In the News

The successful use of nanotechnology in agriculture will only be possible with a concerted effort to overcome the challenges posed by policies and regulations that are not yet fit for purpose.

Our first issue of Policy Futures is now available. In this issue we cover emerging technologies and innovations including artificial technology, synthetic biology, nanotechnology and circular economy.

Coral reef restoration is gaining considerable momentum globally in response to climate change and other anthropogenic impacts on coral reefs. In Australia, as part of the Reef Restoration and Adaptation Program (RRAP), a range of unconventional interventions are currently being investigated to help the Great Barrier Reef resist, repair and recover from climate change.

New research shows that despite differences in their funding commitments, major political parties in Australia – the Coalition, Labor and the Greens – see science and technology as important aspects of our economy and future prosperity.

A ramming incident on 27 April involving a Vietnamese fisheries surveillance vessel and an Indonesian naval vessel near Indonesia’s Natuna Islands highlights the risks of escalation in competition over fisheries in the South China Sea. But it should also be understood in the context of broader strategic dynamics in the Indo-Pacific, where ASEAN unity is being tested and tolerance for ‘grey zone’ maritime operations appears to be lessening.

Virginia Eubanks is an Associate Professor of Political Science at the University at Albany, SUNY

On 29 March 2019, Centre for Policy Futures Research Fellow, Dr Greta Nabbs-Keller was invited to present on ‘Southeast Asian Views of Major Competition’ at a Conference hosted jointly by the Embassy of Japan and the National Security College, ANU entitled: A Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Towards a Shared Strategy.

On 16 April 2019, Minister for Industry, Science and Technology, the Hon Karen Andrews MP, announced $70 million in CRC Program funding for the Blue Economy CRC.

It’s not all doom and gloom – pathways to restore the health of our planet do exist. Pedro Fidelman reports in The Conversation ... (image wonderisland/Shutterstock).

We all want to know who we are and where we come from. It’s a fundamental human desire.

Have you ever wondered who you are or where you come from?

UQ researcher Dr Pedro Fidelman joined a global team to assess the health of the planet in GEO-6, released at the UN Environment Assembly.

The Policy Futures Labs work with governments and their stakeholders to help them develop and explore new ideas, approaches and tools needed to address complex societal issues (e.g. disruptive technologies, climate change and sustainable development).

Medical Journal of Australia article by Dr Claire Borlan (CPF) and Lisa Herron (School of Public Health)

Medical Journal of Australia

Read more about this edited collection that brings together diverse and practical contributions to the current negotiations on the Australia-EU Free Trade Agreement (FTA).