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Exploring alternatives to plastic food packaging
Thoo Yin Yin | February 23, 2022Research into new biodegradable biopolymer materials could reduce the world’s reliance on plastic food packaging.
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Commercialising research – again
Jared Mondschein | February 12, 2022There have been calls for better commercialisation of Australian research for decades but the Federal Government’s latest plan may help shape academic expectations and incentives in a more effective manner.
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Australia needs an office for research integrity
David Vaux | February 6, 2022Sweden is just the most recent of more than 20 European nations that have national offices for research integrity. So do the UK, US, Canada, Japan and China. Australia, which still lacks an Office for Research Integrity, is being left behind.
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A welcome boost for commercialising research
Open Forum | February 2, 2022Although Scott Morrison’s appearance at the National Press Club drew headlines for more controversial reasons, his announcement of more support for commercialising research has drawn the backing of stakeholders.
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Rogue rocket to the moon
Alice Gorman | January 29, 2022A discarded SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket will crash into the dark side of the moon in a few weeks time, adding to the handful of man-made machines on its surface.
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New virtual reality experience reveals secrets of WWII submarine
Open Forum | January 20, 2022A new virtual reality experience developed by maritime archaeologists offers unprecedented access to a WW2 submarine sunk while on a secret mission in northern Australian waters.
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Indigenous science cooperation
Alan Stevenson | January 19, 2022Many scientists rely on Indigenous people to guide their work – by helping them to find wildlife, navigate rugged terrain or understand changing weather trends – but we must also acknowledge the troubling attitudes that have long plagued research projects in Indigenous communities.
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Human nature
Alan Stevenson | January 14, 2022Patent law should encourage innovation by protecting inventors but is all too often abused by large corporations at the expense of the common good.
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Unpicking the waratah
Diane Nazaroff | January 13, 2022A UNSW PhD candidate has led the genetic mapping of the floral emblem of New South Wales, the iconic waratah.
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What sparked scientists’ interest in science?
Michael Hopkin | January 12, 2022As 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.
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Politicians should stop meddling in ARC research
Toby Walsh | January 12, 2022If 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.
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The evolution of communication
Alan Stevenson | January 2, 2022Scientific 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.