How to lose a scientist: The ‘dispiriting’ system driving our best minds away
Sam Berkovic, a renowned epilepsy researcher and son of Holocaust survivors, is set to become president of the Australian Academy of Science, where he plans to advocate for stronger scientific investment and integrity. He highlights a 'dispiriting' system in Australia that underfunds research and drives talented scientists overseas. Berkovic emphasizes the need for authoritative scientific voices in public discourse, especially amid rising misinformation and underuse of science in areas like the legal system. He cites low grant success rates and inadequate government support as key factors eroding Australia’s scientific competitiveness.
- ▪Sam Berkovic is a leading epilepsy researcher and will become president of the Australian Academy of Science in May 2026.
- ▪He attributes the exodus of Australian scientists to chronically low research funding and a grant success rate of around 10 percent.
- ▪Berkovic advocates for independent scientific experts in courtrooms, citing the Folbigg case as a pivotal example.
- ▪He criticizes the 'pitiful' level of government investment in research compared to other OECD countries.
- ▪Berkovic believes traditional scientific modesty has become a liability in an era of misinformation and anti-science sentiment.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
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Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at The Sydney Morning Herald.
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