The new transparency: smartphones, data tracking, and COVID-19

Digital technology might well play an important part in the immediate management of this current emergency, but once the virus has subsided, then more lasting questions will remain.

Are STEM schemes for women effective?

There are more than 330 separate initiatives across Australia to increase the participation of women and girls in STEM studies and careers, but more hard data is needed to judge if any of them are actually working.

Academy awards recognise Australia’s top scientists

Outstanding contributions to science have been recognised by the Australian Academy of Science with 18 current and future superstars receiving prestigious honorific awards.

Surviving in a world of sharper technological competition

The sooner Australia comes to grips with technology’s reshaping of the world, the better we will be able to adapt, act and secure our future within it.

You don’t look like a scientist

Times have changed, but the gendered stereotype that scientists are predominantly serious, professional, white men is one that persists, despite ongoing efforts to promote diversity.

Reading, writing and drone flying

As well as traditional subjects like maths, English, science and geography, some students will be heading back to school this week to learn to fly drones to secure themselves jobs in the future.

Paper-thin touch screens are on their way

Researchers have developed an ultra-thin and ultra-flexible electronic material that could be printed and rolled out like newspaper, for the touchscreens of the future.

A very brief history of time

From watching the heavens to discovering waves of light, relativity and entropy, understanding the nature of time has been a major human endeavour.

The future of colour

Animals like beetles and birds are teaching us new ways of understanding colour at a nanoscale, which could change the way we manufacture it.

Opportunities for Australia’s hydrogen industry

Seizing the opportunity to develop hydrogen technology would allow Australia to decarbonise its economy while meeting East Asia’s growing appetite for zero-emissions energy solutions.

More science highlights from 2019

This year’s most popular science stories took readers from melting Antarctic ice sounding the alarm on microbes and climate change, to a pest-proof fence to protect native wildlife in far western NSW, and early signs of life in ancient rocks in the Pilbara, WA.

The best science stories of 2019

While 2019 saw a relentless barrage of bad news on the environment, a range of other science stories offered hope that human ingenuity can make this word a better place – at least find out more about it.