Research
‘World’s most exciting classroom’ sets sail on Charles Darwin’s trail
The Darwin 200 was dreamt up by British documentary maker and television geographer Stewart McPherson, and is based on HMS Beagle’s five-year voyage which left England in 1831.
- by Rob Harris
Latest
Exclusive
Science
Tie research funding to progress on diversity, STEM review says
Taxpayer cash spent trying to encourage more women to work in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields has been largely ineffective, a government review has found.
- by Liam Mannix
Analysis
Science
Superconductor or super-suss? The strange story of LK-99, the internet’s new scientific obsession
A South Korean team says it has found a new room-temperature superconductor, but does it stack up?
- by Liam Mannix
Exclusive
Science
Push for science watchdog as inquiry finds ‘disincentive’ for self-regulation
An inquiry which investigated allegations of misconduct and bullying against a cancer scientist found the federal government should establish the equivalent of the Office of Research Integrity in the US.
- by Liam Mannix
Widespread newborn genomic screening isn’t far away. Are we ready for it?
If a cost-effective way of offering more comprehensive genetic screening is made available, how much do we want to know?
- by Liam Mannix
New drug gives hope to Australians battling breast cancer
A chemotherapy drug has been approved for use in up to 70 per cent of breast cancer cases across Australia, giving new hope to patients like Amy Johnston.
- by Holly Thompson
Girls have overtaken boys in science participation. In workplaces, it’s a completely different story
Young women get better grades in science, technology, engineering and mathematics, but progress on jobs for women in these industries has been painfully slow.
- by Liam Mannix
Science funding should be arm’s length from government, minister says
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler says he has long held concerns about the involvement of government ministers in the huge Medical Research Future Fund.
- by Liam Mannix
Exclusive
Science
Push for scrutiny on ‘ad hoc’ grants as questions swirl about PwC mental health company
Independent MPs are pushing for all large government grant schemes to have parliamentary oversight, while fresh questions are being raised about a $30 million non-competitive contract given to a company part-owned by PwC.
- by Liam Mannix
‘Wealthy families, private schools’: Have universities forgotten who their students really are?
Experts warn funding cuts have led to the rise of universities operating like corporations instead of public institutions. What spiky ideas can fix the sector?
- by Sherryn Groch, Lucy Carroll and Nicole Precel
Opinion
Sex & relationships
Ignore the moral panic: Welcome to Sex is a valuable resource for kids
Sex education, it appears, has become a new scapegoat, but people touting unwarranted fears over sexualisation of children is an age-old phenomenon.
- by Giselle Woodley