Australian Academy of Science

Australian Academy of Science
Formation1954
HeadquartersCanberra, Australian Capital Territory
Membership
≈500 Fellows
President
Chennupati Jagadish
Websitewww.science.org.au
Ian Potter House

The Australian Academy of Science was founded in 1954 by a group of distinguished Australians, including Australian Fellows of the Royal Society of London.[1] The first president was Sir Mark Oliphant. The academy is modelled after the Royal Society and operates under a Royal charter;[1] as such, it is an independent body, but it has government endorsement. The Academy Secretariat is in Canberra, at the Shine Dome.

The objectives of the academy are to promote science and science education through a wide range of activities. It has defined four major program areas:

  • Recognition of outstanding contributions to science
  • Education and public awareness
  • Science policy
  • International relations

The academy also runs the 22 National Committees for Science which provide a forum to discuss issues relevant to all the scientific disciplines in Australia.

  1. ^ a b "The Charter". Australian Academy of Science. Archived from the original on 19 July 2008. Retrieved 22 September 2008.