Western Australia's Science Priorities
On 29 February 2008 the Minister for Science, Premier Alan Carpenter, announced eight science priorities for WA to guide the State’s future investment in science, while strengthening WA’s continued growth and diversification. These priorities were developed from the recommendations of the Premier’s Science and Innovation Council with consultation from the science community and the public.
The eight science priorities are:
- Creating World Class Minerals and Mining Technologies - to develop the next generation of exploration, mining and processing systems and sustainable operations
- Making Energy Cleaner - to develop alternative energy options and make existing energy options cleaner
- Adapting Agriculture - to ensure the long term sustainability of agriculture, particularly with regard to the effects of climate change and international competitiveness
- Protecting Biodiversity - to develop a better understanding of Western Australia’s unique plants, animals and ecosystems
- Building Radio Astronomy Science - to position WA as the premier location for radio astronomy research in its bid to secure the world site for the SKA
- Securing our Water Future - to develop sustainable water supplies and uses to cope with climate change and population pressures
- Improving Health and Medicine - to build on leading research already undertaken in WA and investigate emerging health impacts
- Enabling Science and Technology - to advance ‘blue sky’ research and fundamental sciences that will help underpin Western Australia’s science future
