Science Strategy 2028
Last updated:22 February 2023
The performance and delivery of Geoscience Australia’s Strategy 2028 is underpinned by our science and how we conduct it. Our value to the nation, support to the Australian Government, and the trust in our advice is centred on the quality, timeliness and relevance of the scientific knowledge and skills that we host and cultivate, as well as the culture and principles that guide our scientific endeavours. This cannot be taken for granted, so it is therefore appropriate that we have a science strategy to guide how we conduct and support our science.
Part of our greater scientific mission is aligned and informed by national and global science priorities (for example, Australia’s National Science Statement) as well as within our discipline of geoscience (such as the Academy of Science’s decadal plans and the UNCOVER Initative). To achieve this we work within the context of a broad definition of geoscience to include the science of our Earth’s systems traditionally included within disciplines such as geology and geography, but also a wider field of disciplines extending from the Earth’s core and into the surrounding cosmos, to reflect an expanding and integrated portfolio of expertise in geoscience.
Our Science Strategy 2028 represents a new approach to articulating the context and priorities for our science. Its main aim is to show the strategy and fundamental framework supporting the science that in turn supports Geoscience Australia’s Strategy 2028. To do this it has brought together other key strategic strands such as our Core Commitments and Science Principles, and depends on our strategies in areas such as digital science, communication and engagement, health and wellbeing as well as diversity and inclusion. The way that our core commitment to science has brought these key strategic commitments together is perhaps one of the most exciting strategic imperatives of this document.
The success of this science strategy will be largely measured by recommendations from our five-yearly schedule of science evaluations in 2021–22 and 2026–27. Also important will be how the nation values and engages with our science, as well as the well-being and achievement of our scientists and our community of staff working both internally and externally.
This science strategy was developed by our Office of the Chief Scientist in close collaboration and support from our senior executive (Divisional Chiefs and Branch Heads) and deep domain experts within Geoscience Australia.
This strategy sets out a vision with clear and measurable objectives and explains the roles and foundations of Geoscience Australia’s Office of Chief Scientist. It provides the framework and direction to ensure our science aligns with our six Science Principles, and supports our Core Commitments set out in Strategy 2028.
The Science Strategy Implementation Plan [PDF 6.1 MB] is a companion document to the Science Strategy 2028 [PDF 5.5 MB]. It sets out clear and measurable objectives to achieve our strategy commitments, and explains the roles and foundations of Geoscience Australia’s Office of Chief Scientist.
Who we are
Our Purpose
Earth sciences for Australia’s future.
Our Mission
To be the trusted source of information on Australia’s geology and geography for government, industry and community decision making.
Our Office of the Chief Scientist
Ensures the quality, relevance and best conduct of Geoscience Australia’s science in meeting its strategic purpose and mission.
Strategy 2028
Strategy 2028 outlines our strategic plan for impact by supporting evidence-based decisions through information, advice and services for a strong economy, resilient society and sustainable environment. It includes six key areas of impact, with underlying measurable objectives:
- building Australia’s resources wealth
- supporting Australia’s community safety
- securing Australia’s water resources
- managing Australia’s marine jurisdictions
- creating a location enabled Australia
- enabling an informed Australia.
The successful delivery of Strategy 2028 is underpinned by the quality and relevance of our science and how we best conduct it.
Our Core Commitments
In order to develop Geoscience Australia as the strongest, most resilient organisation it can be, we have identified four Core Commitments:
- pursuing science excellence
- making the most of our data
- ensuring supportive stakeholders
- enhancing positive organisational culture.
Each of our four Core Commitments influence the culture and success of how the people in Geoscience Australia are able to conduct science.
Our science principles and strategic actions
The Science Principles describe how we conduct our science in both long-term planning and day-to-day operations. The six Science Principles to which we commit, and the related strategic actions, are set out below.
01 Relevant science
We commit to relevant science in order to ensure that Geoscience Australia provides quality-assured information to the right people in the right timeframe so they can make evidence-based decisions, particularly related to the Australian Government. This includes the provision of scientific advice to meet national and international obligations.
We will achieve this by:
- understanding the current and emerging national priorities and undertaking the science required to respond to them.
- influencing national and international research agendas to promote the development of science that will support current government priorities and position Australia to respond to long term challenges.
- ensuring that our investments in science are targeted both towards current stakeholder priorities and building capability to address long term challenges.
02 Collaborative science
We commit to collaborative science to allow Geoscience Australia to meet current and emerging challenges that are more complex than any single individual, team or organisation can achieve. This requires us to engage with the broad research and data community, and with non-scientific stakeholders who are more likely to use and value our information if they are involved in our work.
We will achieve this by:
- proactively engaging with the science community to leverage their capabilities and develop our own.
- engaging our stakeholders in designing scientific activity to ensure they receive and use the information and products they require.
- acknowledging our collaborators to promote an inclusive working environment that will foster future opportunities.
- recognise and actively listen to the different roles, capacity and priorities of the diversity of stakeholder types and ensure that our science engagement is appropriate for the situation.
03 Quality science
We commit to quality science to maximise stakeholder confidence that the data and information we provide is accurate, that results are repeatable, and that any uncertainties are explained and accounted for. This will ensure that our science reflects not just quality, but integrity. Data and information can then be used to inform current national debate and decisions, and be re-used and re-purposed long after it is created.
We will achieve this by:
- complying with the Australian Code for the Responsible Conduct of Research [PDF 215 KB].
- attracting, retaining and developing staff with the right skills and attributes to meet our future science objectives.
- providing fit-for-purpose information with conclusions consistent with the data inputs, appropriate caveats on limitations, and quantification of uncertainties.
- appropriately participating in regular evaluation of the quality of our science.
04 Transparent science
We commit to transparent science to demonstrate that our scientific activities are unbiased and support the trust and authority of advice to government and subsequent decisions. By openly sharing our work and abiding by the FAIR data principles (findable, accessible, interoperable, reusable) we create a platform that supports further innovation in the tradition of scientific discovery.
We will achieve this by:
- ensuring that we aim to make our data and associated information (metadata, methods, results, and products) are findable, accessible, interoperable, and reusable (FAIR).
- tailoring communication styles in scientific presentations and publications to the audience so that they understand the science.
- ensuring that our science products are delivered in the most appropriate way (e.g. digital) that is user-friendly, robust and responsive.
05 Communicated science
We commit to communicated science to ensure that Geoscience Australia’s outputs are accessible and useful for a wide variety of stakeholders. By tailoring the communication of scientific information to the particular audience and purpose, our science will reach more stakeholders and have greater impact. Effective communication includes appropriate background for stakeholders and the public to enhance their understanding of the science.
We will achieve this by:
- seeking to communicate our science broadly to maximise its impact.
- using plain language to communicate our ideas without losing scientific integrity.
- listening to the concerns of stakeholders and communicating in ways that address those.
- promoting understanding and application of scientific evidence for decision making by policy developers, industry and the broader community.
- inspiring the broader community in geoscientific knowledge to foster a scientifically literate public and the next generation of geoscientists.
06 Sustained science capability
We commit to a sustained science capability that positions us to undertake scientific activities that meet current and future priorities. The type and level of science capability we retain will be determined by horizon-scanning and strategic requirements.
We will achieve this by:
- retaining core scientific capability in-house, and develop an adaptable workforce with abilities in technical science, digital technologies, and data management.
- engaging with the broader science community to promote development and maintenance of the external capabilities we are likely to require.
- identifying future data requirements and promote the acquisition, curation, analysis, and interpretation of that data by ourselves and others.
- valuing and committing to inclusive and diverse scientists that bring their authentic and best person to their science.
Strategic science priorities
Geoscience Australia’s strategic science priorities are derived from mapping our four Core Commitments to the six Science Principles.
Table 1 shows an overview of these and is followed by a brief outline according to each of our four Core Commitments, and examples of three key implementations.
Table 1. Our strategic science priorities (bold text and parenthesis reflect “key implementations” further described in the Implementation Plan)
| Our Core Commitments | ||||||
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| Pursuing Science Excellence | Making the Most of Our Data | Ensuring Supportive Stakeholders | Enhancing Positive Organisational Culture | |||
| Relevant Science |
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| Collaborative Science |
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| Quality Science |
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| Transparent Science |
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| Communicated Science |
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| Sustained Science Capability |
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