WA Science and Technology Council: Meeting 4
May 2026
The fourth meeting of the Science and Technology Council of Western Australia (the Council) was held on Tuesday, 06 May 2026.
The discussion on digital infrastructure and artificial intelligence (AI) continued in this meeting, with the Council agreeing to develop a Position Statement to government. The Council also discussed strengthening WA’s science and innovation brand.
Digital infrastructure and AI
The Council determined to provide a Position Statement to Government on AI, high performance computing (HPC) and digital infrastructure. The Statement will articulate opportunities for WA and future needs, as well as highlight WA’s opportunity in AI Cooperative Research Centre Projects.
The Council discussed the economic and social value of AI, HPC and digital infrastructure including the use of these technologies in priority sectors. The real impact of AI and HPC capacity not scaling proportionately to industry and research demands was noted as well as the importance of maintaining public confidence in developing and using these technologies.
The Council emphasised maintaining a strong strategic position in national discussions on digital and computing infrastructure to ensure long-term access to nationally significant capabilities or alternative arrangements.
Science and innovation communications
The Council provided feedback on a draft Statewide Science and Innovation Communications Framework, reinforcing the importance of strong audience targeting and simple, memorable brand messages.
The Council discussed the need to drive public awareness of local science and innovation to drive a culture of pride and celebration. Opportunities may include leveraging arts and cultural platforms to showcase WA science and innovation and building science communication capability among researchers and innovators.
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