Luna Media, publisher of Australia’s #1 science magazine COSMOS, today applauded the Federal Government announcement of a new Australian Laureate Fellowships scheme.

Editor-in-Chief, and leading science commentator, Wilson da Silva, said today’s National Press Club announcement by Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research Senator Kim Carr was a significant step in the right direction to ensure that Australia was able to attract and retain leading researchers.

“A very real hunger which exists in Australia for scientifically valid and appropriately researched analysis of the issues facing our community, and that’s why we launched COSMOS in 2005, and subsequently G Magazine, Australia’s leading consumer sustainability publication.”

“Over the past three years, we have also been working very closely with Australian high schools and universities to ensure science is seen as a viable career path. The need to ensure the Australian community addresses the brain drain has become increasingly obvious.”

“The commitment from the Federal Government to provide researchers at the top of their game with the opportunity to pass on their experience and knowledge to the next generation is a fundamental step in making sure we continue to enjoy the benefits of Australian research and innovation.”

Costing $239 million over five years, the program will be run by the Australian Research Council alongside Labor’s new Future Fellowships scheme for mid-career researchers with up to 15 fellowships worth around $3 million over five years.

ABOUT COSMOS MAGAZINE

COSMOS is a print magazine and an daily online news service that treats science as natural part of culture. Published in Sydney and with a global outlook, it has taken out 24 awards in three years, including the inaugural Lord Mayor’s Sustainability Award in 2008 and Magazine of the Year in 2006 at Australia’s annual Bell Awards for Publishing Excellence. Its advisory board includes Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, and it was founded by the successful Melbourne neuroscientist and entrepreneur, and now Chancellor of Monash University, Dr Alan Finkel.

ABOUT LUNA MEDIA

Luna Media is unique in its approach to publishing in print and online, combining engaging but rigorous content with experts who know how to create and sustain valuable brands and publications. It relies on an in-house team of award-winning science and environment journalists to produce its two flagship brands, COSMOS and G Magazine. Luna Media also has a stringent and independent editorial approach focussed on accuracy as well easy readability. It is Australia's first carbon neutral media company, uses 100% GreenPower in its operations, and utilises an advisory board that includes Dr Tim Flannery and Sir Richard Branson.