This week, the world got to see the stunning first images from the James Webb Telescope. It was a glimpse back in time across billions of years - and a vivid demonstration of the power of science. Here’s a sense of this historic moment from Superstar of STEM Dr Sabine Bellstedt.

Next week, STA begins some star-searching of our own. We will launch the next nationwide quest to find the next group of scicomms superstars to join our game-changing Superstars of STEM program. This inspiring program advances gender equity in science, technology, engineering and maths by creating high-profile diverse role models keen to step into the public spotlight as high-profile national media stars. Open to women and non-binary people in STEM, the program smashes society’s gender assumptions about STEM careers and lifts the public visibility of women in STEM by creating more equal gender representation of STEM experts in the media.

We will launch our nationwide search next Wednesday - 20 July. We would love your help to spread the word about this exciting professional development opportunity. We will send you draft social media posts and tiles early next week so you can promote this superb opportunity to your networks. 

Another event on the horizon is the official launch of National Science Week 2022. It will be held in Parliament House in Canberra on Thursday 4 August at 8am. Invitations to this exciting event have gone out - we look forward to seeing you there.

Have you had your say on STA’s governance and constitutional reform project? Feedback closes 21 July - so please take this opportunity to provide input as we finalise reforms to bring to a Special General Meeting. 

Finally, we are recruiting for a new Communications Officer - a brand new position at STA. If you have someone in your networks with a flair for communications and social media who is keen to join a supportive team working on exciting content, please encourage them to apply.

Until next time, 

Misha Schubert 
CEO, Science & Technology Australia 

REPORTS AND POLICY

• Education Minister Jason Clare has announced $17.7 million in ARC funding to create four new Industrial Transformation Research Program Research Hubs.
• He also announced $29.3 million to train Australia’s next generation of research professionals at six new Industrial Transformation Training Centres.  
• The Government announced funding to expand the National Centre for Student Equity in Higher Education.
• The Government announced an independent review of the ARC and its enabling legislation - which the ARC welcomed.  
• ARENA has invited 12 projects for large scale batteries to submit full applications. 
• CSIRO has launched the virtual Hydrogen Knowledge Centre.
• ATSE published an article on how rising sea levels represent a threat to our coastal societies.  
• John Coyne at ASPI wrote a piece on how rare earths in Australia must be about more than mining.  

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUBMISSIONS

• The NHMRC seeks submissions on its National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research. Responses by 1 August.
• The NHMRC is consulting on options to reach gender equity in the Investigator Grant scheme.  
• The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water seeks feedback on how to improve Australia’s diesel exhaust fluid supply. Respond by 22 July.
• The Australian Bureau of Statistics is reviewing changes to the concept and measurement of skill under the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO). Responses are due 26 July.

Further information: STA Director of Policy and Engagement Sarah Tynan.

GRANTS, FUNDING, AND OPPORTUNITIES

• Applications for The Australian Clinical Entrepreneur Program are now open. The program develops entrepreneurial skills in clinicians who have the ambition to change healthcare for the better.
• Each year, the National Stem Cell Foundation of Australia celebrates two exceptional mid-career stem cell researchers with the Metcalf Prizes for Stem Cell Research. Apply by 5 August.
• The Australian Geoscience Council is offering scholarships to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander undergraduate students who have completed the first year of a geoscience degree. Apply by 30 September.  
• If there is a year 11 student in your life, let them know applications for the 2023 National Youth Science Forum year 12 program are now open. NYSF introduces students to all types of STEM career pathways. Apply by 14 August.
• The Theo Murphy Initiative (Australia) funds interdisciplinary activities that provide career development opportunities for early- and mid-career researchers. Submit a proposal today for activities to be delivered between September 2022 and August 2023.