Science and Technology Australia (STA) will hold “Science meets Parliament” (SmP) again next year. This event provides the opportunity for scientists and technologists to interact with the Government's key decision makers. SmP 2023 comes at a time when science, technology, engineering and mathematics are high on the political agenda. SmP 2023 will build on the strong tradition of fostering relationships and understanding between scientists and technologists, MPs and Senators.

As a member of STA, the Statistical Society of Australia (SSA) is invited to be represented at SmP. This is a unique development opportunity which SSA would like to give to one of its "Early Career or Student Statisticians”. Our definition of an "Early Career or Student Statistician” (ECSS) is a person enrolled for a degree who is studying either full-time or part-time without age limit, OR a person who graduated with a Bachelor's degree within the past five years, OR a person awarded a postgraduate degree within the past year. The Society will pay the registration fee and reasonable travel expenses for our representative at SmP.

Next year's event consists of two parts: SmP will start with the opportunity for high quality professional development, delivered on a virtual platform across three days from 7-9 March 2023 during business hours. Sessions will also be recorded and available for two weeks after the event.

Part II will take place in person either on 15 March or 22 March 2023, depending on next year’s Parliamentary Sitting Calendar. The day on the “Hill” will feature:

• Meetings between SMP Delegates and Members of Parliament (meetings for STEM professionals only)

• Additional training and personal development sessions

• Attendance at Question Time

• National Press Club Address

• National Gala Dinner in the Great Hall at Parliament House

In 2022, SmP organised 64 meetings with scientists and Parliamentarians. It was attended by 528 delegates and featured 68 speakers. Attendees of previous SmPs described the event as “an awesome primer”, “a very useful opportunity to engage with important political stakeholders” and “an excellent experience to develop skills and network at the highest levels”.

If you are a Society member who meets the ECSS criteria and would like to attend SmP, please email your informal application with your CV to the Executive Officer (eo@statsoc.org.au) before Thursday, 3 November 2022. Your application email should include a little bit about yourself, why you would like to attend SmP, how attendance could potentially enhance your career, and what you as a representative of SSA can contribute to SmP.

The successful applicant is expected to provide a report about their SmP experience by Thursday, 6 April 2023. This report will be published in the SSA newsletter and on the SSA website.

More information about SmP is available here.