The Australian Academy of Science thanks outgoing Minister for Industry, Science and Technology Karen Andrews for her long-term and authentic commitment to science and technology.
The Academy congratulates Minister Andrews on her outstanding achievements including her leadership with the Rapid Research Information Forum, a critical independent scientific advisory function that has assisted the Prime Minister navigate the pandemic and that continues to be a valuable tool to assist evidence-informed decision making across portfolios; growth of the space sector; setting in train growth of onshore manufacturing capability much of which is driven by science and technology; and boosting the cooperative research centre programs that enhance collaboration between academia and industry.
In particular, we acknowledge Minister Andrews' commitment to women in STEM and for advancing the recommendations of Australia's 10-year plan for Women in STEM. The plan is aimed at achieving sustained increases in girls' and women's STEM participation. The plan was jointly developed by the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering.
Minister Andrews brought a wealth of knowledge and experience to the portfolio. An engineer before entering the parliament, she previously held the position of Assistant Minister and Parliamentary Secretary for Science and co-convened the Parliamentary Friends of Science group since its inception.
The Academy looks forward to continuing to advancing science in Australia with the new Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, Christian Porter.
