RACI welcomes ‘Ambitious Australia’ report
The Royal Australian Chemical Institute (RACI) welcomes the release of ‘Ambitious Australia – Strategic Examination of R&D’, a landmark report calling for bold, systemic reform to secure Australia’s long‑term prosperity through a stronger, more coordinated research, development and innovation (RD&I) system.
The expert panel behind the report is clear that Australia must move beyond incremental adjustments to an increasingly fragmented RD&I system and instead commit to a focused national strategy that lifts foundational research, accelerates translation and strengthens industry participation. The report warns that without decisive action, Australia faces a long‑term decline in living standards, driven by lagging productivity and insufficient investment in research and innovation.
RACI CEO Mr. Shenal Basnayake said
Chemistry underpins innovation in every sector identified in the national pillars, from health through to advanced technologies and the environment. The report highlights the urgent need for sustained investment in foundational research and stronger collaboration across industry, academia and government. RACI strongly supports this call and urges Government to act decisively to deliver the RD&I system Australia deserves
The report emphasises that Australia has not fully realised the benefits of its research strengths, and that restoring funding for foundational research and simplifying the RD&I system are essential to maintaining sovereign capability and global competitiveness.
In support of these national priorities, the RACI will shortly commence a new policy development process to define the Institute’s priorities for the coming years. This work will articulate the critical role of chemistry in shaping a sustainable, secure and competitive future for Australia, ensuring that chemical sciences are central to the national conversation on innovation, resilience and long‑term prosperity.
Mr. Basnayake further stated that
As the leading voice in the chemical sciences for Australia, the RACI is committed to ensuring Australia builds the capabilities needed to thrive in an increasingly complex global landscape. Our forthcoming policy agenda will highlight how chemistry enables the clean energy transition, modern manufacturing, advanced materials, health innovation, environmental sustainability and more.
RACI commends the expert panel for its comprehensive and courageous reform package, and looks forward to working with government, industry and the broader scientific community to help deliver the bold national transformation outlined in the report.
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Contact: info@raci.org.au | 03 9328 2033
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