On 21-22 March 2017, Science meets Parliament turns 18 in a position of strength and with the respect of both the STEM and the political sectors.
From its very beginning, Science meets Parliament has enjoyed strong support – at the inaugural event in 1999, the Senate passed a resolution declaring the day “Science Meets Parliament Day” and urging “all political parties to recognise the importance of science to this nation’s future, economically, socially, culturally and environmentally”. In the years since, Science meets Parliament has become a keenly anticipated annual highlight of the Federal Parliamentary calendar, and has continued to provide outstanding opportunities to elevate visibility, awareness and understanding of STEM in Federal Parliament and Federal Government departments.
Science meets Parliament 2017 comes at a time when science, technology, engineering and mathematics are high on the political agenda. To be held in the second half of March while Parliament is sitting, SmP 2017 will build on the strong tradition of fostering relationships and understanding between scientists and technologists, MPs and Senators. The exact dates of the event will be set once the 2017 parliamentary sitting calendar is published.
Attendees at SmP 2016 described it as “an awesome primer”, “a very useful opportunity to engage with important political stakeholders” and “an excellent experience to develop skills and network at the highest levels”.
The two-day gathering of up to 200 scientists in Canberra includes a day of professional development, a gala dinner in the Great Hall of Parliament, a televised National Press Club address, and a day at Parliament House, where delegates meet privately with parliamentarians, attend a parliamentary forum and conclude with a farewell cocktail party with the Parliamentary Friends of Science.
Early- and mid-career researchers who are members of STA’s members and affiliates and who have an interest in leadership, politics and policy are encouraged to apply to their society or association to attend. This year we’ll also be competitively offering places to a small number of early- and mid-career researchers working in private industry. Watch this space for more information on how to register or bid for one of our industry registrations.
If you’re interested in sponsoring this event, please get in touch with us by email or by phoning 02 6257 2891.
We look forward to seeing you at Science meets Parliament!
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The Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS) trading as Science & Technology Australia (STA) is an association incorporated under the ACT Associations Act. ABN 71626822845
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Science & Technology Australia Office
Suite 4, 7 Napier Close
Deakin ACT 2600
GPO Box 259
Canberra City 2601, ACT
Tel: (02) 6257 2891
General Inquiries
info@sta.org.au
