The Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council 

The council meeting of 05 June 2009.

The Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC) was established under the former Government in 1997 as the Government's principal source of independent advice on issues in science, engineering and innovation and relevant aspects of education and training. A precursor to PMSEIC was the Prime Minister's Science Council established by the Hawke Labor Government in 1989. This was followed by the Prime Minister's Science and Engineering Council which was established in 1992.

The Council meets in full session, twice a year, to discuss major national issues in science, engineering and technology and their contribution to the economic and social development of Australia.

To underpin its advisory role, the Council has resources to examine Australia's science and engineering capabilities and the effectiveness of their organisation and utilisation. The non-ministerial members constitute the Standing Committee of the Council, and oversee and contribute to studies and research aimed at improving understanding of the major, science, engineering and innovation issues.

Terms of reference

The Council's terms of reference are:

• To advise on important issues of science and technology, broadly defined, including issues related to Australia's economy, public good, education, future industries and employment, security, and sustainable development in a modern world;
• To undertake a key foresighting role, anticipating and reporting upon likely or emerging needs of, threats to, or opportunities for Australia and its people that may benefit from a response grounded in scientific evidence or technological innovation;
• To assist in the evolution of Governmental research and innovation priorities by identifying any gaps that are uncovered in the foresighting role;
• To advise on the adequacy and effectiveness of Australia's resources and infrastructure for supporting science, technology and its innovative use for the benefit of Australia; and
• To enhance awareness in the community of the importance of science and technology to Australia's economic and social development.

Membership

Details regarding PMSEIC Membership.

Standing Committee of PMSEIC

Details regarding the Standing Committee of PMSEIC.

Secretariat

For further details about PMSEIC contact:

Office of the Chief Scientist
Department of Innovation, Industry Science and Research
GPO Box 9839
CANBERRA ACT 2601

Phone: 02 6213 6447
Email: pmseic.secretariat@chiefscientist.gov.au

Previous meetings

• Twenty-first Meeting - 18 March 2010
• Twentieth Meeting - 5 June 2009
• Nineteenth Meeting - 9 October 2008
• Eighteenth Meeting - 23 April 2008
• Seventeenth Meeting - 22 June 2007
• Sixteenth Meeting - 8 December 2006
• Fifteenth Meeting - 2 June 2006
• Fourteenth Meeting - 2 December 2005
• Thirteenth Meeting - 11 March 2005
• Twelfth Meeting - 17 June 2004
• Eleventh Meeting - 28 November 2003
• Tenth Meeting - 27 June 2003
• Ninth Meeting - 5 December 2002
• Eighth Meeting - 31 May 2002
• Seventh Meeting - 28 June 2001
• Sixth Meeting - 30 November 2000
• Fifth Meeting - 2 June 2000
• Fourth Meeting - 26 November 1999
• Third Meeting - 25 June 1999
• Second Meeting - 4 December 1998
• First Meeting - 29 May 1998

Publications

Edited versions of papers presented to PMSEIC meetings to date are listed alphabetically. The papers were prepared by independent working groups for PMSEIC and the views expressed in them are those of the members of those working groups, not necessarily those of the Australian Government.