WA Science and Technology Council: Meeting 2
December 2025
The second meeting of the Science and Technology Council of Western Australia (the Council) was held on Thursday, 04 December 2025.
In this meeting, the Council explored the representation of WA researchers nationally, including in federal research funding; the role and responsibilities of Council Members; and reporting methods for the 10-Year Science and Technology Plan.
Commonwealth engagement and representation
Members expressed their concerns about the declining success rates of WA-led applications to Commonwealth research funding, particularly in light of the recent NHMRC outcomes.
Dropping application numbers and limited coordination are contributing factors that the Council identified should be addressed.
Members explored examples of successful initiatives in other jurisdictions that are supporting stronger grant application outcomes, such as those led by Monash University and by the South Australian Government.
Members also reflected on the visibility of WA researchers at the national level, which inhibits grant-success rates and collaboration with industry, particularly with SMEs, that often aren’t aware of WA’s research expertise and capability, nor what funding opportunities exist.
DEED will investigate the best approach to improve Commonwealth funding application outcomes for consideration of the Council.
Science and Technology Council ambassadorial responsibilities
The Council reviewed and endorsed the Statement of Purpose outlining the ambassadorial responsibilities that would be attached to Membership on the Council. Members agreed to act as ambassadors for science and technology in WA in their dealings locally, nationally and internationally.
10-Year Science and Technology Plan reporting
The Council reviewed and provided feedback on the reporting tools that will be used to track and measure the implementation and impact of the 10-Year Science and Technology Plan. Members were broadly supportive of the tools and identified valuable additional metrics and options to strengthen existing metrics.
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