International education submission, new data on R&D investment, and school science literacy: Your update on science and technology policy and advocacy
Science & Technology Australia
Advancing the role, reputation and impact of science and technology in Australia.
It has been a delight over the last couple of weeks to meet so many of our member organisations through the two online Meet the CEO sessions. I’ve been blown away to hear about the game-changing work you’re doing, your passion for science, the powerful backing you give the sector, and the amazing contributions you’re making to the country. Thank you to everyone who came along and shared their views on what’s happening in the sector, aired their concerns, talked with us about STA’s advocacy, or just popped in to say hello and hear the latest from us. The team and I have enjoyed the sessions so much that we have decided to make them an ongoing event.
It has also been great to meet with many of STA’s key external stakeholders in Parliament, the Australian Research Council and Federal Departments, to clarify our priorities and to discuss the forthcoming Strategic Examination of R&D Funding.
This week we made a submission to the Australian Government Department of Education 's draft International Education and Skills Strategic Framework – you can read our submission here . Our key recommendations are that Government?exempt international higher degree by research (HDR) students from any future caps or managed growth settings, and?conduct deeper joint analysis and projections of Australia’s workforce needs and how managed growth settings for international education can play in addressing critical skills and workforce gaps. Australia will need significant STEM skills and ideas in the future – so let's not turn off the tap.
Last week the Australian Bureau of Statistics released new data on government investment in R&D . We welcome this investment but are disappointed that Australian Government investment in R&D, as a percentage of GDP, remains unchanged since 2018 at 0.17 per cent. Australia urgently needs deeper and sustained investment in research from government, universities and particularly business to lift our stubbornly low level of R&D funding as a percentage of GDP. We cannot continue to tolerate a slide, particularly as our economic rivals seriously ramp up their own investment. We look forward to working with Government through the Strategic Review of R&D Funding announced by Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic MP , as well as the Future Made in Australia agenda, to boost funding to the R&D that will power our country's economy.
Sharing and showcasing science is critical to inspiring the next generation, this is why I was pleased to read this week that the nation's science agency CSIRO will take on the publication of the excellent science news magazine Cosmos . Cosmos , through its wide audience, played a key role in addressing misinformation at the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Quality Australian science journalism deserves support, and we look forward to seeing what Cosmos will do in its new relationship with CSIRO .
The recent Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) report?casts a sad shadow on school science proficiency . So it was particularly welcoming to see the NSW Government’s Budget released on Tuesday by State Treasurer Daniel Mookhey included a $481 million boost?to the State’s schools . Much more is needed across all states and territories to equip the next generation with the science and technology skills needed to address Australia’s most complex challenges. Australia's teachers are great, parents are doing their best and children are trying hard, but there is a desperate need for all states and the Commonwealth to provide schools, teachers (especially those teaching out of field), families and students the tools and resources they need. STA will continue to strongly advocate for supporting STEM in the school education system.
Finally, a reminder to please consider putting your hand up for one of STA’s committee roles . These committee positions are a fantastic opportunity for individuals to directly contribute their ideas and expertise to the STEM sector. We are looking for committee members for our Bench-to-Boardroom; Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI); Policy; and, Finance, Audit, and Risk (FAR) Committees. Candidates wishing to apply must be members of or employed by an STA member organisation. You can find out more and apply here . Applications close 1 July.?
Best wishes,
Business, universities, professionals in industry and PhD candidates can all benefit from the National Industry PhD Program. Round 4 applications open soon - attend the virtual information session on Tuesday 25 June 2024 to learn more.
REPORTS AND POLICY
领英推荐
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUBMISSIONS
GRANTS, FUNDING, AND OPPORTUNITIES
MEMBER NEWS
National Youth STEM Summit
The Summit is a dynamic three-day conference-style experience tailored for young Australians deciding what to do after completing their first STEM degree, training or in the early stages of their careers. For information visit the National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) website.
Impact Pathfinders
Cruxes Innovation hosts regular Impact Pathfinders events for Australian researchers in any field who want to make a difference in the world with their research. On Tuesday 25 June Dr Cassandra Gauld will be the guest speaker. Register now .
Geofest 2024
The Australian Geoscience Council (AGC) and the Indonesian Geoparks Network (IGN) invite you to Geofest 2024 – an event bringing together scientists, educators, students, professionals, tourism representatives, and anyone involved in geotourism.
NYSF Year 12 Program
The National Youth Science Forum (NYSF) Year 12 Program gives students who are about to start Year 12 a broader understanding of study and career options available in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Year 11 students are welcome to apply now .
AGTA 2024 conference
The Australasian Genomic Technologies Association (AGTA) Annual Conference 2024 will be held at the Cairns Convention Centre from 13 - 16 October 2024. It will bring together researchers working across a wide variety of applications, including human health, ancient DNA, environmental genomics, machine learning, population genetics, and more.
STA delivers strong benefits to members, including discounted professional services via our Member Benefits Program .