Melbourne Lord Mayoral candidate Jamal Hakim has unveiled a Science and Technology Commitment, in collaboration with the Royal Society of Victoria (RSV), that will position the city as a leader in evidence-based decision-making and public engagement with science and technology.
Following a meeting with RSV President, Rob Gell, and CEO Mike Flattley, Hakim outlined his vision to support elevating the Society from a members-only institution to a dynamic public asset. “Our city’s future must be grounded in the power of knowledge, science, and innovation,” Hakim said. “By transforming the RSV into a hub where real influencers can connect over ideas, we can lead global conversations on climate, technology, and the societal challenges of our time, ensuring Melbourne remains at the forefront of sustainable urban development and business innovation.”
The Science and Technology Commitment aims to foster an inclusive, vibrant space where Melbourne's science, technology and business influencers, residents and visitors can engage with cutting-edge science and technology. Plans include projecting real-time environmental data displays on the RSV building’s walls, showcasing weather patterns, air quality, and climate trends.
The initiative seeks to use science as a tool for public engagement, further embedding scientific literacy into Melbourne’s cultural fabric.
According to Gell, the RSV has a long and proud history of promoting scientific advancement. “Our partnership with Jamal Hakim represents a new chapter for the society. This initiative will allow us to engage directly with the community, providing evidence-based solutions to pressing global issues while highlighting Melbourne as a leader in science and technology.”
The initiative will establish the RSV as a venue for dialogue and evidence-based decision-making in an era of increasing misinformation. “Misinformation is one of the greatest challenges of our time,” Gell said. “This is about restoring confidence in science and technology, empowering people with accurate information to shape better futures for Melbourne, Victoria and beyond.”
The RSV is famously known for the Burke and Wills expedition, backed by Melbourne businesses at the time. As part of this commitment, Hakim is announcing a new public arts commission that retells that story and recognises the impacts of colonisation on Australia’s First Peoples and the continent’s unique species, a powerful reminder of the intertwined histories of science, colonisation, and environmental change.
Mike Flattley, CEO of the RSV said, “It is keen to foster a new dialogue around what it means to advance science in the 21st century. Engaging with First Peoples and honouring their environmental stewardship will be a vital component of this project. By commissioning a public art piece that speaks to this, we aim to merge history, science, and culture in a way that resonates with all Victorians.”
Hakim’s Science and Technology Commitment also includes the development of the RSV’s branding as a hub for “Science, Technology, and Society,” with a focus on partnerships with RMIT University, the Melbourne Museum, and the City Government, furthering solidifying the innovation precinct. “We want to inspire future generations to see science as an integral part of society,” Hakim said.
Judy Gao, a member of the AFL Asia Advisory Board, international relations and marketing executive, and part of Hakim’s running team, said, “By collaborating with our leading institutions, we can create a science and tech ecosystem that influences societal values and decisions.”
As part of the announcement, the RSV will also explore the possibility of installing a social café and cultural space on its grounds to attract broader community engagement with the work of Victoria’s scientific community. The goal is to create a holistic cultural-scientific experience that invites residents and visitors to learn, engage, and reflect on Melbourne’s scientific heritage while envisioning its future.
Hakim’s proposal has gained strong backing from Melbourne’s science and academic communities. RMIT University's VP Strategy and Community Impact Tom Bentley welcomed opportunities expressed such as this one to enhance public access to scientific resources and knowledge and emphasised the importance of working with the City of Melbourne and neighbouring institutions in City North to apply science, innovation and evidence for the good of the community.
Hakim said, “Science is not just for scientists. It is for everyone. That’s why this policy is so important. We are democratising access to science, creating spaces where people from all walks of life can come together, learn, and contribute to the future of our city.”
Hakim’s Science and Technology Commitment is poised to redefine Melbourne’s approach to science, culture, and public engagement. With the support of RSV, RMIT University, and the Melbourne Museum, Hakim’s vision sets the stage for a future where Melbourne leads globally in science, tech, innovation, and evidence-based governance.