CSIRO Publishing, the national science agency’s editorially independent publishing arm, will today take on the publication of science news magazine for the coming year.
The move is being supported through funding from CSIRO, as well as the Commonwealth and South Australian Governments.
Cosmos is an information and news service offering daily science news online, a daily and weekly e-newsletter and a quarterly print magazine. Cosmos also offers curriculum mapped lessons for Years 7 to 10 to guide teachers and inspire the next generation of Australian scientists.
Cosmos magazine has a rich history of science journalism in Australia. First published in 2005, it moved to its current publisher, the Royal Institution of Australia (RiAus) in 2018.
Under RiAus, Cosmos expanded its digital reach, making science accessible to more Australians, and played an important role in addressing online misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In a new chapter for the award-winning outlet, CSIRO Publishing has agreed to take on the full suite of Cosmos publications and education resources. This is to ensure vital science information continues to be provided to the Australian community for the next year, while it works to explore long term options for the publication’s sustainability.
CSIRO’s Science Connect Director Gail Fulton said Cosmos is aligned with CSIRO’s objectives to grow trust and interest in science and help develop the STEM workforce of the future.
“As Australia’s leading science publisher, CSIRO Publishing publishes books, peer-reviewed journals, and magazines across a range of scientific disciplines,” Ms Fulton said.
“Cosmos will be a complementary but distinct addition to CSIRO’s publications and education offerings and will help connect the national science agency with more Australians across different channels.
“Over the next year we will be exploring options for Cosmos with the aim of identifying a long-term sustainable business model that maximises the impact of the publication, making science accessible for the Australian public.”
RiAus Chair Peter Yates said RiAus was delighted with this new chapter in the life of the Cosmos news and education platforms.
“During the RiAus’ custodianship of Cosmos, our organisation has significantly grown the depth and reach of the digital offerings we make available to Australians daily,” Mr Yates said.
“We celebrate that these can now take place amongst the offerings of Australia’s national science agency.”
South Australian Deputy Premier the Hon. Dr Susan Close MP said she was pleased the South Australian Government, alongside CSIRO and the Commonwealth, were able to support quality scientific journalism in Australia.
“It is critical that our community can continue to access evidence-based news. The COVID-19 pandemic, the challenge of climate change and the growth of the renewable energy sector are examples of the importance of timely, accurate and trustworthy reporting on scientific issues,” Dr Close said.
“This investment in Cosmos magazine – as well as its journalists, associated publications and educational resources – is an investment against misinformation.”
About CSIRO Publishing
CSIRO Publishing is Australia’s leading science publisher. Through its books, peer-reviewed journals and magazines, CSIRO Publishing demonstrates the value of science and captures and shares knowledge for future generations.
As part of the research community, CSIRO Publishing’s purpose is to enhance the impact of science by communicating the outcomes of research, empowering decision makers and enriching the lives of their readers through knowledge.
CSIRO Publishing operates as a not-for-profit, editorially independent business unit within CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency.
