[Aqualist] FW: STA Member Update | 3 March 2023

[John Tibby]

FYI AQUAlisters and happy Friday!

From: Misha Schubert <ceo at sta.org.au>
Sent: Friday, 3 March 2023 9:30 AM
To: president at aqua.org.au
Subject: STA Member Update | 3 March 2023

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Friday 3 March 2023

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


Dear John,

Across the next few weeks, Australia's diverse science leadership will come together to engage the heads and hearts of our national policymakers in the work of Australian science. Please get amongst it at Science Meets Parliament 2023<https://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/what-we-do/science-meets-parliament/science-meets-parliament-2023>! Our online program kicks off next Tuesday, with three days of superb professional development content. Then on Wednesday 22 March, we will flood the corridors of power in Canberra with science leaders in our vast briefing program across the Parliament. This is a great opportunity for you to leverage the power of Science & Technology Australia's diverse membership network by forging an array of new connections spanning industry, research and research commercialisation. Don't miss the chance to be part of this agenda-setting forum. Register now<https://sta.eventsair.com/science-meets-parliament-2023/registration>!

Got questions? Please consult the event website to check if the answer is there before emailing our tiny staff team as they juggle a huge volume of tasks to deliver this ambitious large-scale event. Many thanks!

An inspiring Ocean Business Leaders Summit<https://www.oceansummit.com.au> over the past two days in Sydney has set the stage for the next steps in convening a complex stakeholder landscape to develop a sustainable ocean economy. This sophisticated process - the brainchild of STA's Governance Chair Jas Chambers and her clever collaborators - drew leaders from business, finance, investment, philanthropy, startups, science, engineering, marine park management, fisheries and First Nations communities to co-develop an ambitious vision and white paper to shape the coming<https://oceanpanel.org/publication/100-sustainable-ocean-management-an-introduction-to-sustainable-ocean-plans> Sustainable Ocean Plan for Australia<https://www.dcceew.gov.au/environment/marine/sustainable-ocean-plan>. Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek's powerful keynote<https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/plibersek/speeches/keynote-address-ocean-business-leadership-summit> set out the Australian Government's strategic thinking in this crucial area, and NSW Environment Minister James Griffin spoke passionately of his State Government's ambitions to develop a framework for natural capital<https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/-/media/OEH/Corporate-Site/Documents/Research/Our-science-and-research/nsw-natural-capital-statement-of-intent-220517.pdf>.

A public discussion<https://www.industry.gov.au/news/australias-science-and-research-priorities-conversation-starter-have-your-say> has now begun to inform Australia's next national science and research priorities<https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/australias-science-and-research-priorities-2015> and a new national science statement<https://www.industry.gov.au/publications/australias-national-science-statement>. These strategic policy levers are powerful tools to sharpen our national focus.

If we shape them astutely, they can harness stronger attention and investment on the most pressing complex challenges where we need science and technology at much greater scale and urgency (such as in the energy transition). They can also help us to double down on Australia's science strengths, and identify clever new opportunities that our country should seize through science. We encourage our Science & Technology Australia community to bring your deep expertise and ideas to this process.

Applications have opened for the first round of grants from the nation's new $1.6 billion research commercialisation fund. Science & Technology Australia advocated tirelessly for an investment vehicle like this over many years - and we are delighted to reach this historic milestone. Australia's Economic Accelerator Seed Grants support proof-of-concept projects (Technology Readiness Level 3 to 5). Grants of $50,000 to $500,000 are available<https://www.education.gov.au/university-research-commercialisation-package/australias-economic-accelerator/australias-economic-accelerator-seed-grants> for up to 12 months per project. Legislation to establish the governance of the fund passed the House last month and is now with the Senate<https://parlinfo.aph.gov.au/parlInfo/search/display/display.w3p;query=Id%3A%22legislation%2Fbillhome%2Fr6963%22> awaiting resumption of debate.

This week, Australia's remarkable medtech, biotech and pharmaceutical industry growth centre MTP Connect passed the Board Chair's baton from powerhouse industry leader Sue MacLeman to former Victorian Minister for Innovation, Medical Research and the Digital Economy Jaala Pulford<https://www.mtpconnect.org.au/Story?Action=View&Story_id=586>. We honour Sue for her towering contribution to the sector in her roles as inaugural CEO and later Board Chair since 2016 - and warmly welcome Jaala to this pivotal leadership post.

Until next time,

Misha Schubert
CEO, Science & Technology Australia






REPORTS AND POLICY

  *   The Minister for Education Jason Clare released the Universities Accord Discussion Paper<https://ministers.education.gov.au/clare/release-australian-universities-accord-discussion-paper>.
  *   The Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic released a National Conversation Starter<https://consult.industry.gov.au/sciencepriorities1> on the refresh of the National Science and Research Priorities.
  *   The Minister for Education Jason Clare and the Minister for Home Affairs Clare O'Neil announced changes to post-study work rights<https://ministers.education.gov.au/clare/addressing-skills-shortages-key-industries-and-rebuilding-international-education-sector> for international students - extending work rights<https://www.education.gov.au/extended-poststudy-work-rights-international-graduates> available for graduates in specific areas.
  *   CSIRO announced a partnership with the US NSF<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/News-releases/2023/Brains-trust---Aussie-and-US-scientists-combine-smarts-to-tackle-global-challenges> to support projects on climate change, clean energy and sustainability, low emissions tech, and ethical AI under a new Global Centres<https://www.csiro.au/en/work-with-us/International/National-Science-Foundation-Global-Centers> initiative.
  *   The Minister for Industry and Science, Ed Husic addressed the Quantum Australia Conference<https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/husic/speeches/address-quantum-australia-conference>.
  *   The Minister for Education, Jason Clare, is leading a delegation of Vice-Chancellors<https://ministers.education.gov.au/clare/australia-india-visit-boost-australian-higher-education-sector> to India.
  *   CSIRO and ATSE released a report on antimicrobial resistance<https://www.csiro.au/en/news/News-releases/2023/Silent-pandemic-CSIRO-ATSE-report-charts-path-for-curbing-antimicrobial-resistance>.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUBMISSIONS

  *   The Department of Education is calling for feedback on the Universities Accord Discussion Paper<https://submit.dese.gov.au/jfe/form/SV_eeTGe7Siz5qBEcm>. Submissions close 11 April.
  *   The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has released a Conversation Starter<https://consult.industry.gov.au/sciencepriorities1> on the National Science and Research Priorities. Submissions close 31 March.
  *   The Ministers for Education, Social Services and Government Services released a reminder that public consultation for the review on the impact of COVID-19 on school students with disability is open until 28 March<https://ministers.education.gov.au/clare/public-consultation-reminder-covid-19-impacts-school-students-disability>.
  *   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 for Round 1 - which includes the categories of Scientific research services, Computer system and related services, Education and training and Statistical services -  close 28 April.
  *   The ABS is consulting on what should be included in the 2026 Census<https://www.abs.gov.au/media-centre/media-releases/abs-asks-what-should-be-included-2026-census>. Phase 1 of consultation closes 28 April.
  *   The Department of Industry, Science and Resources has extended the closing date for submissions on the National Battery Strategy issues paper<https://consult.industry.gov.au/national-battery-strategy-issues-paper> until 17 March.

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



GRANTS, FUNDING, AND OPPORTUNITIES

  *   Apply now for an Australian Academy of Science honorific award, or research and travel funding. Honorific awards recognise outstanding contributions to the advancement of science. Awards applications close 1 May. Travel funding applications<https://www.science.org.au/supporting-science/awards-and-opportunities-2/2024-awards-and-funding-opportunities-now-open> close 1 June.
  *   The Young Tall Poppy Science Awards celebrate the achievements of Australian scientists who have a passion for outreach and are between three and 10 years post PhD. Apply by 14 April<https://aips.net.au/tall-poppy-campaign/nominations-2023>.
  *   Franklin Women are hosting a mentoring program for mid-career women in the health and medical sciences. There are some sponsored places available. Find out if you are eligible and apply by 30 March<https://franklinwomen.com.au/mentoring>.
  *   Australia's Economic Accelerator Seed Grants support proof-of-concept projects (Technology Readiness Level 3 to 5). Grants of between $50,000 and $500,000 are available<https://www.education.gov.au/university-research-commercialisation-package/australias-economic-accelerator/australias-economic-accelerator-seed-grants> for up to 12 months per project.
  *   NSW Mining is looking for under 30 year old mining professionals to pitch their work and explain how they are contributing to a responsible mining industry at their next conference. Apply by 1 May<https://www.nswminingconference.com.au/the-pitch>.
  *   National Soil Carbon Innovation Challenge<https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/national-soil-carbon-innovation-challenge-development-and-demonstration-round-2> provides grants up to $5 million to develop lower-cost, accurate technological solutions for measuring soil organic carbon stocks. Apply by 11 April.
  *   FameLab is the largest, public-facing science communication competition and training program for early career researchers in the world. Contestants have three minutes to present their research in an original, engaging way. Apply by 15 April<https://support.fwam.com.au/famelab> to take part.
  *   Applications for the Marine Turtle Climate Change Resilience and Nest Protection Program<https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/marine-turtle-climate-change-resilience-and-nest-protection> are open, closing 10 March.
  *   Applications for grants for small and medium sized businesses can apply for grants to help them become more energy efficient<https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/energy-efficiency-grants-for-small-and-medium-sized-enterprises-round-1> will open on Monday 6 March, closing on 19 April.

MEMBER NEWS

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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