An independent panel chaired by Robyn Denholm has today released the Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) report, Ambitious Australia, a major independent review of Australia's R&D system.
The review sought to consider how Australia can get greater value from research investment, grow business R&D, and leverage our scientific strengths to address national priorities and build new industries.
Australia's science and research system is critical to delivering a Future Made in Australia - building greater local capability, strengthening industrial capacity and boosting Australia's global competitiveness.
Australian researchers and scientists are unlocking new ways to process critical minerals, make green iron, reduce emissions in heavy industries and find new ways to use AI, quantum and critical technologies to drive better outcomes for Australians.
The report recognises both the challenges and the opportunities - and how Government, business, workers, industry, universities, researchers and scientists can work together to lift productivity and boost Australia's economic resilience.
The Government thanks the independent panel, led by Robyn Denholm with members Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb AC, Winthrop Professor Fiona Wood AO and Dr Kate Cornick for its significant work in delivering this report. Commissioned as part of the 2024-25 Budget, the SERD responds to a recommendation of the Universities Accord.
The panel undertook extensive consultation across the country, engaging with industry, universities, research organisations, peak bodies, governments, First Nations people and the broader public to inform its advice.
The Government will carefully consider the report and its recommendations and how it might respond.
Quotes attributed to Minister Tim Ayres:
"I am so grateful for the work, expertise and experience that went into preparing Ambitious Australia. I want to thank Robyn Denholm for her intellectual rigour, hard work and commitment to the national value of Australia's research and development system.
Meeting Australia's big collective challenges - food and agriculture, energy security, new industrial and tech processes, water security and dealing with the human, animal and plant diseases of the future, to name just a few - requires a modern and fit for purpose research and development system.
This report charts out a long-term reform roadmap for me, and for the government to consider over coming months. A Future Made in Australia requires bold and visionary private, public and institutional research and development capability together with mobilised scientists and engineers and I am keen to grasp the challenge and work with the sector to deliver that."
