The Australian Academy of Science was founded in 1954 by a group of distinguished Australians, including Australian Fellows of the Royal Society of London.
The first President was Sir Mark Oliphant. The Academy is modelled on the Royal Society and operates under a Royal Charter; as such, it is an independent body, but has received government approval. The Academy Secretariat is located in Canberra, at the Shine Dome.
The Academy’s objectives are to advance science and science education through a range of activities. It has four key program areas:
- Recognition of outstanding contributions to science
- Education and public awareness
- Science policy
- International relations
The Academy also administers 22 national science committees, which provide a forum for discussion of issues relevant to all scientific disciplines in Australia.
