"If left unchecked, Australia will soon have a generation of scientists that has never been adequately trained, supervised, or mentored in upholding the pillars of peer review to provide an equitable adjudication on the scien- tific merit and value of a grant proposal".

Australia’s erosion of peer review

Throughout the world, peer review serves as the cornerstone of the scientific enterprise, providing rigorous quality control and building the confidence that underpins progress for both science and so...

science.org

🤯 and NHMRC Ideas sits at 8% success rate…. www.theguardian.com/australia-ne...

Concerns ‘AI slop’ used by University of Sydney-based institute to lobby for $20m gambling education funding

‘Evidence review’ sent by OurFutures Institute to David Pocock and other politicians references studies that do not exist or make opposing findings

theguardian.com

The U.S. government has lost more than 10,000 STEM Ph.D.s since Trump took office. A Science analysis reveals how many were fired, retired, or quit across 14 agencies. Read more: https://scim.ag/4boPkq8

U.S. government has lost more than 10,000 STEM Ph.D.s since Trump took office

A Science analysis reveals how many were fired, retired, or quit across 14 agencies

scim.ag

The government can’t claim that medical research is a priority while failing to treat it as one. Nine in 10 leading researchers in Australia are missing out on government support for world‑class proposals, leaving exceptional talent uncertain about their future.

Most researchers miss out on innovation grants while medical fund sits on $25b

Nine in 10 Australian researchers had their “ideas grant” applications rejected last year, even as Australia’s medical investment fund sits on $5 billion more than it was designed to hold.

theage.com.au

If not now then when?!?!

Dr Monique Ryan@mon4kooyong.bsky.social · 7mo ago

We have billions of dollars in the bank - already put aside for medical research. The government has to spend that money.

😂😂The government …. plays down the impact of the CSIRO job cuts by pointing to increased university research picking up the slack, a claim contested by others in the research community. www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11...

Government playing down impact of CSIRO job cuts

The prime minister, when in opposition, accused the Coalition of "hollowing out" the CSIRO. Now, following the announcement 350 research positions at the organisation will be cut, he is being accused ...

abc.net.au

And this is of course compounded by the fact that many universities in Australia aren't hiring at the moment. Leaving two options to many of these researchers: leaving the country, or leaving research. These are incredibly competent, specialized experts we're losing, not overpaid consultants. 🤦‍♂️

As an English speaking country (with nice beaches to boot) for the cost of a small tax on fossil fuel exports or high incomes Australia could invest in science, recruit researchers fleeing the US and become the knowledge powerhouse of the 21st Century. Instead we're doing this.

ARC Tracker@arc-tracker.bsky.social · 9mo ago

“CSIRO has announced it will slash up to 350 jobs as the national science agency grapples with long-term financial challenges … with current funding failing to keep pace with the rising costs of running a modern science agency.” Not “challenges”. They’re choices. 😡