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In this edition, we wrap up a national tour with our final State Events, launch a new educational resource and celebrate fresh opportunities for collaboration and research. Plus, early-bird registrations are open for Social Sciences Week 2025!
Scroll down for more news, opportunities, and our latest recommendations to read, listen to, or attend. |
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As we enter May, opportunities to celebrate the social sciences continue to arise. I have concluded my in-person meetings with the Academy’s state branches, and the online briefings this week. I have really enjoyed, and learnt from, the opportunity to meet with Fellows and hear their views on the activities and strategic direction of the Academy. On that note, thank you to those who have responded to the 2025 Fellowship Survey. Your responses will help shape the focus of the Academy into the future.
In policy news, the Academy has recently made a submission to the Government’s Strategic Examination of Research and Development (SERD). The submission argues that the explicit integration of social science research and expertise into Australia’s national R&D strategy will protect against repeating past mistakes and support a comprehensive, purposeful and impactful R&D system. The full submission is available to view on the Academy website.
In the Academy’s International program, the closing date for applications for the 2025 Australia–France Indo-Pacific Studies Program (AFIPS) Visiting Fellowship has been extended to 30 June. This is a wonderful opportunity for early career and professional researchers working in Indo-Pacific Nations, France, and French overseas territories to gain support for research, networking, and collaboration opportunities. I encourage you to share this with your networks.
The Academy’s Education program Seriously Social has recently launched a new cross curriculum resource for upper primary students that has been developed in collaboration with the ARC Centre of Excellence for Plants in Space. Plants and Life in Space is a free resource for Year 6 students and combines HASS, Science and Technology learning in an engaging way. Do have a look at this resource to see how the Academy is engaging school students and their teachers with social sciences research and the expertise of the Academy’s Fellows.
Finally, the Academy Head Office has this month welcomed Vanessa Barratt in the role of Communications Director. Read more below.
Wishing you a productive month ahead,
Kate Darian-Smith
President |
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South Australia and Victoria State Events |
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Both South Australia and Victoria hosted beginning of year State Events in April with Academy President, Kate Darian-Smith. Kate was joined by National Office staff Cindy Bin Tahal (Education Director) in South Australia and Honae Cuffe (Acting Policy Director) in Victoria.
These State Fellow Events concluded Kate’s national tour, during which she appreciated the opportunity to connect with Fellows from across the country and reflect on how the Academy can best support the needs of current and future members.
A special mention goes to Keith Hancock, who is pictured at the South Australian event celebrating his 90th birthday. |
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Above left: Victorian Fellows State Branch event
Above right: South Australian Fellows Branch event
Left: Keith Hancock celebrating his 90th birthday at the South Australian Fellows Branch event |
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Growing our educational impact: Plants and Life in Space
The Academy’s new school resource, Plants and Life in Space, is live!
This curriculum-aligned module dives into sustainability, science and survival beyond Earth. Co-developed with the ARC Centre of Excellence in Plants for Space, the resource is ready to share with teachers in your network.
Find Plants and Life in Space on our Seriously Social platform. |
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The Academy Head Office welcomes new Communications Director |
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The Academy is delighted to welcome Vanessa Barratt as our new Communications Director.
Vanessa comes to the Academy with a background in science and health communication, most recently as Director, Media and Communications with Southern NSW Local Health District.
She has extensive experience working in professional and volunteer roles in STEM education, wildlife conservation, and events management.
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"I am so excited to join the team and contribute to such interesting and important work.
I am passionate about making complex information accessible and engaging , supporting academics and experts to share their work and tell their stories.
I recently started a PhD at ANU's Centre for the Public Awareness of Science where I am inspired by academics and fellow students sharing the social sciences with diverse audiences, in creative ways.
My favourite quote is from poet Mary Oliver - 'Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.'
I am looking forward to being astonished by the work of the Academy's Fellows - and 'telling' about it - as your new Communications Director," Vanessa said.
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Policy updates |
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Submission to the Strategic Examination of Research and Development
On 9 April 2025, the Academy made a major submission to the Australian Government’s Strategic Examination of Research and Development.
Our submission argues a high performing research and development (R&D) system is more than a matter of simply producing and commercialising new goods and services. The system must also coalesce around clear priorities that consider how R&D can address broader economic and societal goals.
It offers 10 recommendations to strengthen leadership, funding, collaboration, and social science contributions to Australia’s future R&D strategy.
Read the Academy’s full submission. |
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Submission to Policy Review of the National Competitive Grants Program
The Academy has also contributed to the Policy Review of the National Competitive Grants Program. Our submission supports the new plan, which positions early-stage, investigator-led research at the heart of Australia’s research and development system and recognises the crucial role of the social sciences alongside other disciplines.
We make 11 recommendations to strengthen investment in discovery research, foster collaboration, and deliver a more inclusive, impactful research landscape.
Read the Academy's full submission.
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Grants, Scholarships and Opportunities |
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Final Call - Rechnitz Fund Grants closing 5 May
Applications are open for the 2025 Rechnitz Fund Grants, supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researchers in the social sciences. Please share widely.
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Visiting Fellowship deadline extended
There’s still time to apply for the 2025 Australia–France Indo-Pacific Studies Program (AFIPS) Visiting Fellowship! We’ve taken on feedback from prospective applicants and extended the deadline for this Fellowship until 30 June, 2025.
This prestigious program supports early-career researchers from France and Indo-Pacific countries to undertake three-month research fellowships in Australia.
Remember: the new deadline is 30 June 2025. Learn more or apply here. |
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Prepare now - Paul Bourke Award nominations opening soon
Do you know an outstanding early career researcher in the social sciences?
Nominations for the 2025 Paul Bourke Awards open on 19 May.
Four Paul Bourke Award recipients are selected each year by members of the Academy’s Panel Committees. The awards are presented to social science researchers within five years of receiving their doctorate (with allowances for career interruptions).
Visit the website for more information on eligibility, the nomination process and past recipients. |
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Above: 2024 Paul Bourke award recipients meet Her Excellency, the Governor-General Ms Sam Mostyn at the Academy's Annual Dinner. |
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2025 Workshop Grant applications opening 12 May
The Academy 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 $9,000 (excl GST).
Applications for the next round of Workshop Grants will open on 12 May.
Visit the website for more information on how to apply. |
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CLICK FOR MORE INFORMATION ON UPCOMING OPPORTUNITIES |
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The Academy is excited to announce that nominations for the inaugural Rechnitz Memorial Award for research excellence and leadership in Indigenous society, culture and language will open on 27 May.
The Rechnitz Award is made through the Wilhelm, Martha and Otto Rechnitz Memorial Fund and will be open to both Indigenous and non-Indigenous scholars.
More information, including details of nominee eligibility and application processes will be released over the coming weeks.
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Events |
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Social Sciences Week 2025 — Get Involved!
Early-bird event registration is now open for Social Sciences Week 2025, running 8–14 September.
Whether you want to host a panel, workshop, podcast, or pop-up event, now’s the time to plan and register.
Social Sciences Week showcases the breadth and impact of the social sciences across Australia, with past highlights including everything from giant public lectures to hands-on community workshops.
Find out how to run and register an event. |
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Read, Listen, Attend |
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Read |
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Science diplomacy and the global state of affairs
Sir Peter Gluckman, outgoing President of the International Science Council, explores the future of science diplomacy in this keynote speech.
Read the full speech transcript here.
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Listen |
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Politics with Michelle Grattan: Hugh White on defending Australia without the US
Fellow Hugh White joins Fellow Michelle Grattan for a timely conversation on Australia's defence strategies in a changing global order.
Listen to their conversation here.
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Attend |
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Academy Annual Dinner
It’s not too early to plan for the Academy’s 2025 Annual Dinner! Mark you calendar for 17 November 2025 - we’ll be in Sydney and we’d love to see you there.
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Emerita Professor Elspeth Probyn FAHA FASSA (1958–2025)
The Academy expresses its deepest condolences on the death of Emerita Professor Elspeth Probyn FAHA FASSA.
Elspeth was elected to the Academy in 2011 in recognition of her leading work in cultural and gender studies. A joint Fellow of the Australian Academy of Humanities, she was known for her original and cross-disciplinary research in areas including identity and subjectivity, with publications spanning the fields of gender, media and cultural studies, philosophy, cultural geography, anthropology and critical psychology.
We extend our sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues. |
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The Academy strives to keep you informed, including sharing sad news of Fellows’ passing.
Notices are posted on Linkedin and in our monthly newsletter, though delays may occur if we receive information after publication. Please help by sharing the Vale section with your networks where appropriate and notifying us of any Fellow’s passing. We appreciate your understanding. |
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The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Peoples of Australia.
We acknowledge and pay our respects to the traditional owners of the land on which our national office is located, the Ngunnawal and Ngambri peoples, and
to their elders past and present. |
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