The RSA participated in and helped organise the inaugural Forum of Australian Academies and Australasian Royal Societies which was held in Canberra at the Shine Dome at the Australian Academy of Science on 28 September 2026.

The event was prompted by the impending visit to Australia earlier this year of the President and CEO of the Royal Society of New Zealand Te Apārangi. The RSA saw this as an opportunity to gather the Australian Academies, the Australian Royal Societies and our New Zealand colleagues together in one place to share pertinent ideas and learn from each other. With the initial help of ACOLA and later the Australian Academy of Science, the RSA and Te Apārangi were able to organise a full day’s program, which included input from several external agencies.

In the morning the Forum examined current issues and impacts on Academies and Royal Societies, with the additional input of Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb who talked about the SERD review and its impacts.

In the afternoon, three themes were covered:
• Global influences and regional geopolitics: Impact on research and policy/advocacy
• Horizon Europe: briefing on Australian perspectives and New Zealand lessons
• The Unique Pacific: Economic prosperity and shared security through research and science partnerships.

The Forum was followed by a reception for attendees hosted by the New Zealand High Commissioner to Australia, His Excellency Mr Andrew Needs, at the High Commissioner’s residence.

Reception at New Zealand High Commissioner's Residence Canberra

Participants in the inaugural Forum flank the High Commissioner who stands in front of the painting with the President of Te Apārangi, Dame Jane Harding, to his right.

Te Apārangi continued their discussions with individual Academies and other organisations over the following two days. We were pleased that in addition to their President, Distinguished Professor Dame Jane Harding DNZM FRACP FRSNZ, and CEO, Ms Justine Daw, Te Apārangi were able to involve their newly announced President-elect, Professor Emerita Penny Brothers FRSC FRSNZ in the Canberra Forum and subsequent meetings.