Scientists not holding out hope for big Budget boost after year of cuts and sector overhaul

Minister of Science, Innovation and Technology Penny Simmonds.

Scientists are adamant investing in the sector now will pay dividends later - but are not holding out much hope for a big Budget funding boost after a year of redundancies and funding cuts amid a major overhaul of the sector.

Last year saw the biggest shake-up to the science system in 30 years.

It saw Crown Research Institutes merge into Public Research Organisations, the scrapping of Callaghan Innovation, and a raft of new intiatives including: the establishment of the Gene Technology Regulator, an office to attract foreign investment, and an advisory council to the prime minister.

Budget 2025 cannibalised research and innovation funds to help fund the changes.