Two-thirds of Australians believe scientists should actively advocate for specific policies, while more than 60 per cent want scientists to play a larger role in shaping policy, according to a global study released by the Australian National University.
The survey, which gathered responses from over 71,000 participants worldwide, ranked Australia as having the fifth-highest level of trust in scientists.
“This study highlights the strong trust Australians have in science and scientists, and that people see the crucial importance of using that science to inform and guide policymaking,” said Science & Technology Australia (STA) CEO Ryan Winn.
Winn pointed to the upcoming Federal election as a critical moment to align science with national policy priorities.
“The imminent Federal election provides an opportunity to powerfully leverage science and the nation’s scientists to fuel policy and future jobs,” he said, emphasizing STA’s election proposals to secure the nation’s economic future.
STA’s recommendations include the establishment of an Innovation Future Fund, a Strategic Moonshot Program, and a strategy to increase Australia’s research and development (R&D) investment to 3 per cent of GDP.
Currently, Australia’s R&D spending as a percentage of GDP is nearly 40% below the OECD average, according to STA.
“The politicians and parties standing for election can put us back on the path the public wants by committing to these measures,” Winn added.
