The Australian Academy of Science

Our President Chennupati Jagadish, AC has some news about Australian science in the 2026–27 Budget. 

Applications are now open for the Australia–India Strategic Research Fund (AISRF) EMCR Fellowships (Round 6)! This program supports Australian early- and mid-career researchers to undertake short-term research placements in India, strengthening collaboration and building partnerships that address shared priorities. 2026 also marks 20 years of the AISRF bilateral program (operating since 2006), celebrating two decades of Australia–India science and technology collaboration and long-term partnerships. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ewWnNmhe __ Department of Industry, Science and Resources

This Budget contained welcome first steps to reform the broken science system. We read the Budget for science so you didn’t have to. Here’s our quick take. __ Chennupati Jagadish, AC CSIRO ANSTO National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) National Measurement Institute, Australia Hayley Teasdale | Lauren Sullivan

The Academy’s statement on the 2026-27 Federal Budget. More analysis to come. __ Chennupati Jagadish, AC

Nomination for 2027 Honorific Awards Extended to 1 June 2026 🚨‼️   The Academy is on the lookout for nominations advancing scientific discovery in the four categories below:   🎖️Premier awards  Matthew Flinders Medal and Lecture (physical sciences)   🎖️Career awards Hannan Medal (pure mathematics)   🎖️Early-career awards Moran Medal (statistical science) Ruth Stephens Gani Medal (human genetics)   Share widely and nominate candidates 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ecbNT-79 

Vale Dr Donald Morton FAA – internationally recognised astrophysicist   We are saddened to learn of the passing of Academy Fellow Dr Donald Morton on 26 April 2026 aged 92.   Dr Morton was a pioneer in optical astronomy. From instruments mounted on rockets in 1965, he obtained the first ultraviolet stellar spectra, and deduced the existence of stellar winds – now recognised as a major phenomenon in the evolution and structure of giant stars. From Copernicus satellite data, he made landmark measurements of the chemical abundances in the interstellar medium – the gas and dust that exists between stars.   Dr Morton served as Director of the Anglo–Australian Telescope from 1976 to 1986, overseeing the observatory's early rise to prominence as it opened up the southern skies for optical research.   On behalf of the Academy and its Fellowship, we extend our deepest condolences to Dr Morton’s family, friends and colleagues. __ Chennupati Jagadish, AC Astronomy Australia Limited

When applying for postdoc positions, Academy President Chennupati Jagadish, AC received more than 300 rejection letters. “Name a university. I got a rejection letter [from them]!” he would joke. Persistence, resilience and a sense of humour – for Chennupati Jagadish, AC these are essential qualities for building a successful career in science. Our ‘Making it in science' series tells the personal stories behind our Fellows' careers and achievements.

Professor Pat Moran FAA FRS was a founding figure of mathematical statistics in Australia. Through the generosity of his daughter, Louise Moran, the Academy has scanned and preserved historic photographs of Pat, adding another piece to Australia’s scientific memory. This is the power of archives. They help us understand where Australian science is going by remembering the people who helped build it. There are many ways to give back to science. Sometimes, it begins with preserving a photograph.

Good news for Australian Science to restore science funding into public hands thanks to Senators Katy Gallagher and Tim Ayres in this upcoming 2026-2027 Federal budget👇👇 More Academy analysis to come on Budget day. __ CSIRO Chennupati Jagadish, AC

Some of Australia’s smallest species are facing a big conservation threat. Dr Meng-Han Chung (University of Canberra) is saving threatened frog species by vaccinating tadpoles against a deadly fungal disease, called chytridiomycosis, before they are released into the wild. Applications for 2027 are open to PhD students and early-career researchers, with up to $20,000 in funding available. 🔗 https://lnkd.in/djUCSQa3 __ Dr Chung is a recipient of the Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award – an annual award for PhD students or early-career researchers working on the conservation of Australia’s flora and fauna using an interdisciplinary approach.