Australian Academy of Science

What Australian Academy of Science does

The Australian Academy of Science is a non-profit learned society founded in 1954 that serves as Australia's national scientific academy. It is headquartered at the iconic Shine Dome on Gordon Street in Canberra, where it operates an event venue, hosts major scientific gatherings, and runs the Secretariat supporting the Academy's Council and 647 elected Fellows. Its core work spans four interlocking functions: independent evidence-based science advice and policy submissions to government; honours and awards recognising scientific excellence across all career stages; international science diplomacy including the ISC Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific and Australia's associate membership in Horizon Europe; and STEM education programme delivery to Australian schools through resources such as Science by Doing, Primary Connection, reSolve and Little Scientists.

The Academy's product and service portfolio includes the Restore Science national advocacy campaign, the Australian Science, Australia's Future: Science 2035 flagship initiative, the annual Science at the Shine Dome event, the Bright Minds Bold Voices public speaker series (ticketed at $22/$17 student with free livestream), the Historical Records of Australian Science journal (the only dedicated history-of-science journal in the Southern Hemisphere, established 1966, 784+ publications), the honorific awards programme, the Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship (up to $20,000 per recipient), the Nancy Millis Medal for Women in Science (in partnership with the University of Melbourne), and the Basser Library and Fenner Archives. Sub-brands include Curious (science communication), Future Earth Australia, Taxonomy Australia, and the ISC Regional Focal Point.

The Academy is a non-commercial organisation funded through federal government grants (the Department of Industry, Science and Resources and the Department of Defence are confirmed platinum sponsors), philanthropy and endowed funds (administered through the Australian Futures Science Fund), modest ticket revenue from public events, venue hire at the Shine Dome, and member dues. Pricing for public engagement is intentionally low. It serves government policymakers (primary), research scientists and Fellows (primary), STEM educators and students (primary), and the general public. The organisation is governed by a Council of Fellows led by President Chennupati Jagadish and Chief Executive Anna-Maria Arabia.

Name

Australian Academy of Science

Legal name

Australian Academy of Science

Website

https://science.org.au

Company type

Private

Founded year

1954

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

The Australian Academy of Science is a Canberra-based non-profit learned society founded in 1954 that provides independent science advice to the Australian Government, honours scientific excellence through its 647-Fellow community, leads international science diplomacy, and delivers evidence-based STEM education programmes to Australian schools.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Scientific Learned Society

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (54169)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), International Affairs (9721)

akta.pro primary industry

Science, Technology & Innovation Administration (National R&D Policy) (BPAIAAAK)

akta.pro secondary industries

Research & Science Grantmaking Foundations (BPAGAKAI), Science & STEM Instruction (School-Delivered) (EDAJAFAH), Hands-on Science Exploration & Experiments (Lab Kits, Science Clubs) (EDAMABAA), Scientific & Laboratory Reference (Chemistry, Biology, Physics; Methods & Protocols) (EDAGAGAG)

Keywords

• Science policy advisory
• Research grants programs
• STEM education resources
• Scientific fellowship society
• Science communication events

Headquarters

HQ city

Canberra

HQ country

Australia

HQ region

Oceania

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Government Funding and Grants: The Academy receives government funding to operate its science advisory functions, deliver programs, and support research initiatives including international research collaborations.
2. Event Revenue: Revenue from ticketed public events such as the Bright Minds Bold Voices speaker series ($22 per ticket, $17 for students) and venue hire at the Shine Dome.
3. Philanthropy and Donations: The Academy accepts donations, bequests, and manages endowed funds (such as the Australian Futures Science Fund) to support its education programs, fellowships, and awards.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

The Australian Academy of Science provides independent, evidence-based science policy advice to the Australian Government, administers honorific awards and research fellowships for scientists, delivers evidence-based STEM education programs to Australian schools, and publishes the Historical Records of Australian Science journal. It operates as a non-profit learned society headquartered at the Shine Dome in Canberra, hosting flagship events such as Science at the Shine Dome and the Bright Minds Bold Voices public speaker series, and engages in international science diplomacy as the ISC Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific.

Product overview

The Australian Academy of Science is a scientific organization providing science advice and policy, international science diplomacy, awards, grants and programs, and resources supporting researchers. Its portfolio includes the Restore Science campaign, Australian Science Australia's Future Science 2035 initiative, the Bright Minds Bold Voices public speaker series, and the annual Science at the Shine Dome flagship event. The Academy publishes the Historical Records of Australian Science journal, operates education programs including Science by Doing and Primary Connection/reSolve resources, administers the Honorific Awards Program, Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship, and Nancy Millis Medal, and provides venue hire through the Shine Dome. Members access services via the Fellows Portal while award applicants use the Awards Portal.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Curious: A science news and communication platform providing clear, reliable science information exploring big questions and everyday wonders, backed by expert review.
• ISC Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific
• Science Education
• Future Earth Australia
• Taxonomy Australia
• Shine Dome and hire

Products and services

• Bright Minds, Bold Voices Public Speaker Series An annual public speaker series pairing prominent public figures with leading scientists, held at the Shine Dome in Canberra with national and international online reach via livestream. Target audience is the general public interested in science communication.
• Science at the Shine Dome (SATS) The Academy's flagship annual event held at the Shine Dome in Canberra, celebrating outstanding scientific achievements, admitting new Fellows, presenting honorific awards, and convening the science community. Sponsored by Department of Defence and Department of Industry, Science and Resources at Platinum tier.
• Historical Records of Australian Science (HRAS) Journal

Quantifiable outcome

• 28 new Fellows elected in 2026, joining 647 total distinguished Australian scientists
• +4 more outcomes

Named customers6 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature1 record

Partnerships

20 partnerships are on record, tiered core, platinum, gold, support and principal partner.

• Tech Council of AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 8 December 2026CEO Dr Kate Cornick served as Panel Member for Strategic Examination of R&D. The Academy collaborates on science policy and research investment advocacy.
• Department of Defence (Australia)platinumStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 September 2026Platinum partner for Science at the Shine Dome 2026. The Department supports the Academy's flagship event and science community activities.
• Department of Industry, Science and Resources (Australia)platinumStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 September 2026Platinum partner for Science at the Shine Dome 2026. Supports the Academy's national science initiatives and policy work.
• Australian National UniversitygoldStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 September 2026Gold partner for Science at the Shine Dome 2026. One of Australia's leading research universities supporting the science community.
• Deakin UniversitygoldStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 September 2026Gold partner for Science at the Shine Dome 2026. Supports the Academy's flagship annual event.
• University of MelbournegoldStrategic or Co-development Partner · 15 September 2026Gold partner for Science at the Shine Dome 2026. Major research university and partner in the Nancy Millis Medal for Women in Science.
• Horizon EuropecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 June 2026Australia is associate with the world's largest research funding program, unlocking significant funding and partnership opportunities for Australian researchers.
• Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 5 May 2026Partnership to deliver Global Science & Technology Diplomacy Fund - Strategic Element, providing $6.2 million in grants for international research collaborations.
• Qantas GroupcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 April 2026Qantas Project Sunrise collaboration with Charles Perkins Centre, University of Sydney. The research informs ultra-long-haul aircraft design and in-flight experience improvements for passenger wellbeing.
• University of Sydney (Charles Perkins Centre)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 April 2026Led by Professor Stephen Simpson AC FAA FRS, the research team transforms discoveries about circadian biology into practical applications for ultra-long-haul travel through Project Sunrise.
• Lindau Nobel Laureate MeetingcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 24 March 2026Nine Australian early-career researchers selected to attend the 75th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting, joining Nobel Prize winners from around the world.
• ABC CanberracoreGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Lish Fejer from ABC Canberra hosts the Bright Minds Bold Voices speaker series, providing broadcast reach and audience engagement.
• Digital SciencesupportGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2026Series supporter for the Bright Minds Bold Voices public speaker series, contributing to science communication initiatives.
• Future EarthcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 23 September 2025Future Earth Australia, hosted by the Academy, connects researchers, governments, industry and society to support sustainability transitions.
• Falling Walls LabcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 September 2025The Academy hosts Falling Walls Lab Australia, with winner Mabel Day progressing to present at the international competition in Berlin.
• Chinese Academy of SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 26 June 2025Co-organized Australia-China Workshop on Environmental Protection and Biodiversity in Beijing. High-level discussions on environmental collaboration and shared conservation priorities.
• International Science CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024The Academy serves as ISC Regional Focal Point for Asia and the Pacific, convening the scientific community and acting as hub for ISC Members and activities in the region.
• Taxonomy AustraliacoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024Hosted by the Academy, accelerating the discovery of Australian species before it's too late. Australian taxonomists discover more new species annually than almost any other country.
• Science Education (Australian Academy of Science)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2024The Academy's education division delivers evidence-based programs including Primary Connection, reSolve, and Science by Doing to support effective science and mathematics teaching.
• University of Melbourneprincipal partnerStrategic or Co-development Partner · 22 December 2016Principal partner in perpetuity for the Nancy Millis Medal for Women in Science. Major donation allows joint recognition of medal recipients by both organizations.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Royal Society (UK): The UK's national scientific academy and fellowship body. Most directly comparable to the Australian Academy of Science in mission (independent science advice to government, fellowship election, international science diplomacy, peer-reviewed history of science journal).
• German National Academy of Sciences Leopoldina: Germany's national scientific academy, providing independent science policy advice, electing distinguished members, and engaging internationally. Direct peer in scope and role.
• Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi: New Zealand's national academy of sciences, providing similar policy advisory, fellowship, awards, and public engagement functions. Closest geographic/cultural peer.
• Royal Society of Canada: Canada's national academy of sciences, with parallel fellowship, awards, and policy advisory structure. Comparable in mission and Commonwealth-style governance.
• National Academy of Sciences (US): The United States' national scientific academy providing independent advice to government, electing members, and operating honorific awards. Highly comparable peer in scope, structure, and advisory function.
• Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE): Australia's parallel academy for technology and engineering. Co-delivers the Global Science & Technology Diplomacy Fund with the Australian Academy of Science and competes for similar government advisory mandates and philanthropic capital.
• Indian National Science Academy: India's national science academy with fellowship, awards, and policy advisory functions. Comparable in its role as the national scientific honorific body.

Emerging players

• Australian Academy of Health and Medical Research: Australia's parallel academy focused on health and medical research. Emerging player competing for advisory influence in the medical/health sub-domain of Australian science policy.

Others

• International Science Council: Global non-governmental body that convenes national scientific bodies (including the Australian Academy of Science as ISC Regional Focal Point). Adjacent ecosystem participant rather than direct competitor.

Broad incumbents

• Chinese Academy of Sciences: China's premier state-affiliated scientific body. Active partner with the Australian Academy of Science on environmental and biodiversity workshops (e.g., Beijing workshop). Comparable in international science diplomacy role, though more state-funded and operational.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights6 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/Science_Academy
• YouTubeyoutube.com/user/AustralianAcademyofSc
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/australian-academy-of-science
• Instagraminstagram.com/australianacademyofscience
• Facebookfacebook.com/AustralianAcademyofScience

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles6 records

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Australian Academy of Science