Australia's Science and Research Priorities 2015

Date published:
1 May 2015

The Australian Government’s Science and Research Priorities identify areas of immediate and critical importance to the nation and our place in the world.

Australia depends on science and research to:

  • increase productivity
  • achieve sustainable economic growth
  • create jobs and improve national well-being.

Strategic investment

Like other countries, we have to be strategic in how we invest in science, research and innovation.

The priorities, developed in consultation with industry, research and government leaders, are designed to:

  • focus government investment for science and research on the most important challenges
  • help science and research efforts reflect the needs of industry, the economy and the community.

Setting priorities doesn’t mean that other areas are not important, or that funding will only be directed to the priority areas. Instead, the priorities highlight a selection of significant opportunities and challenges facing Australia.