Australia's scientific community faces significant challenges as the government announces further job cuts at the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO). Up to 350 researchers are expected to be laid off in the latest round of redundancies, adding to the more than 800 positions eliminated in the past 18 months. CSIRO, which employs around 6,000 people, has seen its funding decline sharply over the years. In 1982, CSIRO accounted for 0.16% of Australia’s gross domestic product (GDP), but this figure has plummeted to just 0.3% for the 2023-24 fiscal year.

CSIRO CEO Doug Hilton discussed the financial pressures facing the organization during an interview on ABC Radio National Breakfast. "The cost of doing science has gone up," he said. "We're going through the same sort of cost-of-living crisis as every family and every household in Australia has gone through in the last five or 10 years." To maintain sustainability, CSIRO is reducing its research portfolio and prioritizing certain scientific areas.

The funding crisis extends beyond CSIRO. The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation (ANSTO) is also grappling with financial difficulties. Last month, ANSTO announced plans to close two critical instruments associated with the Australian Synchrotron, which have been vital for both national and international research. The scientists' union, Professionals Australia, estimates that job cuts could reach 10% of the synchrotron staff. Researcher Marta Krasowska emphasized the importance of these instruments, stating, "This is not research that you will be able to do somewhere else. If we allow for scientific infrastructure to be closed down, [it's gone]."

The university sector is similarly affected, with an estimated 3,500 staff members laid off in the past two years due to declining international student enrollment. Much of the funding for scientific research in Australia comes from government grants provided by the Australian Research Council (ARC) and the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC). However, the Australian Academy of Science reports a 27% decline in this funding over the past decade.

As funding cuts in the United States also impact international research opportunities, Australian scientists find themselves in a precarious position. Many researchers describe their situation as akin to a "gig economy," relying on short-term contracts and grant applications to secure employment. This shift has diverted their focus from scientific work to the grant application process. Graduates often struggle to find stable jobs and many leave the country shortly after completing their studies, taking their expertise with them.

Large projects, such as the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory, have faced delays due to inconsistent funding. In comparison to other countries, Australia significantly lags in research investment. The average OECD country allocates about 0.73% of its GDP to research, while Australia invests only about 0.36%.

In response to these challenges, former science minister Ed Husic initiated a review of Australia’s Research and Development, chaired by Tesla's Robyn Denholm. CSIRO's Hilton expressed hope for the review's recommendations, stating he is "really looking forward to seeing their recommendations for recharging science in Australia."

Despite the Labor government acknowledging a decade of decline in research and development, previous administrations have struggled to address the issue effectively. The future of Australia’s scientific sector appears uncertain, with experts warning that without significant investment, the country risks falling further behind in research and development. Chennupati Jagadish, president of the Australian Academy of Science, highlighted the urgency of the situation, stating, "We have gaps — in workforce, infrastructure and coordination — that will cripple our ability to secure a bright future for the next generation, unless we act now."

As the new science minister, Tim Ayres, begins his tenure, it remains to be seen whether he will take the necessary steps to revitalize Australia’s science industry.