This Month
Big ideas trump commercialisation for new CSIRO boss
Doug Hilton has laid out plans for it to help answer the big questions facing society, while also making some money along the way.
- Updated
- Tess Bennett
- Opinion
- Review
Another scandal dogs a science cheat
Celebrity culture in research can lead to an escalation of exaggerated claims.
- F.D. Flam
Here’s why you should eat your veg first – but chips and bread last
Scientists have discovered the order in which you consume foods can improve blood sugar levels, make you feel fuller and may even help with weight loss.
- Anahad O'Connor
Australian scientists shine new light on dark matter
It might not yet be the answer to life, the universe and everything, but an analysis of international experiments suggests the existence of an unknown particle.
- Jeff Allan
COVID-19 vaccine pioneers win Nobel Prize for Medicine
Katalin Kariko and Drew Weissman pioneered the mRNA technology that led to the development of the Moderna and Pfizer inoculations.
- Naomi Kresge and Kati Pohjanpalo
September
- Exclusive
- AI
The new $3b robot factory shooting for the moon
Advanced Navigation, a Sydney deep-tech company backed by Malcolm Turnbull, is scaling up a factory that helps NASA navigate when there’s no GPS.
- John Davidson
How humans will colonise the moon – and when it will happen
While the world was distracted by Putin and Trump, India pulled off a lunar landing. But with six nations and two billionaires eyeing up the opportunities, what will our first off-world settlement look like?
- Boris Starling
August
UK watchdog cracks down on junk carbon offsets
The journal “Science” found most of a potential 89 million carbon offsets issued by forest protection projects did not represent real emissions reductions.
- Natasha White
- Exclusive
- Venture capital
From NFTs to saving the world; Aussie investor targets $100m
An Australian-led VC firm, which counts major European tech company founders, funds and AFL stars among its backers, is tapping the market for €60 million.
- Paul Smith
Why so few women with a STEM degree work in a STEM job
Women are reluctant to enter STEM degrees. Is it any wonder when just 16 per cent end up working in jobs that require a STEM degree?
- Julie Hare
Labor’s carbon policy spurred ‘lots of interest’ for this tech company
What do iron ore miners, cement makers, alumina refiners and lithium producers have in common? They’re all turning to Calix to solve their carbon footprint.
- Peter Ker
A fascinating insight into the world of owls (yes, owls)
A new book by expert Jennifer Ackerman reveals some surprising characteristics of these most enigmatic birds.
- Tanveer Ahmed
July
Women respond to STEM challenge, for few rewards
Despite huge efforts for women to go into science-related areas, there are many good reasons why they shouldn’t. Low rates of pay is just one of them.
- Julie Hare
The sting in the tail of Jason Clare’s vision for universities
The interim report into the university sector holds some big ambitions but the process will require major trade-offs.
- Julie Hare
- Exclusive
- Funding
Hostplus rejects valuation worries with another $100m for start-ups
Superannuation giant Hostplus has poured a fresh $100m investment into the Australian operations of IP Group, which backs start-ups that spin out of universities.
- Paul Smith
Three local atomic physicists bank $12m for their start-up
Australia’s largest VC fund is backing three atomic physicists who have co-founded a new deep tech company, to better understand mines and the underground world.
- Updated
- Tess Bennett
June
New CSIRO boss hunts Aussie ‘Eureka moments’
Australia’s national science agency has named Doug Hilton, a leading cancer specialist biologist, to take over from its longest ever CEO Larry Marshall.
- Paul Smith
Scientists hate asking for money, but make great CEOs
In a new book, CSIRO chief executive Larry Marshall explains the challenges facing Australian entrepreneurs trying to succeed in Silicon Valley.
- Larry Marshall
May
Why nearly a quarter of new STEM courses are in this state
An extra 300,000 free TAFE places, 4000 new university places and measures to increase women’s participation are the mainstay of a Labor budget that gives just a passing glance to the education sector.
- Julie Hare
Time for Labor to deliver on pre-election promises: tech sector
Labor came into government with more ideas for the tech sector than had been seen since Malcolm Turnbull became PM. Now the industry wants the money to start flowing.
- Tess Bennett
