The 19th meeting of the National Science and Technology Council (‘the Council’) was held in Canberra, at Parliament House, on 26 June 2024. The meeting was chaired by the Deputy Chair, the Hon Ed Husic MP, Minister for Industry and Science. 

The Council discussed three items of business: The government’s Strategic Examination of Research and Development (R&D); the findings of a Council report examining the impact of indoor air quality on the transmission of airborne viral diseases; and the Council’s work program for 2024-25.

Minister Husic provided an overview of the rationale and scope of the Government’s Strategic Examination of Research and Development, including its relevance to the Government’s commitment to revive domestic manufacturing and the need to boost industry investment in research and development to achieve that goal. The Council discussed a range of factors that impact research and development activity with relevant Government officials leading the examination, including measures of success in the university system, industry mix in the Australian economy, and wider cultural issues in innovative economies. 

The scientific members of the Council presented their advice on the impact of air quality on the transmission of airborne viral diseases in indoor public settings to the Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care, the Hon Ged Kearney MP. The Council advised that while there is no evidence of direct correlation or causation between good indoor air quality and reduced mortality and morbidity outcomes, there is sufficient evidence to direct further work towards three interventions: using HEPA filters and UVC lights to reduce viral load in indoor spaces and increasing the amount of clean indoor air. The scientific members also noted other relevant work underway in government, including a project by the Australian Health Protection Principal Committee that may provide further evidence to support decision-making around indoor air-quality interventions, and the COVID-19 Response Inquiry through the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet. The Council’s advice drew on the evidence from a commissioned report prepared by the University of Wollongong’s Sustainable Buildings Research Centre. 

The Council approved the publication of the report from the University of Wollongong, The impact of indoor air quality on the transmission of airborne viral diseases in public buildings, and its associated advice. 
The Council agreed to prepare advice on two self-referred topics as part of its 2024-25 work program. The topics were informed by broad consultation across Australian Government departments, state and territory Chief Scientists and the expert knowledge of the Council’s scientific expert members. Both topics will complement and contribute to other work across government. 

Advice on ‘Information Resilience’ will examine the evidence for relevant interventions to tackle the spread and impact of misinformation and disinformation by improving the ability of Australians to identify false or fabricated information and reducing their susceptibility to false narratives and malign information environments. Neuroscience, psychology, and social science points to mechanisms which create vulnerability, as well as interventions to strengthen resilience. 
Advice on ‘the Science Toolkit’ will consider whether Australia’s research infrastructure and capability is fit for purpose and future proof: for current science and research priorities, emerging and future science needs, and to effectively respond to threats. 

The Council will also provide advice on other questions as requested by Ministers.