Science at the Shine Dome 2025

Last week, ARC Industry Fellow Dr Mango Parker represented the Waite Research Institute at Science in the Shine Dome 2025 in Canberra. The event showcased an inspiring breadth of scientific achievement.

From Dr Mango Parker:

I recently represented the Waite Research Institute at Science in the Shine Dome 2025 in Canberra, and was inspired by the science on display. University of Adelaide’s own Rebecca Greening and Dr Nina Wootton were awarded the Max Day Environmental Science Fellowship Award, Stijn Glorie received the Anton Hales Medal, and Peter Hoj signed the historic charter. 25 new fellows were inducted into the Academy of Science, and prizes were awarded.

We heard about the birth of galaxies from Tamara Davis, genetics and crop breeding from Rajeev Varshney, polarized light spectrometers from Alison Rodger, flat and thin optical lenses from Yuri Kivshar, and eco-restoration with Indigenous communities from Mitchell Gibbs.

Australian Science, Australia’s Future: Science 2035 painted an ambitious picture of Australian innovation in 2035, with a call for urgent investment to overcome challenges of declining national capability. There are grim projections for domestic graduates in hard science, with earth science and chemistry already in dire straits. We heard from the SERD panel who will release their recommendations later in the year. A highlight was learning how the Irish government massively increased participation in science by approaching investment into R&D and innovation differently.

The crowd was welcoming and I made new friends with EMCRs, established academy fellows, and science trailblazers including Professor Mary Garson. I discussed ideas and shared advice with ARC Industry Fellows keen to collaborate and support each other. EMCRs and women were well represented, particularly in the younger demographic. I came away full of inspiration, energy and ideas.