Every year SETAC AU supports members of the community to attend the annual Science meets Parliament (SmP) event, run by Science and Technology Australia (STA). The event is an annual highlight on the Parliamentary calendar, delivering outstanding opportunities to elevate the visibility and understanding of STEM in Parliament and Australian Government Departments.
In 2023, Shelley Templeman, Sarah McDonald and Chris Lee-Steere attended the event – including a three-day virtual professional development event and a one-day, in-person event at Parliament House in Canberra. The event attracted over 500 delegates including Parliamentarians, staffers, lobbyists and journalists plus scientists from all disciplines.
The much anticipated in-person event included meetings between SmP delegates and Members of Parliament to discuss how their own research, and that of the wider SETAC AU community, benefits the national interest. Shelley met with Hon Michael McCormack MP and Sarah met with Senator Larissa Waters. The highlight of the event, the National Gala Dinner held in the Great Hall of Parliament House, was a great opportunity to dress up and network.
If you want to be a part of SmP in 2024, SETAC AU offers a SmP Ambassador Award with EOIs opening early 2024. These ambassador awards offers complementary event registration for SmP, as well as funds to attend in-person events in Canberra. Typically, SETAC AU sends one senior member and one ECR member to attend the event.
Obligatory photo outside Parliament house - Dr Shelley Templeman (L) and Dr Sarah McDonald (R)