We must seed discoveries for a strong nation

Scientific breakthroughs, like number one hits or the latest viral sensation, often seem to come out of nowhere.

But ask any athlete, musician, actor, entrepreneur or scientist and they will tell you that any ‘overnight’ success was anything but instant.

Success is built on a formula of time, skills, resources and, of course, a bit of luck. And while, we might be the Lucky Country, we cannot rely on luck alone to produce our next big breakthrough. We need to invest in the systems, people and institutions that can create the environment for discoveries to happen.

Right now, when it comes to science in Australia, we’re missing this key ingredient.

Australian discoveries are still happening. Just last month, researchers at Swinburne, where I am Chief Scientist, helped discover a new measurement to bring us closer to understanding the Universe’s rate of expansion – something I’m incredibly proud of.

But we are at risk. Our system is “broken” according to the government’s own Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD) report, Ambitious Australia.

And funding in research and development is sliding backwards at an alarming rate. Australia has invested just 1.69% of GDP, compared to the OECD average of 2.72%.

As funding uncertainty pervades the sector, close to 40% of early and mid-career researchers are considering leaving the sector.

Our next great discovery could be leaving with them.

National Science Week is all about celebrating our research landscape and encouraging the next generation of scientists to pursue careers in STEM. 

The 2026 theme is ‘seeds of science’. If we’re serious about growing our economy, creating the environment we want and building a future made in Australia, we need to invest now.

Now is time to put this matter of national importance back on the radar. 

We are lucky to have a strong scientific community in this country that’s willing to put in the hard work. The Australian Academy of Science via their Restore Science campaign is fighting for more government research funding.

At Swinburne, we have sharpened our focus on searching for solutions to problems in key areas we know we can have an impact in, such as medical technology and health, sustainability, space and aerospace, and social innovation.

And to ensure that world-class research talent stays in Australia, we launched the Swinburne Talented Researcher Scheme (STaRS), which is already supporting more local investment and research.

But as a relatively small and young university, we don’t have all the resources to co-create the industries of the future alone. And without these resources, how can we expect to maintain the skills, patience and the luck that have powered the world’s great scientific breakthroughs?

From the black box to the bionic ear, wifi to the winged keel, we’re always proud to claim our home-grown scientific successes. But we need to be more willing to recognise when we’re falling short.

As you enjoy National Science Week events this month, I urge you to do what you can to push the federal government to address this national crisis and rethink our investment in science as a matter of global importance.

Because when we invest in research, we water the seeds of science, creating a better society today and shaping a better future for all. 

This opinion piece was published in Education Today.