Image: ESO
The ACDS has been supporting science teaching and research in Australian universities for 30 years. Over this time, the ACDS has advocated for the development and recognition of excellent teaching, for the importance of fundamental research, for better funding in science, and for support for leadership in university science.
We acknowledge the many wonderful Deans, Associate Deans and other people who have helped make the ACDS the voice of university science. Read on to discover a selection of ACDS milestones and achievements, plus key scientific achievements driven by Australian universities.
PRE-1995
Various Deans of Science meet as an informal network
1995
ACDS first meets as a constituted organisation, John Rice (Flinders) was the first President
1995
ACDS annual conferences commence, with Deans of Science from all universities invited to join
1998
Accelerating expansion of the universe discovered (Brian Schmidt, ANU)
2001
ACDS commissions its first report: ‘Employment outcomes for science degree holders’
2003
Establishment (first funding) of ARC Centres of Excellence and Federation Fellowships
2004
Establishment of the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (with grants and awards for enhancing the quality of learning and teaching in universities)
2005
ACDS report: ‘Who’s teaching science: meeting the demands for qualified science teachers in Australian secondary schools’
2006
Cervical cancer vaccine approved (Ian Frazer, UQ, Gardasil)
2007
Australian Synchrotron opens, with ANSTO
2008
ACDS appoints its first Executive Director (John Rice) to provide support for the operation and impact of the Council
2008
Associate Deans of Teaching & Learning in Science start meeting at an annual forum
2008
The Bradley Review of higher education recommends significant reforms to funding, regulation and participation
2010
ACDS oversees the Australian Learning and Teaching Council (ALTC) project to establish national Threshold Learning Outcomes (TLOs) for Science degrees (project led by Susan Jones and Brian Yates)
2011
Tertiary Education Quality and Standards Agency established
2012
First quantum bit creation (UNSW)
2012
ACDS report: ‘A background in science: what science means for Australian society’
2012
John Rice (ACDS) appointed to support the science networks and projects funded by the national Office for Learning and Teaching (OLT)
2013
ACDS Teaching & Learning Centre established, Elizabeth Johnson appointed as inaugural Director, various projects in T&L innovation established
2016
ACDS takes over responsibility for the annual Australian Conference on Science and Maths Education (ACSME) (pioneered by Manju Sharma, Stephanie Beams and others)
2017
Associate Deans of Research in Science start meeting at an annual forum
2017
ACDS funds annual projects focused on sector-wide innovations in T&L
2018
Launch of ACDS magazine ‘Australian University Science’
2019
ACDS Teaching Fellowships established
2019
ACDS Indigenous science resources project established
2020
ACDS online resource repository to support teaching and learning established
2020
ACDS Deans of Science mentoring program established
2021
ACDS Teaching & Learning grants established
2021
Launch of ACDS Indigenous Science website and community of practice
2021
ACDS–ANSTO Graduate Innovation Forum showcases graduate research to industry
2023
Most distant fast radio burst discovered (Elaine Sadler, University of Sydney)
2023
ACDS formalises commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion via a national policy statement of principles and guidelines
2023
ACDS becomes an incorporated body
2024
ACDS continues its active program including forums, webinars, newsletters, position papers and submissions to government
2024
Australian Universities Accord recommends the reintroduction of the Tertiary Education Commission and close engagement between universities and TAFE
2025
Celebrating 30 years of the ACDS