[Aqualist] FW: STA Member Update | 17 February 2023

[John Tibby]

Dear AQUA Community
Please see the latest update below from Science and Technology Australia (of which AQUA is a member)

With best wishes,
John.

PS:  With apologies to the New Zealanders for whom this is likely to be less relevant

__________________________________________
Associate Professor John Tibby
Geography, Environment and Population
University of Adelaide
Pronouns: he/his/him

________________________________
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Friday 17 February 2023

The STA Member Update is sent to the leadership of member organisations.
You can forward to your executive and membership.


Dear John,

Science Meets Parliament 2023<https://sta.eventsair.com/science-meets-parliament-2023/registration> kicks off in two and a half weeks! What a program we have in store. The event will be headlined by Science Minister Ed Husic, Dr Katalin Kariko - the scientist who gave the world mRNA technology - and the Global Australian of the Year Professor Terence Tao among a vast array of Australian science and tech leadership giants. This is *the* must-attend annual event for science and technology leaders.

Minister Husic will deliver the National Press Club address as the centrepiece of the event - a speech setting out the Government's vision for science. As our members know, he is a skilled and powerful advocate for science - both with the Australian public and in the Parliament. The speech will build on his opening remarks to the sector at last year's Science Meets Parliament dinner<https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/address-to-the-science-meets-parliament-2022-gala-dinner>: "We're listening to the science, we're respecting the science, we're acting on science."

Applications will open soon for the new National Industry PhD Program. Got questions? Register now for an information webinar<https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/national-industry-phd-program-information-webinar-tickets-545541799207?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=f48ebbb0c7&mc_eid=b4d0a68285> on Monday (February 20) at 1pm AEDT to learn more. This groundbreaking program - run by the Federal Department of Education - will significantly boost links between PhD scholars, industry and universities. Science & Technology Australia is proud to support the program working with our members Campus Plus and Cruxes Innovation.

Two major policy submissions this week draw on powerful insights from the Science & Technology Australia community. On the National Reconstruction Fund, we highlighted the bold ambitions of the fund<https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/STA-Submission-National-Reconstruction-Fund.pdf>. If implemented with a strategic, long-term approach, we think it can be a powerful driver to help transform Australia's sovereign capability and economic complexity. We propose the NRF should actively 'forward scout' projects emerging from ARC Centres of Excellence and Cooperative Research Centres, take an environmentally responsible approach to investment, and invest a slice of funds in professional development to boost Australia's capacity to commercialise research, as outlined in STA's bench-to-boardroom concept.

Science & Technology Australia's 2022-23 Pre-Budget Submission<https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/STA-Submission-2023-24-Pre-Budget-Submission-WEB.pdf> generated widespread media coverage. Drawing on member conversations over the past year, we have proposed the creation of a Science Future Fund, modelled on the proven success of the Medical Research Fund.

A Science Future Fund would be a powerful way to generate recurring economic returns for our country and offset mounting spending pressures on the nation's finances. And it would advance Prime Minister Anthony Albanese's ambition of an economic future "powered by science<https://anthonyalbanese.com.au/anthony-albanese-speech-science-and-economic-recovery-national-press-club-canberra-wednesday-24-june-2020>", Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles' pledge to be "The Science Government<https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/deputy-prime-minister-richard-marles-speech-to-launch-national-science-week>" and Minister Husic's pledge<https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/husic/speeches/speech-prime-ministers-prizes-science-2022> to be "a government committed to involving more science, more of what you do, to embed that in the heart of policy and decision-making."

Our analysis shows a Science Future Fund could inject $650 million a year from investment income into science breakthroughs, generating $2.3 billion in annual returns - at no future cost to the Budget after its initial capitalisation.

The STA community extends a very warm welcome to the new Shadow Education Minister Senator Sarah Henderson<https://sarahhenderson.com.au/appointment-as-shadow-minister-for-education> on her appointment to the portfolio. Senator Henderson has shown a sustained interest in science and technology in her storied career, which included securing funding for a new national ABS data centre. We look forward to working with her in the new role.

With our evolution into a company limited by guarantee, Science & Technology Australia's streamlined Board has met for the first time under our new legal structure - and signed off on the organisation's ambitious annual work plan for 2022. Our plans are bold. A huge thank you to the science and technology leaders who give their voluntary time, skills and expertise to lead STA and give a voice to the issues affecting the STEM sector.

Finally, a very warm welcome to our newest intake of Superstars of STEM who started their online training last week. This constellation of diverse STEM stars are so inspiring, and we are excited to watch their stars rise in the media with powerful support and training from this program. Hat tip to Superstar Dr Samantha Sawyer of the University of Tasmania, on Ausbiz TV this week talking about International Day of Women and Girls in STEM, and the importance of inspiring the next generation into careers in science.

Until next time,

Misha Schubert
CEO, Science & Technology Australia






REPORTS AND POLICY

  *   Parliament marked the International Day of Women and Girls in STEM with several MPs noting the important contributions of several Australian women in STEM as well as acknowledging the work of STA's Superstars of STEM program<https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard/Hansard_Display?bid=chamber/hansardr/26417/&sid=0000>.
  *   The Minister for Education, Jason Clare, announced the launch of Australia's Economic Accelerator<https://ministers.education.gov.au/clare/launch-australias-economic-accelerator-seed-grants> - applications for seed grants are now open.
  *   The legislation to establish the Board to oversee the Australia's Economic Accelerator scheme passed the House of Representatives<https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/Bills_Search_Results/Result?bId=r6963>.
  *   The Department of Health and Aged Care released the National Men's Health Strategy<https://www.health.gov.au/resources/publications/national-mens-health-strategy-2020-2030?language=en> 2020-2030.
  *   The Government released its response to the recommendations<https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/reports-and-pubs/PDFs/government-response-national-security-risk-affecting-higher-education-research-sector.pdf> of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security's report on foreign interference risks to Australia's higher education and research sector.
  *   QILT released the 2022 Graduate Outcomes survey results<https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos)>. The Minister for Education, Jason Clare, commented on the results<https://www.qilt.edu.au/surveys/graduate-outcomes-survey-(gos)>.
  *   The Defence Strategic Review<https://www.pm.gov.au/media/defence-strategic-review-handed-government> was given to the Government.
  *   The Government marked the 15th anniversary of the Apology<https://www.pmc.gov.au/news/13-february-2008> to Australia's Indigenous Peoples.
  *   The National Indigenous Australians Agency released the 2023 Commonwealth Closing the Gap Implementation Plan<https://www.niaa.gov.au/resource-centre/indigenous-affairs/commonwealth-closing-gap-implementation-plan-2023>.
  *   Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry, Murray Watt announced the launch of a new online resource<https://minister.agriculture.gov.au/watt/media-releases/online-improvements-provide-more-support-for-farmers> for farmers - Climate Services for Agriculture<https://climateservicesforag.indraweb.io>.
  *   The Murray-Darling Basin Authority released the 2023 Report Card<https://www.mdba.gov.au/news-media-events/newsroom/media-centre/bp-report-card-paints-clearer-picture-2024-deadline>.
  *   Senator Sarah Henderson was appointed as the Shadow Minister for Education<https://sarahhenderson.com.au/appointment-as-shadow-minister-for-education/>.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUBMISSIONS

  *   The Department of Industry, Science and Resources is calling for responses to a discussion paper on Australia's battery industries<https://consult.industry.gov.au/national-battery-strategy-issues-paper>. Submissions due 3 March.
  *   The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is calling for comment on the exposure draft of the Nature Repair Bill<https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/nature-repair-market-exposure-draft>. Comments due 24 February.
  *   The Australian Bureau of Statistics is reviewing the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations<https://consult.abs.gov.au/standards-and-classifications/anzsco-comprehensive-review-round-1>. Submissions close 28 April.
  *   Submissions to the Joint Standing Committee on Migration's inquiry Migration, Pathway to Nation Building<https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Joint/Migration/MigrationPathway> have been extended until 16 March.
  *   The Workplace Gender Equality Amendment (Closing the Gender Pay Gap<https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/Senate/Finance_and_Public_Administration/WorkplaceGenderEquality>) Bill 2023 was referred to the Senate Standing Committee on Finance and Public Administration for inquiry and report by 16 March. Submissions due 3 March.
  *   The Department of Social Services is taking submissions for the Early Years Strategy<https://www.dss.gov.au/families-and-children-programs-services/early-years-strategy>. Submissions close 3 March.
  *   FSANZ is calling for comment on three applications<https://www.foodstandards.gov.au/media/Pages/Call-for-comment-on-new-sources-for-enzyme-processing-aids-.aspx> to allow new enzyme processing aids from genetically-modified microbial sources. Submissions close 22 March.
  *   The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is calling for input<https://haveyoursay.agriculture.gov.au/inspector-general-animal-welfare> on the proposed new office of the Inspector-General of Animal Welfare and Live Animal Exports.

Further information: STA Director of Policy and Engagement Sarah Tynan<mailto:sarah.tynan at sta.org.au>.



GRANTS, FUNDING, AND OPPORTUNITIES

  *   Seed Grants in the Australia's Economic Accelerator program are now open<https://www.education.gov.au/university-research-commercialisation-package/australias-economic-accelerator/australias-economic-accelerator-seed-grants>. This first application tranche will be open for six weeks, and a second tranche will open in late March.
  *   NHMRC Synergy Grants are open<https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=925272d3-9dc6-49ca-ab10-78bbf5c09e00> - minimum data due 8 March, applications close 5 April.
  *   NHMRC Investigator Grants<https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=925272d3-9dc6-49ca-ab10-78bbf5c09e00> deadlines are soon - minimum data due 22 February, applications close 22 March.
  *   NHMRC Ideas Grants<https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/funding/find-funding/ideas-grants> will open 8 March, minimum data due 5 April, applications close 3 May.
  *   Pre-proposals<https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=b44b86e5-d716-4478-b8f8-9e82b63d5b65> to join international collaborations under the Joint Programming Initiative on Antimicrobial Resistance<https://www.jpiamr.eu/calls/diagnostics-surveillance-call-2023> are due 7 March.
  *   Pre-proposals<https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=81fcfd61-06b3-4092-a9a3-b6df78edc99f> to join international collaborations under the Network of European Funding for Neuroscience Research<https://www.neuron-eranet.eu/joint-calls/bio-medical/2023-resilience> are due 7 March.
  *   Minimum data for projects<https://www.grants.gov.au/Go/Show?GoUuid=78af71ae-5645-4bbe-a2a8-0d2624cbae3f> under the NHMRC e-ASIA<https://www.the-easia.org/jrp> 2023 Joint Research Program is due 15 March, applications close 30 March.
  *   The Department of Health and Aged Care announced several MRFF funding opportunities<https://www.health.gov.au/news/3103-million-for-research-to-improve-australians-health-primary-health-care-and-research-infrastructure?language=en>, as well as flagging that researchers working on antimicrobial resistance will be able to apply for grants<https://www.health.gov.au/news/6-million-for-research-into-antimicrobial-resistance-and-reducing-the-incidence-of-hospital-infections?language=en> under the MRFF 2023 Global Health Grant from 27 March.
  *   Applications for the 2023 L'Oreal - UNESCO for Women in Science Fellowships<https://www.forwomeninscience.com.au> are open, closing on 6 March.
  *   Grants of $15,000 - $50,000 are available for projects working to promote light pollution management in priority coastal areas<https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/reducing-light-pollution-in-coastal-communities>. Applications close 9 March.
  *   The ACT Government's Industry Advisory Board for the Renewable Energy Innovation Fund (REIF) is open for applications. Applications<https://www.diversityregister.act.gov.au/s/post-details?name=ID-0000017242&searchType=jobs&userAgent=%2F> close 28 February.
  *   The 2023 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes are now open for entries. See here for a full list of award categories<https://australian.museum/get-involved/eureka-prizes/enter/?utm_source=wordfly&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=EurekaPrizesFebruaryeDM-Generallist&utm_content=version_A&promo=1366>.
  *   Calling Australia's radical innovators! Cicada x Tech23, Australia's biggest and boldest deep tech festival is looking for the 23 most promising deep tech startups in Australia. Is that you? Find out more and apply<https://www.cicadainnovations.com/cicada-x-tech23>.
  *   The STEAM Ahead program<https://www.dreambigaustralia.org/our-program> is accepting applications from university students until 24 February. The three-month program aims to fast track the transition to career.
  *   The Basque Foundation for Science is offering five year Fellowships in all areas of science for researchers who completed their PhD between 2012 and 2020. They are intended to offer a track towards a PI role. Apply by 15 March<https://euraxess.ec.europa.eu/worldwide/oznz/news/20-postdoctoral-fellowships-available-all-research-areas>.
  *   Applications are now open<https://www.spaceconnectonline.com.au/australian-space-awards> for the Australian Space Awards, recognising the leading individuals and businesses driving the development of Australia's space economy.
  *   Scholarships for leaders with disability are available for the Australian Institute of Company Directors training. The scholarships include paid membership of AICD for one year. Applications<https://scholarships.org.au/scholarship/dlpscholarship2023/?utm_source=AdobeCampaign&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DLP&utm_content=DM6855800> close midnight on Sunday 26 February.
  *   The Australian Science Policy Fellowship Program provides an opportunity for early-to-mid-career researchers to bring their scientific mindsets to the Australian Public Service. Fellows are employed as APS6 policy officers in host departments for up to 12 months. Applications close 7 March<https://www.chiefscientist.gov.au/australian-science-policy-fellowship-program>.
  *   The American Australian Association is currently accepting applications from Australians for its Graduate Education Fund which provides support of up to US $40,000 to undertake full-time Graduate level study (Masters, PhD or Postdoctoral Research) in the USA. Applications close 31 March<https://americanaustralian.org/scholarships/education-fund>.

MEMBER NEWS

Each STA Member organisation is eligible to send three delegates to Science Meets Parliament 2023. Places are still available at SMP ONLINE and ON THE HILL - register now<https://sta.eventsair.com/science-meets-parliament-2023/registration>!

The SMP2023 National Gala Dinner will be held in the Great Hall of Parliament House on Wednesday 22 March. It's open to all (not just delegates) - please purchase tickets, or a table, here<https://sta.eventsair.com/science-meets-parliament-2023/dinner/Site/Register>.

The Associations Forum National Conference<https://afnc.associations.net.au> will be held 27-28 April at the Winx Stand, Royal Randwick, Sydney. STA is pleased to provide a discount code for STA Members to attend which reduces the rate from $1540 to $990, quote "AFNC group $990" when registering https://afnc.associations.net.au/register.html<https://afnc.associations.net.au/register.html>

STA delivers strong benefits to members, including discounted professional services via our Member Benefits Program. More details here<https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/member-benefits-program>.

Want the latest news from Science & Technology Australia? Our media release distribution list is open to all. To subscribe, click here<mailto:media at sta.org.au>.

Want to keep up to date with the latest in science and technology policy and advocacy? Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter - the Science and Technology Update<https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/science-technology-update-6974923999839481856>.





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