In 2021, Science & Technology Australia (STA) is excited to offer our flagship event Science meets Parliament in virtual format. Not only will Science meets Parliament be COVID-safe, but it will be bigger than ever - with virtual attendance opening up access to STEM professionals and politicians across the country.
For 21 years, STA has been developing the advocacy skills of STEM professionals, and connecting them to decision makers to nurture strong relationships, information flows and dialogue between the STEM sector and Government.
Our virtually delivered event series will take place from 2 March to 1 April.
Chief Defence Scientist | Department of Defence
Office of the Prime Minister’s Chief Science Advisor | New Zealand
Department of Health and Human Services Victoria
The Royal Melbourne Hospital
Queers in Science Victorian Branch
Newgate Communications
Office of the Chief Science Advisor Canada
Deadly Science
Bureau of Meteorology
Australia's Chief Scientist
General Registrations are available to members and non-members and do not include a meeting with a Parliamentarian during the event series.
STA Early Career Members who are 0-9 years post PhD or equivalent*
You must have endorsement from the member organisation for this event before registering
$ 350
STA General Members
You must have endorsement from the member organisation for this event before registering
$ 500
Delegates must be employed in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) roles at any career stage in any sector.
As a delegate to this strictly limited event, you’ll have the chance to meet with decision-makers in science, politics and business, and illustrate the power of solving Australia’s big challenges with science – in agriculture, health, space, communications, finance, education, defence, the environment, and more.
During Science meets Parliament, you’ll learn directly from Parliamentarians, chief scientists, senior departmental policymakers, advocacy experts, community engagement specialists, Superstars of STEM, STEM Ambassadors and many others working at the interface of science and politics.
Science meets Parliament has had a powerful impact over its two-decade lifespan. This includes improvements to legislation, support for research centres and institutes in growing areas of scientific strength for Australia, new mechanisms for deeper engagement between federal Parliament and science, accelerated career progression, and access to new careers.
Building connections and support for science, technology, engineering and mathematics in Parliament, alongside strong, long-term investment in research and development, will support Australia’s leadership in expanding humanity’s knowledge.
As a delegate to Science meets Parliament, you’ll be supported to share stories of your own work, the work of those in your discipline, and the work being done throughout the STEM sector in Australia. You’ll connect with colleagues from across disciplines to show our nation’s leaders what’s possible when passionate STEM professionals are empowered to do what they do best – find solutions.
* Undergraduate STEM degree and at least 4 years’ experience working in technology, engineering, mathematics, agriculture, environmental science, geological sciences or science communication.
Pre-event Workshops & Webinars
Welcome Cocktail Reception
Main Event Program
Exclusive Opportunities available to delegates
STA member organisations are eligible to send up to two delegates to Science meets Parliament 2021, ensure you have endorsement from your member organisation before registering.
All pricing is inclusive of GST.
Can I change my times on the day?
No. It is not possible to shift meeting times. Parliamentarians’ diaries can be booked months in advance, and times have been allocated based on the Parliamentarians’ requests during the registration process.
Can I organise additional meetings with Parliamentarians during the event period?
No. This is based on previous feedback from their offices. This has led to confusion about which meeting is the “official” Science meets Parliament meeting. We encourage you to arrange meetings from April onwards.
Dress Code
The dress code for the the in person Gala Dinner is lounge suit or cocktail dress.
Can I swap meetings with someone else?
No. STA will have provided your biography to Parliamentarians, who receive detailed briefings from their staff before all meetings.
What should you have in front of you at the meeting?
We suggest you have your simple one-page summary document to reference during the meeting. This will help you describe your work and its implications. Following the meeting you can send the summary in your follow-up email to the Parliamentarian.
Dot points are better than long paragraphs, and it’s a good idea to have something to illustrate your key point – a simple graph, photo or alternative you can post your summary with another small memento (such as a rock sample or a map).
Who will I meet?
Participants will join a virtual zoom meeting with a Parliamentarian, depending on availability, and in some cases will have meetings with senior policy advisers.
Participants will receive an email from STA advising which Parliamentarian they are scheduled to meet with, day & time and the names of other STEM professionals sharing the meeting. Please note that changes to these meetings may occur up until, and including, the actual day of the meeting.
Science & Technology Australia
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Canberra ACT 2601
Tel: 02 6257 2891 | E: info@sta.org.au
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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