Who should attend Science Meets Parliament? 

Science Meets Parliament is open to all Australia STEM professionals working in academia, industry and government. This includes PhD students through to leaders in the STEM sector. STEM professionals with an interest in broadening their networks and learning how to engage effectively with policymakers are encouraged to attend the event. 

What does my registration include? 

Science Meets Parliament 2023 is split into two parts: SMP ONLINE and SMP ON THE HILL. Delegates have the option to purchase a SMP ONLINE only registration or a SMP ONLINE & SMP ON THE HILL registration. 

SMP ONLINE includes access to a 3-day program of bespoke professional training fully online. 

SMP ON THE HILL is an in-person day in Canberra that includes additional personal development training and one ticket to the Welcome Reception and National Gala Dinner. Delegates may have the opportunity to meet with a Member of Parliament*.

The National Press Club address will take place on Wednesday 22 March, during SMP ON THE HILL. Tickets to this event are not included in any registration type and must be purchased separately. SMP ON THE HILL delegates will be provided with transport between Parliament House and the National Press Club.

SMP ON THE HILL delegates may purchase additional tickets for guests to attend the Welcome Reception and National Gala Dinner during the registration process. SMP ONLINE delegates can purchase a ticket for themselves and guests for the Welcome Reception and National Gala Dinner during the registration process. 

*Please note that only STA-Members can elect to have a meeting with a Member of Parliament 

**Flights and accommodation are not included within any registrations. For tips on accommodation and transport please see the SMP ON THE HILL section below.

What is the difference between an STA Member and General Delegate registration? 

STA member organisations may access three Science Meets Parliament registrations at a discounted rate. Additionally, SMP ON THE HILL delegates, attending from STA member organisations, have the option to be considered for a meeting with a Member of Parliament. To see a full list of STA Member organisations please visit our website. 

Can I attend SMP ON THE HILL without going to SMP ONLINE? 

No. Delegates must attend both SMP ONLINE and SMP ON THE HILL or SMP ONLINE only. SMP ONLINE only delegates are welcome to attend the functions and purchase tickets for the National Press Club address and National Gala Dinner, but will not have the option to access the stellar program of speakers presented during SMP ON THE HILL without registering.  

Where can I find the conference’s refund policy? 

The full events Terms and Conditions can be found here. Section 5 details the refund policy. 

What happens if I can no longer attend? 

If you can no longer attend SMP ONLINE, SMP ON THE HILL, the National Press Club address and/or the National Gala Dinner you may transfer your registration to someone else. You must notify Science & Technology Australia by emailing us at events@sta.org.au, providing the name and contact details of the delegate receiving the transferral. For STA-member delegates, we encourage you to transfer your registration to someone within your member organisation. If you are unable to transfer your registration, you will be subject to our refund policy found in the event Terms & Conditions. 

Who is eligible for ECR registration?

Any STEM Professional who is within nine years post-PhD, excluding career breaks. 

What financing options are available? 

Thanks to generous sponsors, Science & Technology Australia offers a range of scholarships. Categories include First Nations, LGBTQIA+, Rural & Regional, Technology, Disability and Neurodivergent. 

How can I pay for my SMP23 registration? 

All delegates regardless if they are registered as a group or an individual, will be offered two options for payment; credit card or transfer via EFT as per invoice details. 

I am part of an STA member organisation. Who do I get in contact with to organize my registration? 

We strongly encourage STA member delegates to contact their STA member organisation before registering for SMP23. If you are unable to get in contact with your STA-member organisation, please email members@sta.org.au.

Why isn’t the National Press Club address included in my registration? 

The National Press Club is a small venue with a limited seating capacity. As such we are unable to include a ticket with any registration type. You may purchase National Press Club tickets separately during the registration process. A wait list will be implemented.