Elevating social science for the benefit of Australia
The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia is an elected Fellowship of experts that leads national conversations, provides research support and grants and promotes and supports excellence in the social sciences. We connect policy makers and the public with relevant findings and expertise, act on reconciliation and empower the next generation of research leaders.
About the Social Sciences in Australia
Social Sciences impact almost every aspect of society. Social scientists build our collective knowledge in areas including society’s institutions and structures, its histories and its people. There is a broad range of social science disciplines represented by the Academy, including:
- Society, Politics and Culture (including sociology, anthropology, geography, Indigenous studies, linguistics and other fields)
- Business and Economics (including commerce, management, tourism and accounting)
- History, Philosophy and Law
- Education, Psychology and Public Health
Our Events and Programs
Australia’s Social Sciences Week is hosted by ASSA and takes place annually in September, which brings together over 50 events held live in person, online and in hybrid formats across the nation. Throughout the year, we also curate and promote a calendar of public events, forums and talks in collaboration with our members and partners.
The Academy provides engaging education resources through our Seriously Social program to teachers and students to create our next generation of social scientists. We also play a leading role in educating and informing our nation on the importance of the social sciences in improving the lives of current and future generations of Australians.
Latest News
Read the latest news from the Academy
Social scientists know how the brain works and understand the ins and outs of group dynamics. We should use that in a much broader context. Too often we preach to the converted.
Social scientists need to be loud and proud about their capacity to provide unique contextualised insights into the ways in which digital technology is reshaping everyday education.
I believe that convergence science approaches are necessary to solve the complex issues of the non-communicable and particularly mental health disorders… The social sciences are a keystone approach in this matrix.
I am interested in building inter-generational, international networks of scholars and front-line educators designing and enacting literacy curriculum for social and environmental justice. I desperately want good things – ethical practices – to go viral. That’s my current obsession.
Libraries and archives, along with galleries and museums – and their role in the preservation of our national heritage -sit at the heart of a democratic society. They need to be celebrated, funded, and made accessible to all.
I get so much pleasure from helping others…develop their thinking. At a time when it can feel that thinking is under threat…the art of building concepts is something that we should cherish and protect as social scientists.