The final report of the Strategic Examination of Research and Development in Australia was released on 17 March 2026. The review was conducted by an independent panel chaired by Robyn Denholm with members Emeritus Professor Ian Chubb AC, Winthrop Professor Fiona Wood AO and Dr Kate Cornick. The panel provided its advice to government in December 2025. The strategic examination looked at how Australia’s future prosperity could be secured by strengthening Australia’s research and development (R&D) system. The panel’s report outlines 20 recommendations to the Australian Government across 6 key areas of Australia’s R&D system.
The panel’s report, Ambitious Australia: Strategic Examination of Research and Development, is now available and is being considered by the Australian government. Australia’s Royal Societies could well have a role in its implementation.
