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Dear Fellows and friends,
As Australia confronts complex challenges from threats to democracy and social connection, technological transformation and climate change, to workforce disruption and demographic shifts, social sciences research and education has never been more important. The Academy’s Social Sciences for Australia’s Future report provides a comprehensive examination of the state of social science in Australia, with case studies demonstrating the impact of the social sciences on every aspect of our daily lives. It identifies opportunities and risks, and priorities for action to ensure that our disciplines and knowledges have a robust future.
The Report was launched at Parliament House last night — and fittingly on Census Day, where social science methodologies drive the collection of national data and its subsequent analysis. It was a warm and celebratory occasion. I was joined by Professor Peter Shergold, FASSA and Chair of the ARC Board and Dr Carina Garland MP, Co-Chair of the Parliamentary Friends of the Social Sciences, in speaking about the vital role social sciences play in in helping Australia understand people, strengthen institutions and design effective responses to navigate a changing world.
It was a privilege to chair the Steering Committee of Fellows and other experts who provided oversight of the Report. It has drawn on extensive research, as well as consultation with researchers, educators, discipline and professional associations, policymakers and industry leaders, and a survey within the Academy. My thanks to all Fellows and stakeholders who participated in the consultation process and gave generously of their time and insights, and to the Academy staff for their efforts bringing the Report to fruition.
I invite you to explore the Social Sciences for Australia’s Future report and join the conversation about building Australian social science for future generations.
The Academy continues to contribute to national priorities in civics and citizenship education, including participation in the Civics Education and Social Cohesion Roundtable at Government House, hosted by the Governor-General Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC. Professor Lyn Yates, Chair of the Academy’s Education Committee, is taking the Academy’s engagement with civics education forward. She has recently chaired an Expert Working Group of Fellows to guide an Academy paper commissioned by the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) on global models of embedding national values in school curriculum. Thank you to those Fellows involved in this important work. |
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Social Sciences for Australia’s Future Report
The Social Sciences for Australia’s Future report draws on data analysis and consultation with experts and stakeholders to examine the state of social science in schools, vocational education and training, higher education and the research sector. It highlights excellence, identifies limitations, and sets out priorities to strengthen Australia’s social science capability.
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Rechnitz Memorial Lecture
Fellow Professor Marcia Langton presented the inaugural Rechnitz Memorial Lecture to a full house at the University of Melbourne on 14 July. Professor Langton reflected on her experiences of "Being and Knowing" as an Indigenous woman and anthropologist entangled in Australian life and scholarship. The presentation was recorded by the ABC’s Big Ideas program and will be shared on the Academy's social media and website in coming months
Listen now to Marcia Langton on the "existential challenge" for Indigenous Australians on ABC Radio National Sunday Extra. |
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Pictured at the Rechnitz Memorial Lecture, L-R: Professor Leon Mann, Professor Kate Darian-Smith, Laureate Professor Marcia Langton, Dr Shani Crumpen, Dr Tui Crumpen, Professor Greg Bamber. |
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2026 Rechnitz Grant recipients announced
Dr Samara Hand, Worimi/Biripi woman, born on Awabakal Country and raised on Bidjigal Country in South Sydney and Dr Shani Crumpen from the Torres Strait Islands are the 2026 recipients of the Rechnitz Fund Grants.
Read more about the 2026 Rechnitz Grant recipients. |
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Pictured above, top to bottom: Dr Shani Crumpen and Dr Samara Hand. |
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Democracy Counts launch event
Representatives from the Academy National Office attended the recent launch of the McKinnon Foundation’s Democracy Counts initiative. Democracy Counts is a non-partisan alliance of groups with diverse interests, but a shared commitment to safeguarding democracy. |
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Academy Communications Director Vanessa Barratt and Policy and Project Manager, Dr Honae Cuffe, pictured second and third from left, at the Democracy Counts launch event. |
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NSW State Branch event
On 29 July, Fellows from New South Wales gathered at The Refectory at the University of Sydney. The guest speaker was Julia Horne, Professor of History at the University of Sydney. Professor Horne spoke on universities and postwar recovery in Australia, with a particular focus on the Curtin Chifley higher education reforms. |
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Pictured at the NSW Fellows’ State Branch event, L-R: Academy President Professor Kate Darian-Smith, Professor Julia Horne, Fellows Professor Marian Baird and Professor Michele Ford. |
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Congratulations to Fellows Dr David Gruen and Professor John Piggott on receiving the 2026 Distinguished Public Policy Award and the Distinguished Fellow Award respectively, from the Economic Society of Australia.
Read more about the 2026 ESA Award recipients. |
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Fellow Professor Joy Damousi has been elected to the British Academy’s International Fellowship.
Read more about Professor Damousi’s election. |
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On 21 July 2026 Fellow Professor David Henser received the Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Choice Modelling from the International Conference on Choice Modelling (ICMC). |
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Pictured above: Fellow Professor David Hensher (centre) receiving the Inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award for Contributions to Choice Modelling, at the International Conference on Choice Modelling held on the Gold Coast in July. |
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| VIEW ALL FELLOWS NEWS » |
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Workshops Program open now for applications
The Academy’s Workshops Program offers Australian social scientists financial assistance to host multidisciplinary workshops which aim to advance research and policy agendas on nationally important issues. The Academy supports up to eight workshops each year with funding to a maximum of $10,000.
Applications close 23 August 2026.
Find application details for the Workshops Program.
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Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser Visiting Professor of Australian Studies, Harvard University
Applications close: 15 October 2026
Final notification: end of March 2027
Residency: August 2028 to May 2029 (full academic year, in residence at Harvard)
Teaching load: two courses
Find information on the Gough Whitlam and Malcolm Fraser Visiting Professorship. |
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Nominations for 2027 Fellowship candidates now open
Fellowship nominations for 2027 are now OPEN and will close Monday 16 November 2026.
Learn more about Fellowship nominations.
Login to the Fellows Portal to submit a nomination here.
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The Future of Support for the Humanities and Humanistic Social Sciences in the US and Australia
Monday 17 August, 1.00 - 2.00PM
University of Melbourne Parkville Campus or online
Hosted by the Centre for the Study of Higher Education, this interactive session is an opportunity to discuss addressing politicisation and erosion of support in the United States and Australia contexts.
Register to attend the seminar.
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National Science Week event
Why science needs the “social”: Solving complex problems with interdisciplinary thinking
21 August, 5.30-6.45PM
RMIT
This National Science Week event brings together leading thinkers from across the social sciences, natural sciences, engineering and public policy to explore what truly interdisciplinary thinking looks like – and why it matters now more than ever.
For our panel of researchers, creative and effective innovation starts with an understanding of people, systems and society. So why are social sciences still too often treated as an afterthought in scientific problem-solving?
Register to attend the National Science Week event.
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Social Sciences Week launch
The First Inventors: How People Shaped a Continent
An evening with Larissa Behrendt AO, Billy Griffiths and Sean Ulm
Tuesday 15 September, 6.30pm
The Capitol, Melbourne
Join prize-winning historian Dr Billy Griffiths, celebrated First Nations author and intellectual, Fellow Professor Larissa Behrendt AO and one of Australia’s leading archaeologists, Professor Sean Ulm as they discuss their new book The First Inventors, How People Shaped a Continent.
Register to attend the Social Sciences Week launch event.
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The 2026 Great Debate: That Australian Politics is Alive and Well
17 September, 4.00 - 7.00PM
National Library of Australia
Join us for an evening of compelling debate as six of Australia’s premier academics argue for and against the state of Australian politics.
Don’t miss this thought-provoking event, packed with engaging discussions and opportunities for audience participation. Proudly presented by the Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia and the National Library of Australia, the Great Debate promises an evening that will challenge your perspectives and ignite your curiosity.
Ticket price includes entry to the Great Student Debate.
Register to attend the 2026 Great Debate.
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Hancock Lecture: Save the Date
Let’s talk about Flex: How ‘Good Flex’ builds sustainable careers and better workplaces
1 October, 6.00 - 7.15PM
Music Workshop, Sydney Conservatorium of Music
Fellow Professor Rae Cooper will present the 2026 Hancock Lecture.
Drawing on extensive research and real-world insights from workers, employers and government, Professor Cooper will examine how well-designed flexibility can improve gender equality, support career progression, build workforce sustainability and deliver better outcomes for workers and organisations.
Register to attend the Hancock Lecture.
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Spark Grants igniting new events
Eight recipients were successful in the 2026 Spark Grants program, receiving funding of up to $1,000 for events planned for Social Sciences Week, 12 to 20 September 2026.
Read more about 2026 Spark Grant recipients. |
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SSW Event registration now open
Event registration is now open for Social Sciences Week 2026. Visit the SSW webpage to register your event and view events on offer. |
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SERIOUSLY SOCIAL SCHOOLS PROGRAM |
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Seriously Social rubbing shoulders
The Seriously Social School Program has been active in the Education space this month, with Education Director Cindy Bin Tahal and Fellow Professor Lyn Yates attending the recent Civics Education and Social Cohesion Round Table at Government House in Canberra.
Cindy also led a workshop using Seriously Social education materials, for approximately 25 social science teachers at the History Teacher’s Association of Australia national conference in Brisbane. |
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Fellow Professor Lyn Yates, Her Excellency the Honourable Ms Sam Mostyn AC, Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, and Academy Education Director Cindy Bin Tahal pictured at the Civics Education and Social Cohesion Round Table. |
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Professor Jenny Gore
Meet Fellow Laureate Professor Jenny Gore, Director of the Teachers and Teaching Research Centre at the University of Newcastle and learn how Australian education researchers are transforming teaching outcomes beyond our borders.
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Submarines in International Law
Natalie Klein, Kate Purcell, Jack McNally
Submarines in International Law is the first book to explore both the legal history and the contemporary regulation of submarine operations in varied areas of international law. The analysis demonstrates the instances where submarines influenced the development of the law of the sea and the law of armed conflict, as well as highlighting where international law needs to give greater account for submarines in existing bodies of law-including international marine environmental law, the law on the use of force, navigational safety rules, transnational criminal law and international cultural heritage law. |
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A World of Resistance: India and the Global Antibiotic Crisis
Assa Doron and Alex Broom
At ground zero of the growing crisis is India, one of the world’s largest consumers of antibiotics and a powerhouse in pharmaceutical manufacturing. In A World of Resistance, Assa Doron and Alex Broom draw on years of fieldwork in hospitals, in pharmacies, and on factory farms to examine the enormous social and environmental costs of overreliance on antibiotics. |
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Being Patient: Close Encounters in Cancer World
Na’ama Carlin, Louise Chappell, Siobhan O'Sullivan
n Being Patient, Na’ama, Louise and Siobhan share their own stories and talk to people about their experiences as patients and carers in Cancer World. Including stories from cancer experts – oncologists, GPs, nurses, surgeons, radiologists and researchers – Being Patient is unflinching and uplifting and offers unvarnished views of living with cancer from ‘both sides of the desk’. |
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Australia Fair?: Democracy, Bureaucracy and the Making of Modern Australia
James Walter and Carolyn Holbrook
In Australia Fair? authors James Walter and Carolyn Holbrook explore the world of departmental officials and political advisers who wield significant influence in shaping our society and assess how policy advice has changed since World War II. How has the relationship between our elected representatives and bureaucrats evolved? Have they delivered what the people want? What has been learned, and what forgotten?
Focusing on three foundational policy domains – immigration, Indigenous affairs and housing – Australia Fair? reveals how social change, ideological differences and power dynamics have transformed Australia’s political landscape and society. |
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Emeritus Professor Ray Over
The Academy offers condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Emeritus Professor Ray Over who passed away on 4 July 2026.
Professor Over was elected to the Academy in 1975 and became a Jubilee Fellow in 2015.
Read Professor Over’s Jubilee Reflections.
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Have news to share?
Reminder to all Fellows: do you have information about events, publications and news articles you would like to share with the social sciences community? If we know about it, we can share it! Email info@socialsciences.org.au with subject line: Information for Academy Newsletter. |
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