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| Australian Institute of Policy and Science | |
|---|---|
| Name | Australian Institute of Policy and Science |
| Formation | 1932 |
| Type | Non-profit |
| Headquarters | Adelaide, South Australia |
| Leader title | CEO |
| Leader name | Julianne Schultz |
Australian Institute of Policy and Science is an independent Australian think tank and membership organisation linking public policy and scientific research through public engagement and evidence-informed debate. Founded in 1932 in Adelaide by figures associated with intellectual movements of the early 20th century, the organisation has fostered connections among scientists, politicians, and civic leaders across Australia. It runs awards, public lectures, and programs intended to bridge communities including research institutions, cultural organisations, and parliamentary actors such as members of the Parliament of Australia.
The institute emerged during a period marked by the influence of individuals from the Royal Society of New South Wales, the University of Adelaide, and the Australian National University, reflecting a broader interwar interest in applied science and public policy similar to movements associated with the British Association for the Advancement of Science and the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. Early patrons included academics linked to the University of Melbourne, figures from the South Australian Parliament, and civic leaders with ties to the Adelaide Festival of Ideas. Throughout the mid-20th century the organisation interacted with institutions such as the National Library of Australia, the Australian Academy of Science, and the Australian Council of Social Service while responding to national debates involving ministers from cabinets led by prime ministers like Robert Menzies and Gough Whitlam. In later decades the institute collaborated with research centres at the University of Sydney, the University of Queensland, and the University of Western Australia as Australia navigated policy challenges linked to technology, health, and the environment debated alongside actors from the High Court of Australia and state parliaments.
The institute’s stated mission centers on promoting evidence-based dialogue among practitioners drawn from organisations such as the CSIRO, the Australian Medical Association, and cultural partners like the National Gallery of Australia. Activities aim to connect researchers from the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, policymakers from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet, and community leaders including representatives from the Australian Local Government Association. It convenes forums that feature speakers affiliated with universities such as Monash University, Griffith University, and Deakin University, and engages media outlets including the Australian Broadcasting Corporation and the Sydney Morning Herald to amplify discussions about policy-relevant science. The institute also fosters relationships with philanthropic bodies like the Ian Potter Foundation and regulatory agencies including the Therapeutic Goods Administration.
Signature programs have included public lecture series, regional festivals, and interdisciplinary panels that bring together experts from the Lowy Institute, the Grattan Institute, and the Menzies Research Centre. Educational outreach has partnered with schools linked to the Association of Heads of Independent Schools of Australia and community networks such as the Australian Council for Adult Literacy. Science-policy fellowship schemes have placed researchers alongside policymakers in institutions like the Australian Public Service Commission and state cabinets formerly led by premiers from New South Wales and Victoria. Collaborative initiatives have tied the institute to cultural events coordinated with the Melbourne Museum, the Powerhouse Museum, and science communication projects aligned with the Royal Geographical Society of Australasia. Workshops addressing topics like biomedical innovation have involved stakeholders from the Murdoch Children’s Research Institute and representatives of industry associations such as the Australian Industry Group.
The institute has been governed by boards composed of leaders drawn from academic institutions including the Australian National University, legal professionals with affiliations to the Law Council of Australia, and corporate directors from firms listed on the Australian Securities Exchange. Governance structures have reflected nonprofit norms practiced by entities such as the Smith Family and the Australian Council for International Development. Funding sources historically combined membership subscriptions, grants from state arts and science agencies like Creative Australia, sponsorship by private philanthropy such as the Westpac Foundation, and competitive research funding channels linked to the Australian Research Council. Financial oversight has engaged auditors and advisors with links to professional services networks similar to PwC Australia and KPMG Australia.
The institute produces briefing papers, policy commentaries, and lecture transcripts circulated to networks that include journalists from the Financial Review, editors at the Australian and contributors connected to academic publishers at the ANU Press. Its communications platform syndicates content to partners such as the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences and disseminates findings via events recorded for broadcast on platforms affiliated with the ABC Radio National and curated by digital partners comparable to the Griffith Review. Publications have profiled research from think tanks like the Australian Strategic Policy Institute and policy analyses referencing reports by the Productivity Commission and the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare.
The institute administers awards honoring excellence in science communication and public policy engagement, paralleling recognitions such as the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science and the Australian Academy of Science's Mahler Medal in intent. Notable awardees have included researchers and communicators affiliated with the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity, media figures from the Australian Geographic community, and public intellectuals associated with the Lowitja O'Donoghue Oration and similar lecture series. Awards ceremonies have been hosted in venues linked to the Adelaide Festival Centre and have featured presenters from the Governor-General of Australia’s office and state governors.
Category:Think tanks based in Australia