This policy report examines the capability of Australia’s science system, its ability to compete and collaborate globally, and its contribution to the nation’s economy, security, health and quality of life. An investigation of scientific capability needs by 2035 has found Australia has gaps – in workforce, infrastructure and coordination – that will cripple its ability to meet the challenges of 2060.

Growth in investment in Australia’s ability to deliver science in the national interest has not had a convincing answer for how to be best directed. This report provides the answers to these questions and provides a novel method to repeat this analysis for other sectors.

Key findings

• Not enough geoscientists are being trained, yet Australia's economy rests heavily on resources.
• Jobs in artificial intelligence (AI) are expected to surge, yet only one in four Year 12 students is studying mathematics – the fundamental science discipline.
• There are national shortages of materials scientists, and the workforce in process and resources engineering is also projected to decline.
• The current pipeline and study choices of students is not aligned with the needs of Australia's future workforce, with declining STEM participation and teacher shortages threatening relevant capability.