Science & Technology Australia
Communications to SSAI Members
STA (Science & Technology Australia) is the peak body for science and technology in Australia. STA represents the interests of some 68,000 Australian scientists and technologists. STA works to influence science and technology policy for the economic, environmental and social benefit of Australia.
The SSAI is a member of STA, and as a result regularly receives information from STA to be forwarded to all members of SSAI. Not all members wish to receive these communications by email, so this page has been set up for those members who are interested in reading about STA. Please check this page regularly to remain up-to-date on any developments in the science and technology policy.
REMINDER: Science & Technology Australia AGM
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STA Presidents
STA Board and Executive
CC: STA CEOs; STA Editors
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Dear Science & Technology Australia Members
I am writing to remind you that the STA Annual General Meeting will take place on Friday 23 November 2012 at CSIRO, Black Mountain (Ecosystem Sciences Building, Clunies Ross St Acton between 9:30am – 2:00pm. Thank you to those who have already provided a RSVP.
If you have not yet advised of your attendance or the attendance of a representative from your society/organisation, could I ask that you do so by latest Monday 19 November.
If Presidents or other members of your society are unable to attend please nominate a proxy by filling out the attached proxy form.
If would like to give your proxy vote to another STA member but you're not aware of who will be attending the AGM please contact me on 02 6257 2891 or via reply email.
I encourage you to attend the AGM as it provides a terrific opportunity for you to cross-fertilise your experiences, ideas and expertise with other STA members who work in a wide range of disciplines. It is also an opportunity to hear from the STA Executive and Board about key issues affecting the science sector and to make a contribution to STA's future direction. And of course the best way for STA to adequately respond to your society's needs, concerns and plans is to hear it directly from you! As you know, 2013 is an election year and the AGM will also provide an opportunity for members to discuss what strategies are best adopted to ensure science features in the policy platforms of the various political parties.
The full suite of agenda papers including the audited financial statements will be distributed this Friday.
Outcome of the nomination process for STA Executive Committee positions
I take this occasion to advise of the outcome of the nomination prosess for the STA Executive.
This year the available positions were:
- President-elect (1 year term)
- Secretary (2 year term)
- Chair, Policy Committee (2 year term)
- Early Career Scientist (1 year term)
At the close of nominations on Friday 9 November, one nomination had been received for each vacancy. These are listed below. The STA constitution states that if there is only one candidate for an Executive position they are declared elected.
Given that Ross Smith will be appointed as President Elect, he will retire from his current position of Vice President at the AGM. Vacancies that occur outside of routine and annual election held at the AGM, are generally dealt with by the Executive and Board. Claude Gauchat has indicated his willingness to fill the position of Vice President and has been supported by Ross Smith and Peter Adams. The appointment will be formalised at the next meeting of the STA Board which immediately follows the AGM.
I look forward to seeing you on Friday 23 November in Canberra.
Regards
Anna-Maria
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Anna-Maria Arabia
Chief Executive Officer
Science & Technology Australia
Giving voice to Australian Science & Technology for over 27 years
www.sta.org.au
www.respectthescience.org.au
T: 02 6257 2891
M: 0412 940 921
F: 02 6257 2897
PO Box 259
Canberra City ACT 2601
Follow the latest E-Bulletin provided by STA:
E-News October 2012
E-News September 2012
The Chief Scientist's Health of Australian Science Report was released today (23 May 2012). STA’s media release is below and the report can be downloaded from the link on their website: www.sta.org.au.
STA was a member of the Advisory Group for this report.
Health of Australian Science Report: decision makers can’t say they haven’t been warned
Science & Technology Australia welcomes the Chief Scientist, Professor Ian Chubb’s Health of Australian Science Report that outlines the strengths and vulnerabilities in Australia’s science system.
“The comprehensive Health of Australian Science Report provides the evidence needed to drive policy decisions that can shape Australia’s science system strategically so as to meet the nation’s future economic and social needs” said Professor Michael Holland, President of Science & Technology Australia.
“Decision makers, including politicians, education providers, the science sector, and industry leaders now have the information they need to make strategic decisions about how they each contribute to a strong science system.
“Australia’s current demand driven education system may let the nation down in the long term, so attention and action is needed now to ensure crucial opportunities are not missed.
“I urge political leaders to take a close look at the Health of Australian Science Report and embrace the opportunities it presents.
“Australia cannot remain internationally competitive if it neglects to build stronger relationships between science and industry domestically and internationally. Nor will we reap the benefits of our world-class research if knowledge is not converted to technologies that improve all our lives.
“Australia needs a total re-think on how we finance Australian research and innovation so that we can make good of Australian genius.
“The Health of Australian Science Report gives us the information we need to develop a quality science education system which underpins a coherent innovation strategy. A coherent innovation strategy will include: measures to build a strong commercialisation environment; better collaboration between researchers and industry; measures to forge strategic partnership with our international counterparts; and diverse science financing mechanisms” Professor Holland concluded.
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Media contact: Anna-Maria Arabia 0412 940 921
Released: 23 May 2012
Government gets the smarts: maths and science education recognised in Federal Budget (8 May 2012)
Science & Technology Australia welcomes the strategic investment in science and maths education and measures to boost funding for science and research in the 2012/13 Federal Budget.
“I commend the Chief Scientist on his comprehensive recommendations to the Prime Minister which have brought about the measures that recognise the critical role science and maths play in our future prosperity, said Professor Michael Holland, STA President.
“Skilled science and technology professionals are a critical component of innovation and a knowledge based economy.
“So many industries rely on a workforce with science and maths skills. We know that a robust manufacturing industry and the mining sector rely on scientists and engineers.
“I am pleased to see that the Australian Research Council and the National Health and Medical Research Council have also had their funding protected.
“While the budget measures are welcome and necessary, Australia must get better at converting its research strength into innovations that fuel the economy and improve our quality of life.
“The commercialisation of Australian research that has lead to WiFi technology has already earned the nation ($420m) 3 times the amount of additional money invested in science and research in this Budget alone ($126m).
“Australia’s greatest resources are more likely to be found above ground that below it.
“It’s time we made good of Australian genius and developed a strong commercialisation environment that includes a well-developed innovation strategy; better collaboration between researchers and industry; strategic investments to support the development of new technologies; and measures to forge strategic partnership with our international counterparts.”
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Media contact: Anna-Maria Arabia 0412 940 921
Released: 8 May 2012
www.sta.org.au
www.respectthescience.org.au
Science & Technology Australia appoints new President (24/11/2011)
Today Professor Michael Holland commenced his two-year term as President of the Science & Technology Australia.
In commencing his term Professor Holland said the role of science in the creation of wealth and well being needs to become more overt.
We must articulate to Australians very clearly the value science has for the nation”.
“The three-way partnership between government, science and industry needs to be re-invigorated”.
Professor Holland paid tribute to the work of Dr Cathy Foley, who concluded her term today.
"Cathy has made an extraordinary contribution to STA and the science sector more broadly.
“Cathy has shown great leadership at a time when the validity and integrity of science has unfortunately been placed under question.
“I intend on pursuing this issue actively”.
Professor Holland is supported by a skilled Executive Committee:
· Vice President Dr Ross Smith
· Treasurer Professor Peter Adams
· Secretary Mr Claude Gauchat
· Head of Policy Associate Professor Rebecca Ritchie
· Early Career Scientist Dr Rachel Popelka-Filcoff
· Ordinary Member Dr Marc Duldig
Membership of Science & Technology Australia’s Board can be viewed at: www.sta.org.au
Professor Holland is currently the Deputy Head of the School of Veterinary Science at the University of Queensland. Professor Holland has worked with various Cooperative Research Centres and continues to work at the interface of research and industry. Professor Holland worked at CSIRO for 11 years and has spent 16 years in the United States working on the human and animal applications of stem cells. Professor Holland is a member of scientific societies in Australia and abroad and is the immediate past president of the Society for Reproductive Biology.
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Media contact: Cathy Bryson 0433 552 274
Released: 24 November 2011