I thought you might want to know about some momentous developments in the 2012 Budget for the mathematical sciences.
The press release by Ministers Evans and Garrett here summarises a $54m response to the Chief Scientist's report (warning: 48 pages) which is entitled "Mathematics, Engineering and Science in the Nation's Interest". Some important actions from the budget report are:
- $20.0M over four years to support university‑led outreach projects to encourage school students to study mathematics and science at the secondary and post‑secondary level;
- $10.9M over four years to support the development of innovative approaches to delivering university mathematics and science courses with a view to improving the pipeline of mathematics and science teachers being trained;
- $6.5M over four years to increase funding for the Scientists and Mathematicians in Schools Program to improve the teaching and learning of science and mathematics in primary and secondary schools by creating and supporting long‑term partnerships between teachers and scientists or mathematicians;
- $5.0M over four years to extend the 'Primary Connections: Linking Science with Literacy' and 'Science by Doing' projects, and supporting further development of high‑quality online digital resources for primary and secondary teachers that provide guidance on innovative teaching techniques in mathematics and science;
- $4.3M over four years to appoint a National Mathematics and Science Education and Industry Adviser to the Office of the Chief Scientist to provide strategic advice, build connections between key stakeholders, and support the development of projects to support awareness and outreach initiatives that will increase participation and achievement in mathematics and science by secondary and tertiary students;
- $3.0M over four years to strengthen existing national advisory services for science and mathematics teachers, develop advice on best practice practical activities that can be delivered in schools, and develop online resources for science and mathematics teachers;
- $2.4M over three years from 2013‑14 to extend funding for the Mathematics and Science Olympiads to help to build the profile and prestige of science and mathematics study and the teaching on which it is founded; and
- $2.0M over four years to support the continued delivery of the Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute's (AMSI) annual program of short intensive courses and research scholarships for mathematics, statistics and science students at the undergraduate, masters and PhD levels.
Kind regards
Nalini
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