The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia hosted the 2024 Shape the Nation Lecture on 28 November at The University of Western Australia, featuring Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley AO PSM FAA FTSE. In what was her final public lecture as Chief Scientist, Dr Foley presented The Secret Sauce to a Better Australia, offering a thoughtful examination of the pivotal role social sciences play in addressing Australia’s challenges and building a brighter future.
Reflecting on decades of scientific and research advancements, Dr Foley highlighted transformative innovations such as medical breakthroughs, WiFi, and clean energy technologies. She also looked ahead to the potential of cutting-edge science to revolutionise systems and structures for the benefit of humanity.
Acknowledging the significant hurdles ahead—climate change, cybercrime, and the pervasive issues of misinformation and disinformation—Dr Foley emphasised the need for truly multidisciplinary and cross-sector collaborations to tackle these complex problems.
Of particular note was Dr Foley’s evolving appreciation for the social sciences and humanities. She described their integration as moving from “Science Plus”—supporting technological discoveries to create social and economic value—to being the essential “secret sauce,” a foundational element necessary from the outset of innovation.
The Academy expressed gratitude to Dr Foley for her insightful lecture, to Professor Amanda Davies, Head of the UWA School of Social Sciences, and to the Council for the Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) for organising the event as part of the CHASS 2024 Congress. Special thanks were also extended to Business Events Perth for supporting the program.
Inaugurated in 2023, the Shape the Nation Lecture series celebrates the critical contributions of the social sciences to Australia’s progress. A recording of the 2024 lecture is available to view here.
