History

 

The Institute was established in 1932 as the Australian Institute of Political Science, with the aim of furthering public understanding of Australia's political and economic situation during the Great Depression.


Among the founders were Sir Norman Cowper and Kim Mackay. The catalyst for the formation of the Institute was Cowper's defeat in the 1931 federal election when he stood against former Prime Minister, William Morris Hughes. During the election campaign, Cowper and Mackay realised that the origins and effects of the Great Depression were little understood by Australians, even though its impact on Australia was causing massive unemployment.

 

The Australian Institute of Political Science was formally incorporated on 12 September 1932 to help educate concerned citizens towards a better understanding of public issues and a more informed and rational approach to national problems.

 

Mackay was also instrumental in the establishment of the famous Australian Institute of Political Science Summer Schools, which were influential in shaping and informing public debate and political policy. The first Summer School was held in 1933, when Robert Menzies debated the Constitution. The 1964 Summer School marked a turning point in the Vietnam conscription debate, and in the late 1960s the Schools were instrumental in forging the policy agenda in the lead-up to the 1972 federal election.

 

Although the Summer Schools are no longer held, lectures, debates and other events for public affairs discussion have since taken their place. These have recently included the annual Post Budget Health Briefing and the Peter Wilenski Memorial Lecture, which carry on the incisive debate and challenging thinking that has characterised the Institute since its inception.

 

In 1998, the Institute embarked on yet another innovative direction. A new issue relevant to Australia's future was emerging -  a lack of awareness of Australia's intellectual achievements and the need for more invetment in research and innovation and more qualified professionals in the sciences - a sector which was already facing a potential skills shortage due to lack of interest from young people.

 

As this was an important economic and public policy issue for Australia, the Board established the Tall Poppy Campaign. The Campaign has since comprised many science promotion activities and events, including the Florey Centenary project, the Cavalcade of Scientists project, the Science Heroes primary school project and the Tall Poppies hot air balloon project, reaching school students in some of the most remote areas in Australia.

 

In recent years, as the issue of a scientific skills crisis has become more pertinent, and major public issues have been even more reliant on free and informed scientific debate, the Institute has focused much of its resources on the annual Young Tall Poppy Science Awards and Tall Poppies Reaching Students Program for school students and teachers. To reflect this new direction, the Institute adopted a new name in 2006: the Australian Institute of Policy & Science.

 

The Institute celebrated its 75th anniverary in 2007, marked by a special anniversary edition of AQ and events in Canberra and Sydney, featuring prominent Australian public affairs commentators and scientists.


The Institute continues to explore key dilemmas in Australia’s public policy to ensure its efforts are geared to make a difference for our shared future in the world, involving civil society as well as policy makers and commentators in informed debate and action.

 

Currently the Institute is conducting a strategic review and seeking comments from members, partners and the general public on our future directions.

 

To contribute to this review and inform our 2010 - 2013 Strategic Plan, please participate in our online survey or contact us.