Checking the power output of a photovoltaic concentrator array built by Martin Marietta, Inc., at Sandia National Laboratory in Albuquerque, New Mexico.
USDOE/Flickr
President Trump's budget reportedly will slash funding for clean energy research and development. An energy expert explains the importance of government support and spotlights some key opportunities.
A president’s science advisor is traditionally a close confidant.
AP Photo/Charles Dharapak
Innovation is a huge part of economic growth – and the White House needs to be well-informed on science and tech issues when setting goals and budgets. Here's how presidents get up to speed.
One thing they seem to agree on: Not prioritizing science in their platforms.
Carlos Barria/Reuters
Neither major party has made science and engineering issues a big part of its platform. But research – and its funding – are crucial if the U.S. wants to maintain status as a global leader.
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull is encouraging Australian firms to invest in R&D like their international counterparts.
Yoshikazu Tsuno/Reuters
There is a very real risk that South Africa's major research projects will stumble and the whole research machine will be shut down by ongoing student protests.
South Africa needs some universities that focus on teaching, and others that concentrate on research.
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South Africa must examine how science funding is allocated to universities. It also needs to acknowledge that not all universities should be focusing on research and development.
Australia ranks 134 out of 138 nations in terms of access to foreign markets.
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Economic growth alone won't end hunger. Good policies and programmes are needed, too. Scientists and researchers have a role to play in these initiatives.
So much more can be achieved if African researchers work together.
EPA/DANIEL IRUNGU
There are a number of stumbling blocks to intra African collaboration. These must be addressed to ensure that research is not duplicated and that findings are shared.
Investment in science and innovation is needed to help build Africa.
Kate Holt/Africa Practice/Flickr
Successful economies are led by innovation and driven by knowledge. For Africa to advance, it needs to make more substantial investments in its research and development sector.
A carbon tax could help South Africa increase research and development in more renewable projects.
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Bill Ferris talks about the need for Australia to bring its ideas and inventions to market, and the way to tackle a business culture that fears failure.
Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull understands innovation, but the government still lacks a coherent innovation plan.
Mick Tsikas/AAP
When academics come up with a viable innovation, they need to figure out the best way to protect their intellectual property if they're going to bring it to market. Patents aren't always the answer.
The university experience means more than a piece of paper and a photo in a cap and gown.
RMIT University
We value the boosted career and wealth outcomes for graduates and what that does for our economy, but university has more value than that.
Countries should make pledges to fund low-carbon research - such as developing solar technology - and development as part of global climate talks.
University of Salford Press Office/Flickr
Countries will take emissions reduction pledges to international climate talks in Paris at the end of this year. Those pledges should also include funds for low-carbon R&D.
Investing in more roads might help boost economic growth, but getting knowledge infrastructure right could take it to a new level.
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Commentators continue to call for new infrastructure to lift Australia’s flagging economic growth, yet there is a significant lack of awareness over what constitutes infrastructure. Infrastructure is not…
Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane (right) wants universities to be more supportive of industry, but without significant funding into research and development, that’s a big ask.
AAP
Industry Minister Ian Macfarlane let his discretion slip this week in a speech to the Queensland Media Club when foreshadowing an upcoming report on research funding and competition. Distancing himself…
What research needs in Australia is a plan for the future.
Flickr/Nomadic Lass
After a few years of increased funding, Australian research has recently started to face cutbacks and job losses. This boom and bust cycle for science is nothing new but is it time to take a new approach…
CSIRO is contending with a A$111 million hit to its budget over four years.
Bidgee/Wikimedia Commons
What happens to CSIRO when the federal government decides to strip away A$111 million over four years from its A$733 million annual contribution to the organisation’s budget? We are beginning to find out…
