It’s on! Registrations are now open for Science meets Parliament 2022 – with a truly stellar program. Global science superstar Brian Cox will headline the event in conversation with another scicomm superstar, Wiradjuri astrophysicist Kirsten Banks. We will have further announcements in coming weeks about more of the superb sessions and brilliant speakers ahead. Book now to secure the early bird rate – only available until December 20.

STA has unveiled the science and technology sector’s 2022 election priorities. Setting the policy agenda, this blueprint was the product of STA’s annual Presidents and CEOs leadership dialogue. We’ve highlighted our push for deeper investment in R&D and a new Research Translation Fund in my comments in widespread media coverage. STA President Jeremy Brownlie also noted in the Australian Financial Review that deeper R&D investments are needed to enable science and technology to drive Australia’s climate transition.
 
We were honoured to give evidence to the Senate inquiry on manufacturing last week, noting STA’s proposals for a Research Translation Fund, bench-to-boardroom scientists, and extending the patent box to clean energy technologies. STA Policy Chair Sharath Sriram joined our President and me to give testimony. We were delighted to see Sharath recognised as a finalist for the AFR’s emerging leaders in higher education award – check out his opinion piece here. We also welcomed this week’s announcement of $111 million in quantum technologies.

This is our last STA Member Update before Jeremy Brownlie hands the STA Presidency to Mark Hutchinson. On behalf of the whole STA community, we thank Jeremy for his tireless leadership of this organisation and the sector – and his remarkable 11 years of service on STA’s Board. We have been blessed to have a leader of his vision, skill, kindness and grace in the Presidency in the extraordinary years of a global pandemic. We will have more to say on this at the AGM.

Finally, if you haven’t already, please register ASAP to attend the virtual AGM – or register a delegate to represent your organisation. We need a strong turnout to ensure quorum.