[ASA] Fwd: Science and Technology Australia's January Newsletter

Thu Jan 30 11:23:16 AEDT 2014

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: 	Science and Technology Australia's January Newsletter
Date: 	Thu, 30 Jan 2014 11:14:17 +1100
From: 	Catriona Jackson <catriona.jackson at sta.org.au>
To: 	undisclosed-recipients:;

Presidents, please forward this to your members.

Not displaying correctly? View the web version 
<http://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/STA-January-Newsletter-2014.html> 

<http://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/>
CONNECT: 
<http://www.facebook.com/pages/Science-and-Technology-Australia/216340638388984><http://twitter.com/ScienceAU><http://www.youtube.com/scienceandtechau> 

MEMBER PROFILE

*Name and title: *Dr Jeremy C Brownlie, Deputy Head, School of Biomolecular 
and Physical Sciences, Griffith University

*Discipline: *Insect Symbiosis

*What lured you to science and/or technology in the first place?* As a kid 
growing up in the bush I always enjoyed asking questions, wondering how things 
worked and observing the natural world around me. When I worked out that I 
could keep doing this as a scientist the decision to become one wasn't that 
hard. Probably my father, who was a park ranger for many years, influenced me 
the most in that decision.

*What keeps you there?* The School that I work in has academics from the major 
scientific disciplines, Physics, Chemistry, Biology; talking to them about new 
discoveries and learning about the world around us is exciting. Being able to 
direct my own research, to ask questions and uncover things that are totally 
unexpected are the best parts of the job.

*What makes science different to other careers?* As a career it can be quite 
challenging at times, but having the freedom (if one has the funding of 
course!) to explore different ideas is quite unique.

*What would you tell a 10-year-old about a career in science and technology?* 
If they are curious about the world around them, how it works and if they 
would like to help answer some of the big questions then being a scientist, an 
engineer or being based in a technology industry is the best career for them.

NEWS & EVENTS

Scientists concerned about ARC funding cuts READ MORE 
<http://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/in-the-media/scientists-concerned-about-arc-funding-cuts/>
Building a smart, productive future READ MORE 
<http://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/in-the-media/building-a-smart-productive-future-2/>
Congratulations to Ministers Macfarlane and Pyne READ MORE 
<http://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/in-the-media/congratulations-to-ministers-pyne-and-macfarlane/>

Dear STA friend/member,

After 12 months as CEO I never cease to be pleasantly surprised by how much 
goodwill exists towards STA across so many groups -- from members, 
parliamentarians and policy makers to supporters from industry. We know we 
bear a heavy responsibility representing all those working in science and 
technology, and reinforcing the centrality of science and technology in 
virtually every aspect of modern life. 2013 was spent building new alliances, 
keeping science on the agenda during a particularly chaotic political year, 
and consolidating internally to be able to do a better job for you. This new 
newsletter is a small part of that change, and just the start of a 
communications overhaul. As always the STA executive and board thank you for 
your loyal support, as we work to bring together scientists, governments, 
industry and the broader community to advance the role, reputation and impact 
of science and technology in Australia.

*Catriona Jackson*
Chief Executive Officer

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*Science meets Parliament 2014 *

SmP 2014 will be held on Monday 17 and Tuesday 18 March. Plans for this 
flagship event are well advanced, with Chief Scientist Professor Ian Chubb 
confirmed to deliver the National Press Club address on day two. Invitations 
are also out for new Ministers Macfarlane and Pyne -- who between them carry 
responsibility for science, research, education and industry -- to address the 
two day event. FIND OUT MORE 
<http://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/news-and-events/science-meets-parliament-2014/>

For sponsorship opportunities please contact Wayne Evans 
<mailto:wayne.evans at sta.org.au>.

*Communications revamp*

This newsletter kicks off a major communications revamp for STA, which will 
roll out in 2014. We're not interested in the whizz-bang, but in offering you 
better ways to engage with each other on the issues you care about, and easier 
ways to find the information you're interested in. A better website with more 
visible and vibrant social media options, as well as a YouTube channel 
featuring STA events, starting with the last Member Services Workshop, are 
just two of the new features.

*Practical skills workshop*

The Member Services Workshop held in November 2013 focussed on the many 
practical issues so many of us face as we run science and technology 
organisations on a shoestring. Experts on web-design, legal and governance 
issues, publishing, event planning and social media offered advice on the best 
and simplest ways to do a better job for members. One of the most popular 
presentations was Dr David Yeates' warts-and-all account of the big changes 
the Australian Entomological Society made after the last workshop, and the 
impact they have had. He promises to come back next time to continue the 
story. For those who couldn't get there, check out all the presentations on 
the STA YouTube channel <http://www.youtube.com/scienceandtechau>, and keep 
your ears open for a group that will form in the wake of the workshop to share 
information and ideas.

*A big year ahead*

March's SmP will kick off a huge year for STA, with a range of forums, 
workshops and publications. A Women in Science Workshop and Toolkit will 
provide a practical guide on ways to improve the participation of women in the 
workforce, national forums will connect science and technology with business 
and parliament, and as usual we will continue to advocate for you at all 
levels. Further details about activities and ways you can be involved will 
come in the February newsletter.

*Other items of interest*

Academy launches immunisation app READ MORE 
<http://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/news-and-events/academy-launches-immunisation-app/>

Chief Scientist's free eBook /The Curious Country/ READ MORE 
<http://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/news-and-events/chief-scientist%3Fs-free-ebook-%3Fthe-curious-country%3F/>

STA welcomes new members and executives READ MORE 
<http://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/in-the-media/sta-welcomes-new-members-and-new-executives/>

You have received this email from Science & Technology Australia.

© 2013 - Science and Technology Australia

	<http://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/> 	

-- 
A.Prof. Andrew Hopkins, Head of AAT Science
Australian Astronomical Observatory
P.O. Box 915, North Ryde, NSW 1670, Australia
ph: +61 2 9372 4849  fax: +61 2 9372 4880

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