Science Meets Parliament 2015
Report back by Tamsyn Ross
Attendees to Science Meets Parliament 2015 were privileged to be present in Canberra for the release of the document: ‘The importance of advanced physical and mathematical sciences to the Australian economy,’ as commissioned by the Office of the Chief Scientist and the Australian Academy of Science, and prepared by the Centre for International Economics. Professor Ian Chubb addressed the Science Meets Parliament delegates, a receptive crowd largely comprised of scientists from around Australia working across a diversity of sectors, describing the report’s key findings. Among them, a (notably, conservative) measure of the contribution of the physical and mathematical sciences to the Australian economy: 11 % (around $145 billion per year) directly, or slightly more than 22% (around $292 billiion per year) if additional and flow-on benefits are counted. Not includedin this analysis were the contributionsfrom the life and health sciences, which must certainly add similar value. The message accompanying these findings was clear: a strong, local commitment to science is needed, and will benefit all Australians.
Heartened to have had their contribution quantified and acknowledged in this fashion, audience members working in the sciences might have felt inspired to spread the word. For many, lessons learned during the Science Meets Parliament 2015 program will be valuable in helping them to communicate their personal science story, and potentially to move forward in their careers, or to further the cause of science in Australia.
The first day of the program was conducted at the Canberra Convention Centre, and consisted of a series of excellent lectures and panel sessions delivered by professionals from the realms of science, journalism and politics. The audience were encouraged to participate by addressing questions to presenters, and throughout the day received perspectives on topics such as:
-A day in the life of a journalist: what they need to turn your science into news;
-The art of the political meeting, and how to talk/think like a policymaker;
-Getting your science out of the lab (an exercise in mastering the sixty-second ‘elevator pitch’).
This full day was followed by the Gala Dinner, held in the Great Hall at Parliament House. Here, MPs, scientists, journalists and many other professionals, all quite intermingled at each table, became acquainted and received addresses fromthe Honourable Ian Macfarlane, Minister for Industry and Science, and the Honourable Bill Shorten, Leader of the Opposition, as well as notable others.
The second day of the program took place mostly at Parliament House, where delegates enjoyed an address by Senator the Honourable Kim Carr, as well asa panel session with important identities from Australia’s scientific and political arenas. Lunch was held onsite at the National Press Club, and attendees were addressed by Professor Ian Chubb in a session that was broadcast nationwide. Throughout the day delegates were attending meetings with their assigned MPs, and all agreed that it was an exciting, if daunting, privilege, to be afforded such access to Australia’s decision-makers. Many delegates were also able to attend Question Time, and those who opted to visit the Senate might have seen some discussion on matters of direct relevance to science in Australia. Cocktails and canapés brought the event to a close late on this second day, with final remarks from event organisers and several key MPs.
As its name suggests, Science Meets Parliament is about bringing scientists and MPs together so that they may come to know each other’s worldsbetter, and a dialogue may be opened. This year, Science Meets Parliament gave delegates insight into the ways journalists, politicians and scientists can interact constructively, and left delegates with feelings of positivity andincreased confidence. Science Meets Parliament is an important networking and professional development opportunity for scientists, and Professionals Australia provides an important benefit to members in offering them the opportunity to attend.