PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012-2021 - BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICS UNDERPINNING AUSTRALIA'S FUTURE - Australian Academy of ...
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PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021
BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICS
UNDERPINNING AUSTRALIA’S FUTUREPHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021 BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICS, UNDERPINNING AUSTRALIA’S FUTURE
©Academy of Science 2012 GPO Box 783, Canberra ACT 2601 This work is copyright. The Copyright Act 1968 permits fair dealing for study, research, news reporting, criticism or review. Selected passages, tables or diagrams may be reproduced for such purposes provided acknowledgement of the source is included. Major extracts or the entire document may not be reproduced by any process without written permission of the publisher. The Physics decadal plan 2012–2021: building on excellence in physics consists of two documents: The Physics decadal plan 2012–2021: building on excellence in physics, underpinning Australia’s future contains a summary of the findings of the physics decadal plan process and provides the main recommendations for addressing the current issues identified within Australia’s physics community. This document is the Physics decadal plan 2012–2021. The Physics decadal plan 2012–2021 research report: building on excellence in physics, underpinning Australia’s future contains the background and foreground research from which the findings presented in the Physics decadal plan 2012–2021 have been drawn. The data in the Physics decadal plan 2012–2021 research report can also be used for benchmarking future changes in this field. Both parts may be downloaded from the physics decadal plan website www.science.org.au/natcoms/ physicsdecadalplan.html. ISBN 978 0 85847 338 6 Cover image www.istockphoto.com/aleksandarvelasevic
Foreword
Physics lies at the heart of science, crossing the astronomy in Australia and the search for exotic
boundaries of chemistry, biology, engineering and states of matter such as black holes ultimately led
medicine, and providing us with an increasingly to a thriving export business in specialised antennas,
quantitative view of the world around us — allowing the facilitation of wireless computing worldwide,
us to design solutions to outstanding problems and and a successful bid for the world’s largest radio
invent new ideas that are revolutionising our world. telescope, the Square Kilometre Array.
The power of physics has recently been highlighted This report is about ensuring that the process
in the reported discovery of the Higgs boson — a of strategic investment in teaching and research
prediction of a theory which provides a description in physics in Australia continues over the next
of three of the four fundamental interactions between 10 years, so that Australia remains a strong member
elementary particles. This theory builds on centuries of the world’s physics community and reaps the
of work by physicists including Galileo, Newton, associated intellectual, economic and social
Maxwell, Einstein and Feynman. rewards.
But physics has done much more than provide a The Physics decadal plan 2012–2021: building on
fundamental understanding of the world in which we excellence in physics is ambitious but achievable. It
live; it has also underpinned huge changes to society calls for significant investment in invigorating physics
and our quality of life — including the industrial education at all levels, addressing physics skills
revolution, electricity, electronics, computers, shortages, boosting capacity in physics research,
medical imaging and aerospace technology. and supporting international collaboration in physics,
particularly with our Asian neighbours.
The search for the Higgs boson is also a wonderful
illustration of what is needed to make such great In times of stringent fiscal constraints, it may be
leaps in understanding — it was a collaborative tempting to forego investment in the fundamentals
effort demanding major resources. And Australia of our economy — education, research and
was there, playing a small but significant role as part development. But this is a false economy, as it
of a huge transnational effort. This would not have forestalls building of capacity to meet the challenges
happened, however, without a long-term investment of the future. In the end, investment in this plan is
in our education system, in our universities, in large a small price to pay for outcomes upon which our
research infrastructure such as the synchrotron, and nation will be increasingly dependent: helping us
in our capacity to engage internationally. generate and manage diminishing energy resources;
understanding and coping with climate change;
Just as an understanding of electrons and photons
developing better medical imaging, diagnosis and
has led spectacularly to many of the electronic and
treatments; building a high technology industry base;
optical products in our lives today, a deeper
and interpreting the laws of the Universe and our
understanding of the fundamental laws of our
place in it.
Universe cannot but lead to a wealth of new
possibilities, both directly and indirectly. Projects I commend the Physics decadal plan 2012–2021
at CERN (the European Organization for Nuclear to you.
Research) chasing the Higgs and other particles
Professor Brian Schmidt FAA
have already delivered the World Wide Web as a
(Nobel Prize in Physics, 2011)
spin-off; only history will reveal what else will come.
Research School of Astronomy and
In my own research field, astrophysics, we see Astrophysics, Mount Stromlo Observatory
the same interplay. Long-term investment in radio Australian National University
FOREWORD
PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICS iiiFrom the working group convener
Physics is a fundamental science that underpins by the physics community to survey the discipline
other disciplines such as engineering, computer of physics in Australia and identify near and far
science, chemistry and medicine. Physics provides opportunities. It builds on the 1993 review of
the fundamental understanding that allows physics in Australia. The 1993 report contained
development of new technologies and tools for 38 recommendations aimed at making Australian
advances in all of science and technology and physics stronger, and defined a pathway to a more
builds capacity for new industries and business. competitive Australia. It addressed these issues
Investment in physics provides returns in many based on five elements: investing greater resources
forms and on many timescales. nationally in research and innovation; improving
access to the tools needed for the advancement of
Physicists are renowned for being solution finders.
physics; training for future needs; lifting the status
Solutions can have unexpected impacts in new
of physics in the community; and planning for the
areas of activity. Examples include new phase
future. The 1993 plan contributed to raising the
contrast biomedical imaging techniques and cancer
level and impact of optics research in Australia
treatments, broadband communication, solar cells,
and setting optics as an ARC priority area. This
green energy and power, organic photovoltaics,
has contributed to the very strong present-day
nanotechnology and advanced materials. New
role of optics research in Australian physics.
companies such as Bluglass (LED technology),
Nearly 20 years later the five elements of the
Quintessence (information technology security
1993 plan are still just as important.
systems) and SRL Plascon (electric plasma based
hazardous waste destruction) seek to bring products The 2011–2012 plan process has been managed
to market. Physicists support interdisciplinary by the Physics Decadal Plan Working Group under
research conducted on major national facilities such the auspices of the Australian Institute of Physics
as the Australian Synchrotron, the OPAL reactor, and the Australian Academy of Science. Throughout
within hospitals and CSIRO, DSTO and other major the process it was clear that Australian physicists
laboratories. are well connected to the international enterprise
of physics and that there are many opportunities
To face the big challenges of the future, excellence
to better capitalise on those connections. People
in physics literacy is required. Physics graduates
everywhere were concerned about supporting
move into many professions. Some of these, such
our physics teachers. Australia has been relatively
as teaching, research in universities and government
lightly touched by the global financial crisis and
laboratories, and drivers of high technology industries,
that, thanks to the investments made over the past
require discipline-specific knowledge. However,
20 years, makes Australia a desirable place to live
physics graduates are also keenly sought for a wide
and work. Australia has unique opportunities in the
range of government and industry positions in which
competition to attract and develop the best human
their ability to think critically, analyse data and solve
capital into physics. This plan aims to identify and
abstract problems is their key credential for
build on those opportunities.
employment. Australian physicists can be found in
academic institutions, laboratories and industries Professor DN Jamieson
FROM THE WORKING GROUP CONVENER
around the globe. July 2012
Building on excellence in physics: underpinning
Australia’s future is the product of a research project
iv PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICSContents
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii Critical issue 2: realising
human capital in physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
From the working group convener . . . . . . . . . . iv
Human capital in physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28
Abbreviations. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vi
Physics into industry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
Executive summary . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Physics and interdisciplinary research . . . . . . . . . 33
Key findings. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . vii
Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . viii Critical issue 3: building on
physics research and investment . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Three opportunities for physics in Australia . . . . . viii
The physics track record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36
Four critical issues for the future of physics . . . . . .ix
Physics research investment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
Summary of recommendations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .xi
The review panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . xvii Critical issue 4: engaging in the
international enterprise of physics . . . . . . . . . . 42
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Australian physics in the international context . . . 42
Audience, stakeholders and implementation . . . . . 1
Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
Today: the impact of physics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
The future: three opportunity areas in physics . . . . 4 Acknowledgements. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
Four critical areas to securing the role
Appendix 1: Presentation
of physics in underpinning Australia’s future . . . . . . 6
of the plan process: site visits . . . . . . . . . . . . . 54
The scope of physics and the national context . . . 6
Appendix 2: The physics
Critical issue 1: decadal plan process . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55
achieving a physics-literate
The critical success factors
workforce and community . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
for a vibrant physics community . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
The challenge of physics education . . . . . . . . . . . 14
The current operating environment
The primary and secondary sectors. . . . . . . . . . . 17 of physics in Australia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56
The higher education sector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 CONTENTS
PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICS vAbbreviations
AIP Australian Institute of Physics
AMSI Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute
ANSTO Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
ANU Australian National University
APA Australian postgraduate award
ARC Australian Research Council
CAMS ARC Centre of Excellence for Antimatter-Matter Studies
CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research
CFC chlorofluorocarbon
CLFR compact linear Fresnel reflector
CO2 carbon dioxide
CSF critical success factor
CSIRO Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation
DIISRTE Department of Industry, Innovation, Science, Research and Tertiary Education
DSTO Defence Science and Technology Organisation
ERA Excellence in Research for Australia
EU European Union
FOR field of research
GDP gross domestic product
GMR giant magneto resistance
GPS global positioning system
ICSU International Council for Science
IP intellectual property
IPRS international postgraduate research scholarship
ITER International Thermonuclear Experimental Reactor
LAN local area network
LIGO Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory
NCRIS National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy
NMI National Measurement Institute
OECD Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development
OPAL Open Pool Australian Lightwater Reactor
PCB polychlorinated biphenyl
PISA Program for International Student Assessment
SET science, engineering and technology
STEM science, technology, engineering and mathematics
TIMSS Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study
UK United Kingdom
ABBREVIATIONS
USA United States of America
UWA University of Western Australia
vi PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICSExecutive summary
Physics is a core discipline that underpins our research internationalisation. The current paucity
understanding of both the world around us and the of funding opportunities in Australia places us at
technological advancements that benefit of our a serious competitive disadvantage. The urgent
society. Physics is an intellectually demanding establishment of a replacement for the
science that requires high mathematical and International Science Linkages scheme to enable
theoretical literacy, which provides a challenge for access to major international physics facilities and
the teaching of physics at all levels and for attracting research opportunities and to enable engagement
the best students into the discipline to maximise with major overseas funding schemes is required.
the benefits for the nation. More than any other • A large proportion of senior physicists currently
discipline, much of physics research requires large, contributing to high-quality research outputs that
often interdisciplinary teams, extensive financial and seed the physics innovation system, and who are
human capital and strong global engagement in responsible for training the next generation of
order to make an international impact. In this physics leaders, are approaching retirement.
Australia is critically dependent on a large cohort Unaddressed skills shortages in the physics
of early career physics researchers supported by research sector threaten the maintenance of
research funding agencies. Schemes that support Australia’s technological capability, our
these resources are essential. participation in discovering solutions to global
challenges, and our ability to work in international
Key findings and interdisciplinary teams. These are strong and
• Physics is one of Australia’s research strengths, compelling grounds to implement mechanisms to
and produces significant spinoffs to industry and train, attract and retain physicists in Australia.
society. This success is built on research funding • Given the importance of physics to other scientific
from schemes such as the Australian Research disciplines and to a multitude of industries, the
Council (ARC), and support of government National Mathematics and Science Education and
research organisations. Continued funding of Industry Adviser located within the Office of the
physics research is essential to maintain Australia’s Chief Scientist must work with the physics
standing in the international community as community to address physics-specific
punching above its weight in innovation and challenges.
technology. • Major benefits can be derived by facilitation of
• There is a worrying decline in the uptake of cross-sector mobility between higher education
physics by students at secondary level. This institutions, government research agencies,
decadal plan suggests the introduction of a industry and business.
requirement that secondary school teachers are • The current mechanisms and metrics used to
trained in physics to three years above the highest measure performance and for career progression
level at which they are required to teach it. This is are out-dated and need urgent review. The current
so that physics teachers will have a perspective system rewards publication-related activities and
to inspire students to studies beyond the level at penalises researchers who engage in important
which they are being taught. Physics teachers activities such as entrepreneurial and commercial
must also be properly supported with the activity, and activities that broaden skills such as
resources needed to do their job, and appropriate assisting government with policy formulation.
recognition must be given for the contribution
• The way physics is practiced is changing and
made by teachers to nurturing a passion for
this must be reflected by the science system in
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
physics in the next generations.
Australia. Research funding programs must allow
• Ongoing campaigns to promote the wide the participation of physics in multidisciplinary
spectrum of available career paths to physics consortia to address problems of national
students should be initiated as a priority. importance and to tackle ambitious research
• A critical component of any country’s science and projects.
innovation system is government support for
PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICS vii• Targeted strategies to attract and retain highly The 2012–2021 decadal plan is deliberately
skilled but vulnerable members of the physics ambitious, but achievable. It speaks to the physics
community should be adopted as a priority. community’s notable strengths and proposes that
Vulnerable physicists include women, early-career these be the underpinnings of achieving and
researchers, those who wish to re-enter the sustaining physics excellence in Australia in the
physics workforce after taking time out for family next decade. With this plan, the Australian physics
or to broaden skills, and Indigenous people. community unites and stands committed to work
• The physics decadal plan needs an agency for the national interest.
with the responsibility for implementation of the Implementation of the plan is the responsibility of
recommendations of the plan. This agency will all contributors to the physics innovation system
coordinate the effort of the various stakeholders (see table 1, page 2). Importantly, the plan will assist
and develop the necessary processes to act on policy makers, politicians and industry leaders as
the issues raised in this report. There are many decisions are made around investments in physics
agencies already in existence that have a stake in education, research, infrastructure, and enterprise.
promoting the cause of physics in Australia. The The anticipated gains will be shared and include
agency with the best resources for coordinating greater commercialisation success and superior
the effort is the National Committee for Physics innovation through the intermingling of pure and
of the Australian Academy of Science and this applied research endeavours. The government,
agency is therefore recommended to take custody business and community sectors are not only daily
of the plan and drive the implementation beneficiaries of the outputs from physics, but they
strategies. also play an important role in defining demand.
Objectives Three opportunities
The Physics decadal plan 2012–2021 presents the for physics in Australia
Australian physics community’s strategic vision for Extensive consultation with the community
the ten years 2012–2021. It outlines future growth conducted by sub-discipline working groups
opportunities taking into account the importance identified three broad areas of opportunity for the
of physics education, physics in our society, the future of physics in Australia. These are the new
importance of international engagement, and that quantum revolution; the quest for new physics and
science and technology are important for our future. new symmetries; and physics in the society in which
Physics always presents challenges and we live.
opportunities. In the near future these will include
1. THE NEW QUANTUM REVOLUTION
the implications of the Higgs boson and its even
more exotic partners — room temperature At a time when we are developing an ability to exert
superconductors, dark matter, quantum coherence control over quantum processes, new applications
in room temperature processes, efficient ways to of quantum mechanics are being revealed in areas
transform energy, and sleek devices to interface such as the storage, transmission and manipulation
with the human body. of information. Quantum mechanics is also providing
a deeper understanding of biological processes.
Today, the impact of physics is reflected in the
extraordinary penetration of information technology In the previous century, quantum physics was
into all aspects of everyday life. It is almost responsible for the invention of the transistor, the
impossible to do anything without leaving digital television, nuclear energy sources, and other
footprints in server farms and databases. In a life-changing technologies. It is anticipated that
random café anywhere in the world many of the the 21st century will deliver a second wave of the
clientele will be employing the physics of the element quantum technological revolution where concepts
silicon, properties of electricity and magnetism from of the microscopic world will again provide
Maxwell’s equations, the passage of light through unprecedented benefits to society.
carefully crafted glass fibres, the equations of Australian quantum physicists engage in research in
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
general relativity that describe how gravity shapes areas including semiconductors, neutral atoms, ion
space and time for the global positioning system traps, superconducting circuits, opto-mechanics,
(GPS), and other fundamental physics principles to photonics and quantum dots. This amounts to great
surf the web, read a newspaper or keep in touch strength for a country the size of Australia with the
with friends and family. challenge to maintain the necessary depth.
viii PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICSContinued support for programs focused on international levels to radiation therapy and
research excellence, including centres of excellence oncology, medical imaging, nuclear medicine,
and research fellowships, is required to maintain this nano-dosimetry and radiobiology, as well as to
strength. Strong engagement with the international the development of medical devices such as the
physics community through the exchange of people internationally renowned cochlear Implant. Bionic
and collaborative research projects is also needed to vision is a near-term goal that will be made possible
enhance Australia’s capability and relevance. through advances in information processing and the
machine–human interface.
2. THE QUEST FOR NEW
PHYSICS AND NEW SYMMETRIES Supporting all aspects of physics in the society in
which we live requires an excellent education system
The electron and photon and their quantum
that inspires young people to study physics, to
mechanical description were once purely the domain
choose careers in physics and to make decisions
of fundamental physics, but now form the basis of
about the future of our society based on sound
multi-trillion-dollar industries in electronics,
physics principles.
communications, computing and manufacturing.
The investigation of subatomic particles and the
farthest reaches of the Universe, and the theoretical Four critical issues
explanations required, will probably yield new for the future of physics
technologies we cannot yet imagine. Studies of the The physics decadal plan reviews the current
physics of the extremely small and the extremely position of physics in Australia, and identifies future
large — at the scale of the particles that form the directions and opportunities for Australian physics
most fundamental building blocks of matter and of in the global context by exploring and making
the large structures which form the Universe — are recommendations in four main areas:
the domain of the 21st century.
1. ACHIEVING A PHYSICS-LITERATE
Mechanisms to allow Australian physicists to WORKFORCE AND COMMUNITY
continue to test their ideas and collaborate with Addressing the need to improve the teaching
international teams at experimental facilities (such as of physics at all school levels is a fundamental
the Large Hadron Collider) and work on international requirement for achieving a physics-literate
projects (such as the Square Kilometre Array) must workforce and community. To ensure a steady
be preserved and further developed. supply of physicists in the immediate future, we
need to improve the recognition of the contribution
3. PHYSICS IN THE SOCIETY IN WHICH WE LIVE
made by teachers to nurturing a passion for physics
There will be rapidly increasing opportunities in the
in the next generations. It is essential that physics
next decade to harness the knowledge of physics
be taught by well-trained and enthusiastic teachers
to serve our society. Examples include generating
properly supported by the resources needed to do
electricity with minimal environmental impact,
their job.
advanced tools for medical imaging, diagnosis and
therapy, and informing government decision making
on issues of long term and global significance.
Increasingly close collaboration in multidisciplinary DECADAL OBJECTIVES
teams will be required to meet these challenges. • Attract and retain students in physics
For example, assessing and addressing the at all educational levels.
challenge of climate change will require sound • Increase the quality and number of
physics and the collaboration of teams with appropriately qualified physics teachers
expertise across the innovation spectrum. While across the school sector.
low carbon sources of power are becoming more • Reduce the gender differential in physics
substantial, they still remain stubbornly minor in competency at all school levels.
proportion to demand. • Improve physics literacy in the general
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The eternal quest to improve health and diagnose community.
disease has been a constant driver in the • Improve the use of the physics evidence
development of new imaging technologies, most base to inform policy development.
of which have their origin in fundamental physics
research. In Australia medical physics has made
substantial contributions at both the national and
PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICS ixA focus on teaching physics topics in primary school workforce after taking time out for family or to
and the early middle school years is required to broaden skills; and Indigenous people who wish to
reverse the current trend of lower performance of access and complete advanced studies in physics.
female students in physics and mathematics. Equally, organisations should be required to report
on their activities to ensure equitable practices that
2. REALISING HUMAN CAPITAL IN PHYSICS can lead to the removal of disadvantage for
There is significant evidence that by 2020 the vulnerable sections of the workforce.
demand for researchers will outstrip supply.
Career management is an essential activity to retain
Unaddressed skills shortages in the physics research
talented physicists. Employment prospects and the
sector threaten the maintenance of Australia’s
variety of exciting career paths available to trained
technological capability and our ability to work in
physicists should be well documented and
international and interdisciplinary teams.
promoted.
A significant proportion of those currently
Strategies to improve collaboration between
responsible for maintaining the high-quality research
industry and research organisations nationally
outputs that seed the physics innovation system are
and internationally must be devised and adopted.
currently in senior positions. Opportunities must be
Issues such as intellectual property management by
provided for the next generation of research leaders
academic institutions and improved understanding
to continue to produce research outputs of
of factors that affect the business environment (such
excellence and impact, and train the succeeding
as shareholder and customer demands) are central
generation. Targeted strategies to attract and retain
to improving partnerships between industry and
highly skilled but vulnerable members of the physics
academia. A key factor to improving collaboration
community must also be adopted. This includes
between industry and the research sector is
women who are less likely to choose and/or
recognition of the weaknesses associated with the
progress a career in physics; early-career
publication-based metrics applied in Australia which
researchers who have little job security due to their
do not capture or reward entrepreneurialism and
high dependence on short-term competitive grant
interactions with industry. Currently researchers are
funding; those who wish to re-enter the physics
not always rewarded for pursuing non-traditional
career paths. It is critical to recognise and reward
efforts made to partner with industry or other
DECADAL OBJECTIVES disciplines, commercialise, or assist government
• Address skills shortages in the physics with policy formulation.
research sector by creating a healthy Strengthening interactions and scientific
pipeline of physics-trained professionals. collaboration with cross-disciplinary teams will
• Maintain Australia’s excellent international provide diverse employment opportunities for
reputation in physics and high-quality graduates and allow industry to boost their research
research output. and development efforts and investment.
• Train, attract and retain physicists to and
3. BUILDING ON PHYSICS
in Australia by maintaining and promoting
RESEARCH AND INVESTMENT
the quality of Australian physics research
Research productivity amongst physicists could be
groups and Australian research strengths.
improved by reducing the time invested in preparing
• Attract and retain vulnerable members of
and assessing applications for competitive grant
the physics community, including women,
schemes. Implementation of a two-stage ‘white
Indigenous Australians, early-career
paper’ system would make the process more
researchers, and those taking career
cost and resource efficient. ‘Field of research’
breaks to develop valuable skills.
classifications and related metrics should be used to
• Facilitate productive partnerships and
mobility between academia and industry.
A ‘white paper’ in this context is a brief, authoritative
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• Enhance industry-driven applied and
proposal that helps solve a problem as the first stage
commercial research.
of a funding round. The white paper is used to inform
• Ensure greater participation of physics in the readers and help people make decisions about
interdisciplinary research. which proposals are selected for submission of a detailed
research proposal to implement a new research project.
x PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICSDECADAL OBJECTIVES DECADAL OBJECTIVES
• Improve efficiency of funding agency • Consolidate existing bilateral schemes
processes to maximise impact of public and develop new schemes for
investment and improve agility international collaboration, including
• Increase the global competitiveness schemes to allow Australian researchers
and impact of the Australian physics to become funded partners in US and
research sector by long-term investment European Union initiatives
in research infrastructure and human • Strengthen international collaboration
resource capabilities with countries in the Asia–Pacific region,
• Diversify physics research funding including China, India, Japan and Korea
sources • Make international research participation
• Find ways to support ‘shovel ready’ ARC central to Australian physics.
proposals with a sustainability theme
assessed as worthwhile by the rigorous
ARC processes through liaison between infrastructure that is often beyond the means of
the ARC secretariat and the managers of any single nation to build and maintain. Ongoing
the Clean Energy Finance Corporation coordinated effort and government support are
• Ensure overhead and operational necessary to establish and maintain research
costs of infrastructure are included relationships with leading research organisations
in infrastructure funding schemes. and nations, and to build and expand relationships
with emerging nations.
Collaboration within the Asia–Pacific region is an
reflect accurately the current physics sub-disciplines increasingly important policy issue for Australia.
and more importantly, their different publication and Of particular importance is collaboration with China
citation modalities. and India as Australian research competencies
complement the technological needs, strengths
Maintaining and expanding research infrastructure, and capacity of these nations.
including super-computing infrastructure, is essential
to attract the world’s best and brightest physicists Consistent with the Australian Academy of Science’s
and national and international collaborators. Staff, position paper, Australian science in a changing
operational and maintenance costs must be factored world: innovation requires global engagement 1,
into infrastructure investment for Australian physics it is essential that resources are provided for
research to remain at the cutting edge and to collaborative innovation projects, for programs
maintain international collaborations. supporting early to mid-career researchers, and
for building strategic partnerships in branches
In some sub-disciplines of physics, such as of physics. In addition, investment is required
theoretical physics and mathematical physics, in improved awareness campaigns, improved
physical infrastructure is not required. However, governance and improved diplomacy for Australia
theoretical physicists do require a critical mass to to adapt to future changes in the global landscape
sustain capability and ensure international visibility. of physics.
Small postgraduate numbers at any one institution
makes teaching advanced graduate courses
Summary of recommendations
uneconomical. The establishment of an Australian
Each recommendation in this summary is addressed
Theoretical Physics Institute would provide the
in the four critical issue chapters that comprise the
necessary infrastructure to support and coordinate
body of the plan.
theoretical activities in physics. The current
infrastructure funding guidelines should be amended
RECOMMENDED ACTIONS AND PATHWAYS
to provide for this type of investment.
a) Quality teaching — quality students
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
4. ENGAGING IN THE INTERNATIONAL • Establish a scholarship scheme to encourage
ENTERPRISE OF PHYSICS excellent physics graduates into a secondary
A high level of international collaboration has education teaching career.
enabled Australian physicists to capitalise on
1 www.science.org.au/reports/documents/
international investments made in existing research
Innovationrequiresglobalengagement.pdf
PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICS xi• Consult to ensure the physics component of • Start public campaigns to raise the status of
the national curriculum is founded on rigorous teaching as a profession, modelled on the
analytical and quantitative reasoning, and successful Victorian State Government campaign.
encompasses the fundamentals of physics; and • Establish a joint-academies taskforce to harness
develop a formal process to second physicists the strengths of e-learning in tertiary institutions
to serve on panels developing the curriculum. with a view to developing the next generation of
• Require that secondary school teachers are teaching technologies jointly across the sector.
trained in physics to three years above the highest This will include the establishment of a competitive
level at which they are required to teach physics. teaching and learning scheme to aid in the
This corresponds to first-year university physics transformation of education in science,
for years 7–10 teachers and a major in physics for technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM)
years 11–12 teachers. and the development of metrics to evaluate STEM
• Endorse an undergraduate science degree education.
together with a teaching qualification as the • Identify and address the underlying causes of the
preferred qualification option for years 7–12 under-representation of girls in physics at all levels
physics teachers. of school education.
• Require science education training as an integral • Promote the spectrum of available career paths
part of the teacher training for future primary to students to enable them to make informed
school teachers. decisions about career choices.
• Resource universities to provide programs that • Provide career advisory services particularly for
up-skill and update school physics teachers as school students (but also university undergraduates
part of their professional development. This should and graduates) so they can make informed
include resources for secondary school physics choices about future career pathways, such
teachers to take sabbatical leave to participate in as teaching, research, government or industry
undergraduate teaching programs within the employment.
university sector.
b) Internationally competitive Australian physics
• Introduce options for science, mathematics and undergraduate and postgraduate students
physics teachers to allow them to study part-time
• Broker agreements between Australian higher
for a teaching MSc.
education providers to ensure that the Australian
• Continue ongoing support for the development physics PhD is comparable in the breadth, depth
and implementation of the Australian Academy and duration of training to those in the USA and
of Science’s primary school program Primary the EU, particularly by providing the resources for
Connections and its junior secondary school the inclusion of postgraduate coursework as a key
program Science by Doing. These award-winning component for higher degree by research training.
approaches to professional learning and school
• Merge the Australian postgraduate award
curriculum resources have been shown to have a
scholarships scheme with the international
positive impact on the quality and quantity of
postgraduate research scholarship scheme to
science taught in schools.
open up the scholarship pool to all domestic and
• Encourage school programs such as Scientists international students.
in Schools, STELR 2, Science and Engineering
• Provide a balance of learning experiences
Challenge 3 and SPICE 4 that promote
between theoretical, experimental, observational
contemporary quality school science learning.
and computational physics to ensure employment
• Reward excellence in physics teaching. A panel of readiness of graduates not only for research but
leading teachers should be convened to identify also for industry and business. This will include
the best process, perhaps under the auspices of a process for consultation with key employers
the Australian Institute of Physics (AIP) Education to better understand their needs.
Convener.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
• Introduce teaching bursaries to support students c) Valuing and promoting physics
interested in teaching physics to gain qualifications. • Commit resources from the higher education and
research sectors to support high-quality outreach
2 http://stelr.org.au/ programs with long-term impact that can reach
3 www.newcastle.edu.au/faculty/engineering/community-
and engage Australians.
engagement/challenge/
4 www.clt.uwa.edu.au/projects/spice
xii PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICS• Develop programs and commit resources to • Develop models for facilitating cross-sector
promote the value of physics and physics mobility between higher education institutions,
education and careers to school students, government research agencies and industry and
parents, industry, universities and government business. This includes developing mechanisms
bodies. and metrics that facilitate entrepreneurialism and
• Ensure the National Mathematics and Science commercialisation of research within research
Education and Industry Adviser located within the organisations without penalising career prospects.
Office of the Chief Scientist works with the physics • Convene, under the leadership of government,
community to address physics-specific challenges. a summit or workshop with the aim of developing
an understanding of mutual expectations of
d) Equitable career pathways and removing government, industry and academia, and to
disadvantage
develop more effective modes of interaction and
• Provide equitable access to career opportunities collaboration.
by consistently enforcing research opportunity and
• Better manage intellectual property held by
performance evidence guidelines in assessing
academic institutions.
candidates for research positions and for internal
• Improve understanding by physics researchers of
and grant funding.
factors affecting businesses (such as shareholder
• Implement initiatives to recruit, retain and promote
and customer demands).
women and create an environment in which all
staff can achieve their maximum potential. f) The power of cross-disciplinary research
• Reassess the standard performance metrics upon • Encourage the participation of physics in
which career progression largely depends. interdisciplinary consortia to address problems
• Improve the academic preparedness of of national importance by encouraging research
prospective Indigenous students; and improve funding programs to aggregate critical mass
personal and financial support once enrolled. without discipline restrictions.
• Develop alternative pathways into higher • Develop schemes that support large, coordinated
education for Indigenous students multidisciplinary teams and ambitious research
• Reassess conditions for travel support. In the case projects.
of the ARC Future Fellowship Scheme (and its
g) Efficient, agile, fair and sustainable research
successors) the restrictions on non-fellow travel funding
support are recommended to be lifted. At present
• Minimise the administrative burden and make
restricting travel support only to the fellow
efficient funding agency processes by streamlining
discriminates against fellows who cannot travel
the ARC grant application process, with
because of carer responsibilities. Allowing fellows
consideration of moving to a two-stage ‘white
to use their ARC travel funds to support visits of
paper’ system.
key collaborators who will advance the cause of
the project will remove this discrimination. • Simplify funding schemes that support physics
research, including a simplified process for grant
e) Partnerships between industry and academia renewal beyond the initial three years for projects
• Provide joint postdoctoral (as opposed to PhD) of demonstrated significant achievement.
positions in industry, jointly funded by government, • Collaborate with the major funding agencies to
university and industry. improve agility of the funding process to enable
• Develop a ‘Physics in Industry’ model for responsiveness to international research
constructive and lasting relationships between opportunities, some of which arise at short notice,
industry, business and the higher education sector by the introduction of a new international
based on the successful ‘Mathematics in Industry collaborative research scheme.
Group’ run by the Australian Mathematical • Ensure that there are funding schemes to support
Sciences Institute (AMSI) 5. This could be done large collaborative centres of excellence in physics
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
by the Australian Institute of Physics and the funded adequately at the top end of discipline
Australian Academy of Science National funding. Physics research in areas of global and
Committee for Physics. technological importance specifically requires large
interdisciplinary teams to make an international
impact.
5 www.amsi.org.au/
PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICS xiiih) Infrastructure investment to remain at the • Develop a system to allow small to medium
cutting edge enterprise to access supercomputers to bypass
• Provide ongoing funding for the National the cumbersome prototyping phase in product
Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy development.
(NCRIS) process to support major national physics
infrastructure upgrades and operational costs, i) Metrics and coding for the 21st century
including the provision of qualified support staff. • Develop metrics for academic activities that are
• Broaden the ARC definition of ‘infrastructure’ to broader than those based simply on publication
accommodate the non-physical infrastructure, output and citations, including measures of
critical for theoretical and mathematical physicists. interaction with industry, commercialisation and
the commercial impact of applied research.
• Establish a ‘Landmark Funding Scheme’ to
support participation in major international
research initiatives (the order of $100 million or
greater) that fall outside the scope of current
funding schemes.
NANOWIRES FOR NEW-GENERATION LASERS, SENSORS AND
SOLAR CELLS
Nanophotonics, the fusion of nanotechnology international interest and are the stepping
and photonics, is an emerging field offering stones to a new generation of optoelectronic
exciting challenges for fundamental research devices monolithically integrated with
and providing major potential for the delivery of microprocessor/CMOS-based subsystems.
new technologies. The Nanowire Team at the
The long-term aim of the ANU nanowire
Australian National University (ANU) is working
research team is to use the physical
to understand the synthesis of nanowires, light
understanding of nanowire synthesis and light
interaction in these materials and how these
interactions in these materials to explore novel
properties can be used to develop a new
optoelectronic devices such as nanowire laser
generation of optoelectronic devices such as
arrays, ultra-compact metal cavity nanowire
nanowire lasers, nanowire photodetectors and
lasers, microcavity resonators for polariton
nanowire solar cells. Fabrification of advanced
lasers, high efficiency nanowire solar cells
metamaterial nanostructures with application
and photodetectors, and nanowire optical
to photonics is being undertaken with another
interconnects.
group at ANU. With 150+ papers published in
top international journals, the results achieved See www.physics.anu.edu.au/eme.
to date have attracted enormous local and
Schematics of high efficiency nanowire solar cell fabrication
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
(a) (b) (c)
xiv PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICS• Develop an expanded set of metrics for university • The Australian Bureau of Statistics and the
staff that can be used for tracking progress and Department of Industry, Innovation, Science,
process improvements (such as equity-related Research and Tertiary Education (DIISRTE)
activities, achieving diversity of funding, meeting re-examine field of research codes for their
milestones in attracting new talent, developing appropriateness in the current scientific
collaborative programs etc.). ARC programs, such environment.
as Linkage, already recognise this to some extent.
• Ensure that the research metrics and
classifications used accurately reflect the current
physics sub-disciplines and more importantly,
their different publication and citation modalities.
CSIRO’S WIRELESS LAN TECHNOLOGY
John O’Sullivan FAA led the Commonwealth Dr O’Sullivan’s career spans two disciplines,
Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation physics and engineering, and work in both
(CSIRO) system design team for the world’s first government-funded research and industrial
802.11a (WiFi) chipset that was subsequently research. After completing his PhD in Sydney
developed and commercialised by Radiata he took an appointment in the Foundation for
Networks. He received a Bachelor of Science in Radio Astronomy in the Netherlands (now
Physics from Sydney University in 1967, and a ASTRON). He went on to become the head
Bachelor of Engineering with first class Honours of their engineering group, making major
and the University Medal in 1969 and a PhD in contributions in the electronics and signal and
Electrical Engineering in 1974, both from the image processing areas.
same institution.
In 1983, he returned to Australia for research
CSIRO’s wireless invention lies at the heart of at CSIRO and played an important early role in
what is now the most popular way to connect the initial conception of the Australia Telescope
computers without wires. Forecasters predict receiving systems. He was primarily charged
that there are likely to be more than a billion with setting up a new signal processing group
devices sold worldwide over the next few years at the Division of Radiophysics.
using this technology. The invention came out
This group under his direction set out to
of CSIRO’s pioneering work in radioastronomy.
find applications of processing skills and
That work involved complex mathematics
technologies for the wider community and led
known as ‘fast Fourier transforms’ as well as
to the group making significant contributions,
detailed knowledge about radio waves and
together with various commercial partners and
their behaviour in different environments.
customers, in areas such as image processing
Indoor environments are particularly difficult for medical and geophysical applications,
for the rapid exchange of large amounts of underground mine safety, communications
data using radio waves. CSIRO solved these systems and radar processing systems.
problems in a unique way at a time when many
After his demonstration of the wireless local area
of the major communications companies around
network (LAN) system, Dr O’Sullivan left CSIRO
the world were trying, but with less success, to
in 1995 to join News Ltd as their Australian
find a solution to the same problem.
Director of Technology. During this period, he
CSIRO’s invention was granted a US patent was a member of the Prime Minister’s Science,
in 1996. There are corresponding patents in Engineering and Innovation Council working
18 other countries. party ‘Connecting Australians: opportunities
for a new wireless age’.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The technology was first embodied in an
industry standard in 1999 (called IEEE 802.11a)
and later in other standards (IEEE 802.11g and
IEEE 802.11 draft n).
PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICS xv• j) International enterprise of physics • Establish a replacement for the International
Researcher Exchange Scheme that promotes
• Establish a replacement for the International
two-way exchange at the level of individual
Science Linkages scheme to enable access
researchers essential for rapidly developing fields.
to major international facilities and research
opportunities and to enable engagement with • Ensure Australian physicists are able to provide
major overseas funding schemes such as the inputs on international panels and agencies that
EU Framework Programs. develop international policy.
• Establish co-funding agreements with international
grant agencies (e.g. EU and the US National
Science Foundation) to allow Australian
researchers to be partners in major international
collaborations.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
xvi PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICSThe review panel
The exposure draft of the physics decadal plan was reviewed in 2012 by a panel of leading physicists and
scientists 1. Their advice and guidance is gratefully acknowledged.
Professor Aidan Byrne Dean, Faculty of Science Australian National University, ACT
Professor Peter Drummond FAA Centre for Atom Optics and Ultrafast Faculty of Engineering and Industrial
Spectroscopy Sciences, Swinburne University of
Technology, VIC
Dr Marc Duldig President, AIP School of Mathematics and Physics,
University of Tasmania, TAS
Dr Bob Frater FAA Vice-President, ResMed ResMed Innovation, Bella Vista, NSW
Professor Bruce McKellar FAA Chair, ICSU Regional Committee for Asia School of Physics, University of
and the Pacific, President-Designate of the Melbourne, VIC
International Union of Pure and Applied
Physics
Professor Gerard Milburn FAA Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for School of Mathematics and Physics,
Engineered Quantum Systems and ARC University of Queensland, QLD
Federation Fellow
Professor Mary O’Kane NSW Chief Scientist Office of NSW Chief Scientist and
Engineer, Sydney, NSW
Dr Adi Paterson Chief Executive Officer, ANSTO Australian Nuclear Science and
Technology Organisation, Kirawee, NSW
Professor Geoffrey Taylor Director, ARC Centre of Excellence for School of Physics, University of
Particle Physics at the Terascale Melbourne, VIC
Professor Anthony Williams Associate Director, Centre for the School of Chemistry and Physics
Subatomic Structure of Matter, Chief University of Adelaide, University
Investigator, ARC Centre of Excellence of Adelaide, SA
for Particle Physics at the Terascale,
Executive Director, Australian Research
Collaboration Service
Further reviews were provided by the National Committee for Physics listed in the acknowledgements.
THE REVIEW PANEL
1 Affiliation at May 2012
PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICS xvii‘Physics is a foundational and fundamental field that makes a significant contribution to the health
of the Australian economy for its ability to generate the new knowledge, technology and high-quality
human capital underpinning the innovation system. The last strategic overview of physics in Australia
was conducted back in 1993 under the guidance of the Australian Research Council. For such
a dynamic and fast-moving research field it is essential that a review of the current status of physics
in Australia is conducted to evaluate the opportunities available for the future growth of the discipline.
Importantly, this will allow us to reposition ourselves and determine what is required to make physics
an even better contributor to Australian and global science.’
Professor Michelle Simmons FAA
Chair, National Committee for Physics, Australian Academy of Science
xviii PHYSICS DECADAL PLAN 2012–2021: BUILDING ON EXCELLENCE IN PHYSICSIntroduction
The physics decadal plan presents the Australian technology and innovation have been the primary
physics community’s strategic vision for the ten drivers of [American] economic growth and
years 2012–2021 and beyond. This plan builds on productivity growth for decades..... No matter how
the 1993 review of physics in Australia. Much has severe the fiscal constraint, this is not the time to
progressed since 1993 and physics continues to stop investing in the drivers of the economic growth
give rise to new technology and be a key enabling we need for recovery, for job-creation, for economic
science. growth going forward.’
Australian physicists continue to make fundamental Australian Government measures also provide a
contributions to international efforts to understand new landscape. Significant amongst them are policy
the natural world. At the same time, physics is targets of 40 per cent of 25 to 34 year olds attaining
contributing to society and the economy in Australia, a bachelor degree or higher by 2025 with the
to build high value exports, improve health, public milestone of 35 per cent already reached in 2011.
safety and community services, increase national These policies present opportunities to broaden and
security, and devise wiser policies which can guide deepen knowledge of physics in our society.
sustainable economic development while protecting
One of the goals of the decadal plan is to provide
the environment for future generations.
policy makers with a vision of a vibrant future for
Since the 1993 review the landscape has changed the Australian economy and for Australian society
significantly. In 2011, Australia celebrated the award resulting from an environment in which physics
of the Nobel Prize in Physics to Professor Brian continues to thrive.
Schmidt, the last Australian Nobel Prize in physics
The decadal plan also aims to stimulate wider
being in 1915. In the recently announced discovery
deliberations on the future direction of Australian
of the Higgs boson at CERN, the role of Australian
education, science, research, and innovation. As
physicists has been acknowledged. Australian
such, it highlights three areas of opportunity for
physicists have also supported the successful bid to
physics in Australia: the new quantum revolution;
have a significant part of the Square Kilometre Array
the quest for new physics and symmetries; and
in Australia and will be critical to its implementation
physics in the society in which we live.
and long-term operation.
The Australian physics community is united in its
This review of the current status of physics
in Australia was done in the light of major support of this decadal plan and in its belief that
achievements such as these. The review seeks to physics has a major role to play in the national
identify major opportunities for the future contribution interest.
of physics to society, the economy and the
advancement of knowledge. Audience, stakeholders and
implementation
Such a review must acknowledge the opportunities
The physics decadal plan sets a strategic framework
for stronger engagement with our Asian neighbours.
for funders, practitioners, users, teachers and
The present transformative growth in Asia presents
students of physics. Implementation of the plan is
opportunities for stronger engagement in science,
the responsibility of all contributors to the physics
technology and education 1. Internationally,
innovation system (table 1). Importantly, the plan
knowledge generation and technology are seen as
seeks to assist policy makers, parliamentarians,
tools for recovery from the global financial crisis.
INTRODUCTION
and industry leaders in the setting of policies and
US President Obama’s Chief Science Adviser,
decisions on investments in physics education,
John Holdren sums this up eloquently: ‘Science,
research, infrastructure, and enterprise.
1 asiancentury.dpmc.gov.au/terms-of-reference
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