Dr Doug Hilton has told the National Press Club that Australia is at a crossroads and must choose which scientific research it wants to prioritise for maximum impact and scale. “Perhaps every era seems momentous to those living it, but the choices we make now do feel incredibly consequential,” the molecular and cellular biologist said. “There are three possible paths from which to choose: The first option is to avoid the choice and continue in the same direction, assuming things will get better despite all the evidence.