February 02, 2026
Ah, the 2026–27 Budget is right around the corner, and it better be a game changer for Australia’s R&D scene. If it isn’t, we’re talking big trouble for the economy and living standards. The Australian Academy of Science isn’t mincing words here.
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science and technology: not just luxuries
Professor Chennupati Jagadish AC, who heads the Academy, stresses that science and tech aren’t optional anymore. We’re living in wild times—tech booms, global politics, and environmental shifts are rewriting the rules. The Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) is laying down a roadmap. It’s about time the government takes a hint.
the blueprint for r&d
Jagadish points out, “What this Budget decides could shape Australia’s next few decades.” Our R&D system is at a breaking point. Years of lagging behind in competitive grant funding and business investment need addressing now. The trend has been downward, and it can’t continue.
long-term investment: start now!
The Academy champions a 10-year R&D investment plan. This isn’t just for scientists and techies; it connects the dots between government, business, and universities. Such a plan could give Australia the competitive edge it sorely needs.
Now, they aren’t blind to fiscal pressures. But come on, a budget-positive research fund backed by a temporary R&D levy on big businesses? Sounds like a winner. Depending on contributions, this could drum up between $2 to $12 billion. Finally, something that gets business folks to chip in!
supercomputing woes
Here’s another headache: Australia is lagging in supercomputing and data infrastructure. High-performance computing powers AI, quantum tech, climate modeling, you name it. Without it, we’re toast. The Academy warns, “Our supercomputing is as old as the hills. Without a plan, our edge in sovereign computing is fading fast.”
science advice at the forefront
Currently, the Academy is pushing for stronger science advice within the government. The idea? Beef up the National Science and Technology Council. Ministers need quick, independent insights from the best scientific minds. After all, we’re facing economic, environmental, and security puzzles that need solving.
Check out the Academy’s full recommendations here.
indoor air quality strategy
In tandem, the Academy has co-published a separate pre-Budget submission. This one’s about a national indoor air quality strategy. We need a multidisciplinary advisory council on this front too. Because breathing clean air indoors shouldn’t be a luxury either.
So, there you go. The Budget is upon us, and Australia’s future hangs in the balance. Let’s hope they get this one right.
