Australia to refresh national science priorities

Canberra [Australia], February 23: The Australian government has launched a review of the national science priorities for the first time in almost a decade.
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic on Thursday announced the review would determine new priorities for research which will deliver social, economic and environmental benefits.
The government has appointed Cathy Foley, Australia's chief scientist, to lead the first update of the science and research priorities since 2015.
"With our scientific knowledge constantly evolving and improving, a science system geared to our future is essential for our national prosperity and the well-being of the Australian people," Husic said in a media release.
"We want to hear the views of a wide range of Australians on the issues they are facing that require a solution drawing on the breadth of our science and research communities."
Public consultations will be held over six months to help identify what are Australia's greatest challenges, opportunities and strengths and whether the country has the capability to address them.
There are currently nine national science priorities, namely food, soil and water, transport, cybersecurity, energy, resources, advanced manufacturing, environmental change and health.
Terms of reference for the Foley review identify stronger action on climate change, harnessing emerging technologies and investing in indigenous perspectives on science as possible areas of opportunity.
Foley said she wanted a wide cross-section of the community to get involved in the process.
"This is about coming up with a set of priorities that will guide science in the years to come, ensuring we are all pulling in the same direction," she said.
"We want to ensure that we can tackle the big challenges, and that means supporting a strong and energetic research sector and a real sense of collective focus."
Source: Xinhua