Science Meets Parliament 2025, 2025 Election Priorities, and research infrastructure funding: Your update on science & technology policy & advocacy

Welcome back and a very happy new year to you all! I hope you all had a good and restful break, and are recharged and ready for an exciting year ahead.

We’re gearing up for Science Meets Parliament 2025, which will be held on 12 & 13 February. This year’s event will take place in Hotel Realm (Wednesday 12 February) and Parliament House (Thursday 13 February). The glitzy must-attend gala dinner on Wednesday will be held in the beautiful surrounds of the National Museum of Australia.

Now into its 25th year, Science Meets Parliament is Australia’s premier event connecting STEM professionals with the nation’s decision-makers. For so many attendees over the years, SMP has been a career-defining opportunity, giving them unparalleled contacts, skills, and professional development. Don’t miss your chance to attend this incredible event – register now.

SMP 2025 comes at a crucial time. With a Federal Election to be held at some point in the next few months, the event will ensure that science is front of mind as our nation’s politicians seek re-election.

Once the election is called, we’ll be writing to all candidates and parties asking them to commit to the economy-boosting, environment-protecting and future-proofing measures set out in the STA Election Priorities. This comprehensive suite of measures, developed in consultation with STA’s membership, sets out a plan for leveraging the power of Australian research and STEM expertise through strategic investment that will create the future the country wants and needs. It’s a powerful call to those running for parliament.

We were delighted to see the Western Australia Government’s Science Minister Stephen Dawson announce a $44 million boost to the state’s research infrastructure just before Christmas. This funding, which includes co-investment of more than $29 million from the Commonwealth Government’s National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS) program, as well as the University of Western Australia and Curtin University, will be used to support WA-based NCRIS projects. In our 2025 Election Priorities, we are calling for a commitment to urgent and ongoing uplift in national research infrastructure through renewed long-term NCRIS funding. We are delighted to see this important funding from the Western Australia Government and partners as an important step to boosting the country’s research infrastructure.

Best wishes,

Sandra Gardam

Deputy CEO, Science & Technology Australia

Science Meets Parliament celebrates 25 years in 2025—register now!

REPORTS AND POLICY

• Australia and Singapore renewed a Memorandum of Understanding to facilitate safe and responsible AI development.
• Ministerial Direction (MD) 111 has replaced MD 107 in an update to?international student visa processing.
• TIMSS released its 2023 report with students in year 4 achieving their best-ever result, but boys are significantly outperforming girls. ?
• WA released its 10-year Science and Technology Plan 2025-2035 Western Australia’s 10-Year Science and Technology Plan?
• The Lifting tech investment in Australia report was released.
• Ed Husic MP announced a National AI Capability Plan?to be released by the end of 2025. ?
• Dr Cathy Foley has been appointed to the CSIRO Board after completing her role as Chief Scientist.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUBMISSIONS

• Treasury called for pre-budget submissions for the 2025–26 Budget. Submissions are due 31 January.
• The National Health and Medical Research Strategy has opened an online survey to receive feedback on key priorities to?strengthen Australia’s world-leading medical research capability. Feedback can be provided until 28 February.
• The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is undertaking an initial consultation on the National Electricity Market to determine and support investment in firmed, renewable generation and storage capacity to deliver sustainable, secure electricity services. Submission due by 14 February. ?
• The Attorney-General’s Department is calling for submissions to inform the use of automated decision-making in government service delivery. Submission close 15 January.?
• The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry is asking for survey feedback on its discussion paper to better understand international regulatory requirements on sustainability of food production and compliance. The survey closes on 24 February.
• The Department of Industry, Science and Resources is consulting on an extension of the Voluntary AI Safety Standard to include additional practices and guidance for AI system developers. EOIs can be submitted for consultations from 27 January to 14 February.?

GRANTS, FUNDING AND OPPORTUNITIES

• CSIRO 's Industry PhD program is now open for applications for multiple opportunities to co-develop an industry-focused PhD project.
• The National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) is calling for applications for its Partnership Projects.
• The Australian Government’s Critical Tech Challenge Program is offering up to $5.5 million in grants for industry-led collaborations to fast-track innovative solutions to nationally significant challenges.
• The Australian Research Council (ARC) is recruiting members for the ARC Advisory Committee and has engaged Executive Intelligence Group (EIG) to assist with the recruitment. Applications are now being accepted through EIG Vacancies page?until?31 January.?
• National CQR Automation and Innovation Capacity Building Grants close 16 January.?
• The Lowitja Institute ’s 4th International Indigenous Health and Wellbeing Conference – Strong, Fearless, Together is calling for abstracts from individuals or joint submissions for oral presentations, interactive workshops and poster displays. Abstracts close 31 January.?
• Applications for the 2025 STEAM Ahead Program are now open. The program helps women in their early careers builds essential skills and confidence through targeted learning modules, valuable opportunities with industry partners and mentorship from experienced leaders.
• Applications for Homeward Bound’s 10th cohort are officially open!
• Applications for the Hatch: Taronga Accelerator Program 2025, supported by LG are now open. Applications close 27 January 2025.?

MEMBER NEWS

Celebrate 25 years of SMP

Science Meets Parliament is Australia’s premier initiative for fostering meaningful connections between the STEM sector and policymakers. In 2025, we will celebrate 25 years of SMP—join us to mark this phenomenal milestone on 12 and 13 February. Register now.

Celebrate science with a Night at the Museum

We're delighted to announce The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, will be joining us for the SMP2025 gala dinner hosted and celebrated in the halls of Australia's National Museum. Gala dinner tickets are included in all registrations – secure your tickets now.

Seagriculture Asia-Pacific 2025 in Adelaide

The first in-person Seagriculture Asia-Pacific conference: Future proofing the seaweed industry will take place in Adelaide, Australia from 18 to 20 March 2025! Register for the conference now. Explore the scientific potential of this industry towards an enduring and scalable for agriculture and for the environment.

STA delivers strong benefits to members, including discounted professional services via our Member Benefits Program.

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