Research Alliance launch at Parliament House, Canberra (Photo: Mark Graham)

For the first time Australian research bodies, representing hundreds of thousands of Australians, have come together to urge non-partisan support for science and all forms of research.

The research alliance – led by Australia’s most recent Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt – launched the campaign in Canberra this week, taking the message directly to politicians and policymakers in Parliament House.

In addition to Professor Schmidt, the core alliance members are: Science and Technology Australia, the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, the Cooperative Research Centres Association, Group of Eight Australia, Universities Australia and the Association of Australian Medical Research.

The alliance called on politicians of all stripe to commit to six fundamental principles that underpin the science and research system.

Media coverage

• Scientists demand national research strategy – ABC Radio
• Researchers call on bipartisan support – The Australian
• Scientists desperately seeking certainty – Fairfax Media