Australia's STEM capability is facing a severe crisis and immediate action is needed to avoid the loss of critical research capabilities, mass exodus of talent and failure of key government priorities, according to the Pre-Budget Submission by Science and Technology Australia (STA).
This crisis is being fuelled by the flatlining in real terms of Commonwealth funded research. Adjusted for inflation, investment in research and development (R&D) programs has stagnated or declined, while the cost of doing research has surged in recent years.
Meanwhile, 47% of STEM professionals are considering leaving their current roles, with 33% planning to leave the sector altogether, according to the 2025 Professional Scientists Remuneration Survey. Success rates for competitive grants have collapsed, wasting researcher time and creating workforce instability. This is while demand for STEM jobs is projected to grow 24% by 2035.
"STEM research must stop being viewed as a cost to the public purse and instead as an investment in Australia's future economic security and resilience. Every dollar invested in R&D returns $3-5 to the economy," STA President Jas Chambers said.
STA calls on the Australian Government to take immediate action in the 2026-27 Federal Budget to:
1. Create stabilisation through CPI-indexed increases to research grant programs and agencies
2. Invest in Australia's crucial STEM workforce
3. Strengthen STEM education to reverse declining participation
The sector awaits the final outcomes of the Strategic Examination of R&D, a new National Health and Medical Research Strategy and next steps for the 2026 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap.
"The imperative is clear. The 2026-27 Federal Budget must build on the policy work being done across the sector to ensure Australia's crucial STEM capability is secure and supported to drive the innovation the nation needs for future economic resilience."
Read the STA Pre-Budget 2026-27 Submission.
