full report - Australian Academy of Science

Australian journals of scientific
research
The Academy of Science and CSIRO Publishing
jointly publish 11 Australian journals of scientific
research. The current agreement commenced on
1 January 2008 and will conclude on 31 December
2012. The Academy and CSIRO both recognise the
importance of international scientific research in
expanding human knowledge and delivering:
• innovative solutions to society, industry and the
environment;
• peer review in the process of scientific research;
and
• the publication of scientific research findings.
The Academy and CSIRO have agreed to cooperate
to champion Australia’s contribution
to the international science research effort by
supporting publication of the following journals
of scientific research:
• Australian Journal of Botany
• Australian Journal of Chemistry
• Australian Journal of Soil Research
• Australian Journal of Zoology
• Australian Systematic Botany
• Environmental Chemistry
• Functional Plant Biology
• Invertebrate Systematics
• Marine and Freshwater Research
• Reproduction, Fertility and Development
• Wildlife Research
Editorial policy for the series is developed by a
Board of Standards appointed jointly by CSIRO and
the Academy with a chair from each organisation.
The Academy’s chair for 2008 was Professor Marilyn
Renfree FAA. She has reached the end of her term and
will be replaced by Professor Pauline Ladiges FAA.
These and other journals published by CSIRO
Publishing are available at: www.publish.csiro.au/
nid/50.htm?nid=17
Communications and media
www.science.org.au/media/index.htm
There were 23 media releases issued from April to
March. Media enquiries in 2008 covered various
science policy and funding issues including the
suite of government reviews, the new Excellence
in Research Australia framework, as well as higher
education topics.
Photo: Richard Bray
PUBLIC AWARENESS AND OUTREACH
Highlights include Professor Julie Campbell FAA,
Secretary for Education and Public Awareness,
speaking at the National Press Club on 2 July.
She discussed inquiry-based science education
in Australia in the context of the government’s
initiative to develop a national curriculum.
Science at the Shine Dome speakers attracted
excellent media interest particularly some of
the new Fellows, Academy award winners, and
symposium speakers, who were profiled in the
media campaign. The work of Professor Ian
Hume FAA on the effects of climate change on
koalas attracted particular attention. The media
response was very strong and included overseas
journalists as well as many interviews by national
media outlets.
Interview in progress: A familiar site at the Shine Dome
A film crew from the Australian Broadcasting
Corporation’s (ABC) Catalyst program, including
Robyn Williams FAA, attended the event and
recorded a segment on the Academy, with the event
and the Dome providing a backdrop. The program
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THE AUSTRALIAN ACADEMY OF SCIENCE