Australian science policy is in a confused place. The government is negotiating with the European Union to join the Horizon Europe program for funding and collaboration. Australian facilities are crucial to NASA’s Artemis II mission around the Moon.
At the same time, a decision announced over the weekend highlights a lack of vision. A longstanding membership with the European Southern Observatory (ESO) will not be renewed. This will cut Australian astronomers and engineers off from a vital source of data and experience.
Australia is playing a key role in a historic NASA mission right now. The 2026 Australian of the Year is an astronaut and space engineer – Katherine Bennell-Pegg. This year, we finally have a comprehensive report on research and development in Australia, and what needs to improve.