ATSE

Australia has a skills shortage. So why are we wasting hundreds of thousands of skilled people already here? Almost half of Australia’s permanent migrants (44%) are working below the level of their skills or qualifications. That is more than 620,000 people. We are not simply failing to attract enough talent. We are failing to use the talent we have already attracted.

Australia is facing a growing gap in the pipeline of domestic researchers and STEM professionals, with new analysis showing the number of Australian students enrolled in research training programs fell by 6,511 between 2015 and 2024. The analysis of 40 Australian universities by University of Melbourne Emeritus Professor Frank Larkin found that 32 had fewer domestic research students in 2024 than a decade earlier.

The STELR Fund of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering has announced the latest recipients of its hands-on science and technology kits, with philanthropic support helping bring classroom-tested equipment and teaching resources to schools around the country. This latest round of funding brings the total number of schools supported to 47, covering nearly every state and territory and thousands of students in every corner of the country.

The Global Connections Fund (GCF), delivered by the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering with funding from the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, is a simple idea. Seed funding for small businesses and research teams partnering across borders helps cover the costs of turning an idea into a proof-of-concept, and moving them from prototype to production.

A program described in an independent review as a “gold standard” for fostering gender equity in STEM is facing a funding cliff, despite achieving a 96% retention rate among its scholars. The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) is calling on the Federal Government to continue its successful investment in Elevate: Boosting diversity in STEM, which has supported more than 500 women and non-binary scholars across 36 Australian universities.

As Australia’s former chief scientist, you might be surprised to know that I had moments at university when I wondered: Can I do this and finish my degree? I was fortunate to have people around me who helped me through those moments. Some of that support was informal: encouragement from colleagues, mentors and peers, and people who reminded me that I could succeed. At the time, I didn't think much about how important that support was. Looking back, I know it made a difference.

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE) has appointed Jane O’Dwyer as its new Chief Executive Officer. Ms O’Dwyer, who will begin the role on 9 November, brings more than 30 years of experience working at the intersection of research, industry and government in roles spanning higher education, research, public policy, government relations, media, and strategic communications.

Australia produces research of extraordinary quality. Australian discoveries have helped create Wi-Fi, vaccines, medical devices, advanced mining technologies and globally significant capabilities in quantum science, astronomy, biotechnology and clean energy. Yet too often, the industries and enduring economic value created by those ideas emerge elsewhere. Promising companies are acquired or move offshore before reaching scale. Business investment in research and development remains weak.

ATSE congratulates Simon Draper PSM on his appointment as Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources. ATSE recognises the significant leadership and public service experience Mr Draper bring to the role. This includes helping coordinate the NSW construction industry's response to the COVID-19 pandemic and supporting the state's economic recovery.

Australia’s tech and engineering academy has broadly welcomed proposed changes to the Australian Research Council's National Competitive Grants Program (NCGP), describing them as an important step towards a more effective system to power national discovery and industrial advancement.