[ASA] PM Prizes for Science and latest from STA

Mon Jan 31 09:21:32 AEDT 2022

Dear colleagues
   below are two items of interest to many ASA members.

   Firstly, there is a call for nominations for the Prime Minister's Prizes
for Science. Please consider nominating (yourself or someone else).

   Secondl is the latest information from STA, including their statement
<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/-qWnCMwGxOtqAxDnlUwndbB?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au>on the MInister's
veto of ARC funding. Note that the STA email mentions also the Prime
Minister's Prizes for Science. I have also attached more information on
these.

   Best wishes

John Lattanzio
ASA President

---------- Forwarded message 1 ---------
From: PMPRIZES <PMPRIZES at industry.gov.au>
Date: Fri, 28 Jan 2022 at 2:21 pm
Subject: Prime Minister's Prizes for Science - 2022 nominations promotion
[SEC=OFFICIAL]

Good afternoon,

I am writing to you on behalf of the Department of Industry, Science,
Energy and Resources.

As you may be aware, nominations for the 2022 Prime Minister’s Prizes for
Science
<https://www.industry.gov.au/policies-and-initiatives/prime-ministers-prizes-for-science>
(the Prizes) are open until Thursday 10 February 2022 (5:00pm AEDT).

As a valued and influential organisation within the science sector, I am
writing to seek your *help to promote the call for nominations through your
communication channels*.

To help make this as easy as possible, please see the *attached* toolkit
and associated assets for you to promote the Prizes, including:

·       printable posters

·       social media graphics/tiles to share with proposed capping text

·       website banners and graphics

·       printable information flyers

·       email signature blocks.

Your support to help recognise Australia’s world-class science community is
greatly appreciated.

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me on the
details below.

*Warm regards*

*Holly Hasenkam*

*Communications & Events Officer*

Science Communciations Team | Communications Branch

Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources

*P* 02 6213 7038 | *E* *pmprizes at industry.gov.au <pmprizes at industry.gov.au>*

Ngunnawal Country, 10 Binara Street, Canberra City
<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/LbMRCNLJyQU0GVJgRh4Wv-_?domain=google.com>

*industry*https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/NoPWCOMKzVTpy5lBGfkO0FC?domain=gov.au | ABN 74 599 608 295

OFFICIAL

---------- Forwarded message 2 ---------
*Misha Schubert *<ceo at sta.org.au> 28 January 2022 at 11:22

*The STA Member Update is sent to the leadership of member
organisations. You can forward to your executive and membership.*

Dear John,

The year is in full swing already. As we navigate the Omicron wave of the
pandemic, the nation is preparing for a Budget and an election.

In our pre-Budget submission
<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/oMjUCP7LAXfKkv9LlijEbzf?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au>,
Science & Technology Australia makes a powerful case that science has shielded
Australia’s economy
<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/LJ97CQnMBZfkyBgwxtrdN2k?domain=afr.com>
from
the pandemic – and science should be at the centre of this Budget. This is
an urgent moment to secure the strategic science capabilities
<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/jc4lCROND2uvzno3VhokoQY?domain=abc.net.au>
Australia
will need to face the next set of complex challenges ahead. As STA
President Mark Hutchinson and I see it
<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/vaiUCVARKgCxR0mpvTWe_BD?domain=skynews.com.au>:
“We should fund science like our lives and our economy depend on it,
because they do.”

Meanwhile the research community has come out strongly
<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/q-9pCWLVXkU5WzZnktLW6gJ?domain=innovationaus.com>
over
the Ministerial veto of six ARC grants late last year. There’s an important
principle at stake here. The independence of research is key in a liberal
democracy. That independence is enshrined in the Haldane Principle
<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/dS7xCXLW2mUXzBjLJhrKYy5?domain=aus01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com>
dating
back to 1918. STA’s statement is on our website
<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/-qWnCMwGxOtqAxDnlUwndbB?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/>. We are also
concerned about fresh delays in two more grant rounds - the ARC LIEF and
Discovery Projects 2023. We need an end to these delays once and for all,
by shifting to fixed timetables for grant applications and announcements.
We will continue to seek progress on this.

It was uplifting to see this week’s Australian honours
<https://www.gg.gov.au/australia-day-2022-honours-list> recognise so many
scientists. Former STA Vice-President Sue Barrell is now an AO, Superstar
of STEM Kate Cole an OAM, and Australia’s former Chief Scientist Alan
Finkel an AC. Our warmest congratulations to every scientist honoured.

The PM’s Prizes for Science
<https://www.industry.gov.au/news/prime-ministers-prizes-for-science-2022-nominations-open>
nominations
close soon - on 10 February. Diversity and representation matter. Please
take time to nominate brilliant scientists of all backgrounds for these
prestigious awards - and especially Indigenous scientists, women and people
of colour.

The STA staff team is expanding to help support our strong membership
growth. We are delighted to welcome Emma Hibbert from 1 February in the new
role of Membership Engagement Officer. She’ll work to our Director of
Membership and Events Lucy Guest and with our Membership Officer Shannon
Wong. Emma is a science student at ANU and is passionate about diversity in
STEM. You’ll be able to reach her at members at sta.org.au

Finally, it’s now just a month until Science Meets Parliament
<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/Wba8CYW8NocL4kmy8hw2pJh?domain=sta.eventsair.com>! If you haven’t
already, register your delegates now and encourage your members to apply
for one of our coveted scholarships
<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/ivYZCZY1Nqi5pPAWGtmZBNc?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au>
.

Until next time,

Misha Schubert
CEO, Science & Technology Australia

*REGISTER NOW: SCIENCE MEETS PARLIAMENT 2022*

Registrations are open for SmP 2022
<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/Wba8CYW8NocL4kmy8hw2pJh?domain=sta.eventsair.com/>. Each STA member
organisation is invited to send three delegates to the online event running
from 28 February–4 March. The stellar line-up includes world-leading
scientists and science communicators, two Nobel Laureates, Australian media
superstars and Members of Parliament.

*NOMINATE A DIVERSITY OF SCIENTISTS FOR A PM’S PRIZE FOR SCIENCE*

Nominations are now open for the 2022 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science
<https://business.gov.au/grants-and-programs/prime-ministers-prizes-for-science>.
Having strong diversity in nominees is crucial – and takes active
leadership. We encourage everyone in the STA community to think about the
many brilliant peers and colleagues in your orbit – and nominate a diverse
array of talent for this year’s prizes. Nominations close 10 February.

*REPORTS AND POLICY*

   - The NHMRC has announced changes to the track record assessment process
   <https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/about-us/news-centre/changes-publication-assessment>.
   From 2022, applicants will be asked to provide their top 10 publications
   over the past 10 years, allowing for any career disruptions. STA supported
   this proposal in consultations.
   - The Research Training Program Internship weighting
   <https://ministers.dese.gov.au/robert/morrison-government-delivers-new-learning-and-career-opportunities-new-years-day>
came
   into effect on 1 January. There is more information on how this works
   here
   <https://www.dese.gov.au/research-block-grants/research-training-program>
   .
   - Science Minister Melissa Price announced a new funding round under the
   WISE grants program for Women in STEM
   <https://www.minister.industry.gov.au/ministers/price/media-releases/morrison-government-backing-women-stem>
   .
   - The Minister announced ATSE
   <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/0J8LC1WLPxcM9nxQRCkRTkY?domain=atse.org.au>
would
   deliver a newly-funded scheme for 500 women in STEM scholarships in
   partnership with a number of organisations including STA.

*OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUBMISSIONS*

   - Submissions on the Exposure Draft of the SLACIP Bill
   <https://www.homeaffairs.gov.au/reports-and-publications/submissions-and-discussion-papers/exposure-draft-security-legislation-amendment-ci-protection-bill-2022>
are
   due by 1 February 2022 to CI.Reforms at homeaffairs.gov.au.
   - The IPCC has opened registrations
   <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/mqZMC2xMQzip9KWDjfmDBsR?domain=ipcc.ch>
for
   government and expert review of the draft Sixth Assessment Synthesis
   Report. Registration closes 18 March.
   - The Department of Health seeks input on the Australian Cancer Plan
   <https://consultations.health.gov.au/cancer-care/australian-cancer-plan/>,
   due 18 February.
   - The Australian Public Service Commission invites input to a review of
   the Maternity Leave (Commonwealth Employees) Act
   <https://www.apsc.gov.au/initiatives-and-programs/workplace-relations/maternity-leave-act-review#submissions>,
due
   4 February.
   - Input to the next Low Emission Technology Statement
   <https://consult.industry.gov.au/low-emissions-technology-statement-2022>
closes
   on 6 February.

Further information: STA Director of Policy and Engagement Sarah Tynan
<sarah.tynan at sta.org.au>.

*STA MEMBER EVENTS*

   - Science meets Art
   <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/PxT3C3QNPBipE7orBf8jd-8?domain=australian.museum>: A
   collaboration between scientists, artists and the general public. Join AMRI
   and the CORRIDOR project for a film launch and panel event on 4 February.

To add an event, contact STA Events & Membership Director Lucy Guest
<lucy.guest at sta.org.au>.

*GRANTS, FUNDING, AND OPPORTUNITIES*

   - Applications are now open for Cruxes Innovation’s Ascend Winter 2022
   <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/UDIfC4QOPEiBvYEwoF86BXi?domain=cruxesinnovation.com> program - designed to
   take your research impact game to the next level. Contact
   hello at cruxesinnovation.com.au to hear about exclusive discounts for STA
   members.
   - Applications for MRFF Early to Mid-Career Researchers grants
   <https://www.health.gov.au/news/supporting-early-to-mid-career-researchers-to-tackle-significant-health-challenges>
are
   currently open, closing 13 July 2022.
   - NHMRC Investigator grants
   <https://www.nhmrc.gov.au/funding/find-funding/investigator-grants> are
   currently open, closing 16 March.
   - The NSW Government is funding R&D into bushfire response
   <https://www.chiefscientist.nsw.gov.au/rdnsw/bushfire-response-rd-mission>
    .
   - NAIDOC Week grants
   <https://ministers.pmc.gov.au/wyatt/2022/naidoc-week-2022-grants-now-available>
are
   now available.

*STA MEMBER STORIES *

Know of a terrific STEM idea, technology, innovation, product or program
that has been translated or commercialised? Please tell us about it! Email
our Director of Communications Martyn Pearce <martyn.pearce at sta.org.au>.

Get in the picture: Are you following Science & Technology Australia on
Instagram <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/uhHFC5QPXJiZDg3rvH3rcVN?domain=instagram.com>? If you’re an STA member
using Insta, please follow us and we’ll follow you back!

-- 
*I'm an LGBTIQ Ally**      -     Find out more at **https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/1Ze7C6XQ4LfrBV74Df1mYMM?domain=monash.edu
<https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/xfvKC71R2NTAJE2BqU5iu0m?domain=monash.edu>

Professor John Lattanzio
President, Astronomical Society of Australia

School of Physics and Astronomy
Monash University Victoria 3800 AUSTRALIA

Ph:  +61 (0)3 9905-4428
WWW: https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/KJ7mC81V0PT6KOWyrhxtaW0?domain=users.monash.edu.au <https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/NJhlC91WPRTkpRAw1tJ0esM?domain=maths.monash.edu.au>
https://protect-au.mimecast.com/s/arUUC0YKPviGLJQA8t1OwXv?domain=orcid.org

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"...it’s a human story that builds to a climax and it’s personal from end
to end.
You start out wondering why you bought those blue pajamas and later you’re
wondering why you were born. You go from the foolishly absurd to the deadly
serious and you’ve passed through the gaudy and the nasty along the way.
You get to the edge and you’re played out and you wonder where’s the good
news? Isn’t there supposed to be good news?"
        - Bob Dylan
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