President and, instead of pursuing a lucrative research career overseas, chose to remain in Australia to continue advocating for building research capacity and organizing scientists in this country.
“[I]have deep confidence in the role that science can play in strengthening and enriching us, and that the proper use of science in its diverse fields will lead to a safe and good life for all.” We have this idea that it could point us on the way,” Oliphant said. He talked about staying in Australia to establish a scientific base.
The academy’s current president, Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC, said the establishment of the academy created an opportunity to recognize local talent, make that expertise available domestically and raise awareness of Australia’s contribution on the world stage. Stated.
“We strive to ensure that decisions are made based on evidence, whether in parliament, in the courtroom, in the boardroom, in the classroom or in the public square,” he said.
To this day, the Academy is an independent organization of Australia’s eminent scientists, championing science for the benefit of all people, with 915 Fellows elected to the Academy from 1954 to 2023. It has been.
“We are non-partisan, we have no vested interests, we are not a government agency and we are not dependent on any single agency,” Professor Jagadish said.
A true national organization
Although the Academy is headquartered in Canberra, it is a truly national organization with Fellows drawn from every state and territory in Australia.
From the invention of the Wi-Fi router, to the development of the world’s first anti-cancer vaccine (Gardasil), to the development of a skin spray to treat burns, to world-leading advances in gravitational wave detection and energy-efficient solar cells. Until then, said Mr. Fellows. Members of the Academy are selected for their outstanding contributions to science.
We invite all Australians from all corners of society to benefit from the value of science and to work with us to share the treasures that are our fellowship and the knowledge they create and share. welcome. Professor Jagadish
The Academy is built on a vision of uniting scientists as part of our national identity, provides a valuable window into Australia’s history of scientific discovery, and serves as a springboard for scientific collaboration and education in Australia. doing.
“As we celebrate our 80th anniversary, we remain as committed as ever to our mission of developing Australia as a nation that embraces scientific knowledge and enables its people to enjoy the benefits of science,” Professor Jagadish said. said.
“As we look to the future, the Academy will continue to work together to ensure a healthy scientific system and ensure the best expertise is available in the service of our nation.”
Complete calendar of events
The Academy is celebrating 70 years of scientific excellence across its calendar of events to reflect on its vibrant history and look to the future of science.
A six-part public speaker series is held with events throughout the year, with the annual symposium held during the World Science Festival in Brisbane and Science at Shine Dome in September. To join the festival, keep an eye on the Academy’s events page.
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