Australia urged to ‘double down’ on science spending

Pre-budget submission from Science and Technology Australia demands more cash and better conditions for researchers

Australia should create a A$2.4 billion research translation fund, a body representing more than 80,000 scientists and technologists in the country has said.

In an ambitious pre-budget submission released on 26 January, Science and Technology Australia calls for the government to “double down” on science spending. While tax breaks are already being introduced after last year’s budget, STA says that more direct R&D investment would help protect the future of science in Australia.