This week we launched Science & Technology Australia’s Pre-Budget submission. In it, we proposed a big and bold idea: a new $2.4 billion research translation and commercialisation fund. A once-in-a-generation seismic investment in science in the 2021 Budget would be a defining legacy for the Government, securing the science heft needed to face the next challenges after COVID-19. It would be a powerful vehicle to turn more of Australia’s world-class university research into products, services and jobs with deeper industry-university collaboration. The proposal generated positive coverage, including in The Australian, InnovationAus, The Canberra Times, and Campus Morning Mail.

Late last week, we also garnered global coverage with our joint media statement with other key science groups drawing attention to the decision by Facebook to block the feeds of science and health organisations on the eve of the nation’s largest-ever vaccine rollout amid a global pandemic. STA’s Facebook page was among those blocked for several days - before the coverage managed to restore our feed. Please let us know if your organisation is still having difficulties with getting your feed restored.

Our Superstars of STEM had their first two days of high-quality training last week. The cohort is brimming with talent, and it was a joy to see these diverse and brilliant women lifting each other up. If you haven’t already, follow them all using our list in Twitter - it’s a daily dose of inspiration. 

Meanwhile, a continuing volume of policy, program and events work continues at STA. 

If you haven’t already - please register your delegates for Science Meets Parliament by Sunday (Feb 28). With an outstanding online program in 2021, we want to make sure your members have the chance to access this excellent professional development opportunity. Register now!

Finally, we encourage you to spread the word. Even if people aren’t attending #SmP2021 as a delegate, they can still buy a ticket to one of the five concurrent events for our SmP National Gala Dinners on Monday March 29 in Adelaide, Brisbane, Canberra, Melbourne and Sydney. This will be the first big gathering for the STEM sector leaders in many capitals since the outset of the pandemic. It will be a chance for us to say thank you to those who’ve shared their expertise, celebrate the role of science in saving lives, and enjoy a night of inspiring company and content. Please join us - you can buy tickets here!
 
Until next time, 

Misha Schubert 
CEO, Science & Technology Australia 

NEW REPORTS AND POLICY CHANGES OF INTEREST TO STA MEMBERS

• The 2021 Economic and Political Outlook was released by CEDA 
• After 2 years of anticipation the final report into the inquiry into Nationhood, National Identity, and Democracy has been released
• The ANU National Security College has released an occasional paper on navigating between foreign influence and foreign interference 
• Meat and Livestock Australia released an R&D wrap up of their latest report
• The UK Institute for Public Policy Research has released a paper on skills for a green recovery for the construction sector 
• The Gonski Institute has released a report on Why Australia keeps falling short of its educational goals 
• DIGI Australian code of practice on disinformation and misinformation
• The Australian Academy of Science has released its pre-budget submission 
• The Australian Academy of Technology & Engineering released a report on how Antarctic science can help us understand the Australian climate

Further information: Peter Derbyshire, STA Policy Manager - peter.derbyshire@sta.org.au

HURRY - LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER: SCIENCE MEETS PARLIAMENT 2021

Don’t miss out as our flagship event turns 21! Science meets Parliament is an unrivalled opportunity for STEM professionals to upskill and connect with Parliamentarians and the broader STEM sector.

In 2021, over two days of superb online content, 50 experts will share invaluable insights on policymaking, communications and Parliamentary engagement. It’s the best-value professional development event of the year. 

Registrations for #SmP2021 close Feb 28 - so be quick! See the updated program and register here. 
  

PM’S PRIZES FOR SCIENCE: NOMINATIONS OPEN NOW

STA encourages our members to identify deserving nominees whose commitment, talent and contributions to science should be recognised in this year’s Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science. 

These awards should reflect the strong diversity of our STEM sector, and we encourage members to reflect that diversity in nominations.

Nominate someone here. Nominations close March 9.

STA MEMBER CONFERENCES/MEMBER EVENTS/EVENTS OF INTEREST

• Plastics – are they a problem, benefit or a game-changer? Join RACI’s 10-part virtual series exploring innovations, challenges, sustainable uses, recycling and the future of plastics. Commencing Tuesday 16 Feb 2021

To add a conference or event: contact STA Events & Membership Manager Mitchell Piercey – mitchell.piercey@sta.org.au
 

GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES     

• Heck Media is looking for scientists, researchers, academics and science communicators to feature on their upcoming as-yet unnamed podcast to share their findings related to animals and microbes. You can apply to be featured here.
• Dr Catherine Ball is re-launching her podcast News from the Future: convergent tech, disruptive engineering, genomics, environmental and social change, the peak of civilisation or the end of society as our parents knew it…. If this sounds like you and you want to be involved get in touch with Catherine.
• Discovery Indigenous for funding commencing in 2022 – Closing 17 March 2021
• Entrepreneurs' Programme - Accelerating Commercialisation – Ongoing

STA MEMBER STORIES 

A number of our members were affected by Facebook’s recent blocking of content. STA was one of the organisations that were affected – you can read our joint statement with the Australian Academy of Science and the Australian Science Media Centre here. Our Facebook page is showing content again now, but a number of our members may still be affected. If your organisation’s Facebook page is still not showing content (make sure you ‘View as visitor’ to test this) please let our Communications Manager, Martyn Pearce know.