As a member society of STA, SETAC AU can nominate (up to) two delegates to attend Science meets Parliament. Typically one delegate will be a senior member and one will be early career, within 5 years of graduating the last degree (current PhD students are eligible). The nominated delegates will be awarded with up to $2,000 to contribute to event registration (including the gala dinner), return economy airfares from the nearest capital city and accommodation.
Key dates:
Applications due: Thursday 11th January 2024
Notification of successful applications: Monday 22nd January 2024
Science meets Parliament event: 20th - 21st March 2024
What is SmP?
Science meets Parliament (SmP) is the major event hosted by Science and Technology Australia (STA). This event was first hosted in 1999 and takes place in Canberra in mid-March during non-election years. Now in its 24th year, SmP brings together about 200 of Australia’s top scientists and puts them face to face with the decision makers in Canberra. Participants include parliamentarians, staffers, lobbyists and journalists plus scientists from all disciplines.
This setting provides scientists with the opportunity to interact with politicians, policy makers and the media and gives you an opportunity to look at your science from a different perspective. A range of topics are available including science in the media, the influence of science on policy making, the impact of science on Australia's economy and environment and its understanding in the broader community. You can read about SETAC AU's attendance to the 2023 SmP event here.
What to expect at SmP?
Firstly we will need confirmation from Science Technology Australia (STA) that the event will proceed, as this is dependent on Parliamentary schedules. On day one, expect to get tips on how to successfully engage politicians and expand your professional development. Scientists get a feel for government policymaking by discussing policy material with lobbyists, parliamentary staffers, politicians and journalists, and become equipped with the knowledge, skills and networks that continue to serve them well into the future. In the evening, guests attend a formal dinner at the Great Hall in Parliament House On the second day of the event more than 100 formal meetings between small groups of scientists and individual parliamentarians occur.
What’s on offer?
The nominated delegates will be awarded with complementary event registration (including the gala dinner), return economy airfares from the nearest capital city and accommodation in Canberra.
Who should apply?
One of the main goals of the event is for the scientists to keep our parliamentarians informed on what we view as the big issues in our field. We encourage nominations from dynamic and motivated members who would like to fly the banner (no, not literally!) on behalf of our society and our disciplines, ecotoxicology and environmental chemistry. Nominees may be from government, industry or academia, and with all levels of experience are welcome to apply. Previously successful applicants are not eligible.
How should you apply?
Nominees should have been a SETAC AU for a minimum of 1 year. Please submit a 1 page CV plus a single page cover letter briefly stating:
All applications must be electronic, and sent to australasia@setac.org. SETAC AU Council will establish a selection panel after all entries are submitted and conflicts of interest will be managed appropriately.
Further information:
For more information on Science meets Parliament, visit the STA website.