Human nature

Patent law should encourage innovation by protecting inventors but is all too often abused by large corporations at the expense of the common good.

Unpicking the waratah

A UNSW PhD candidate has led the genetic mapping of the floral emblem of New South Wales, the iconic waratah.

What sparked scientists’ interest in science?

As we embark on a new year, hopefully with more progress on the COVID-19 front, we asked six authors of The Conversation to reflect on what first sparked their interest in science.

Politicians should stop meddling in ARC research

If Australia wants to tackle the many wicked problems we face, including climate change and relations with China, we must ensure basic research is not subject to political interference.

The evolution of communication

Scientific progress has allowed mankind to adopt ever more sophisticated modes of communication, and this process is set to continue, perhaps allowing us to contact lifeforms beyond our own world.

Governments v big tech

This year’s headlines delivered news of an array of concerning data and privacy violations from the world’s biggest tech players, but it also seemed to be the year governments around the world addressed the problem head on.

Realising Australia’s quantum potential

Quantum technology represents a major opportunity for Australian research and strategic interests.

Enter the xenobots

Will a new generation of self-replicating ‘xenobots’ cure diseases, produce terrifying new bioweapons, or turn the whole world into grey goo?

Benchmarking critical technologies

Technology policy formulation has gained a renewed importance for governments in the era of strategic competition, but contextual understanding and expertise in deciding where to focus efforts are lacking.

The UN’s open science framework could supercharge progress

All Australian research should be open to access, both domestically and internationally, and research conducted overseas should be freely available to read in Australia.

The new face of Australian science

Nanotechnology pioneer Distinguished Professor Chennupati Jagadish will become the next president of Australia’s premier science organisation, the Australian Academy of Science.

The human brain project

Europe’s Human Brain Project aims to unravel the brain’s mysteries and, after a difficult start, has made substantial progress in mapping how thoughts and decision making are generated.