academy of the social sciences in australia

The Academy of the Social Sciences in Australia (ASSA) champions and supports the critical role of social science in public policy making. The Academy is an independent, not for profit body representing 600 pre-eminent Australian social scientists. Academy Fellows have produced ground breaking, internationally recognised research in areas like economics, education, health, law and welfare. By doing so, they have ensured that social science underpins Australias quality of life. Established in 1971, replacing the Social Science Research Council of Australia, the academy is an independent NGO, and an interdisciplinary body of elected Fellows. The Fellows are elected by their peers for their distinguished achievements and exceptional contributions made to the social sciences across 18 disciplines. The Academy encourages excellence in research, and the advancement of knowledge in the various social sciences. Across 18 disciplines, the Academy coordinates the promotion of research, teaching and advice; promotes national and international scholarly cooperation across disciplines and with other Academies; comments on national needs and priorities in the social sciences; and provides advice to government on issues of national importance. It is the one of the four learned academies in Australia. The four academies co-operate to provide interdisciplinary advice on important matters of public policy through the Australian Council of Learned Academies (ACOLA, formerly the National Academies Forum, formed in 1995).