Science Meets Parliament (SMP) is Australia’s most powerful vehicle for deep engagement between the STEM sector and policymakers.
The event, organised by Science and Technology Australia, offers an unrivalled program of bespoke training to forge deeper connections between Federal Parliamentarians and those working in science and technology. It helps build relationships to bring STEM expertise even more deeply into the service of the nation.
This year, SMP 2023 was split into two parts, run online and at Parliament House in Canberra. On March 22, several Waite Research Institute (WRI) members attended the in-person event at Parliament House. The day included opportunities for individual meetings with senators, panel discussions with parlimentarians, and a gala dinner featuring Minister for Industry & Science the Hon Ed Husic MP as the plenary speaker (read Minister Ed Husic’s address here). A/Prof Jenny Mortimer shared, “It was a great opportunity to learn more about the workings of federal parliament, and how to present your research to policy makers”.
Photo (L-R): Matt Knowling, Shervin Kabiri, Tamara Jackson, Jenny Mortimer (representing the Australian Society for Plant Scientists).