[ASA] FW: STA Member Update | 4 April 2025
Stas Shabala
stanislav.shabala at utas.edu.au
Fri Apr 4 10:51:57 AEDT 2025
Dear ASA members,
See below for the latest communication from STA, with a focus on the upcoming Federal election.
The ASA will be making submissions to both the ARC<https://www.arc.gov.au/engage-us/consultations/policy-review-national-competitive-grants-program> and R&D reviews<https://consult.industry.gov.au/strategic-examination-rd-discussion-paper> currently in progress. If you have specific comments on either which may inform the ASA submissions, please let me know directly before Monday 7 April.
Cheers,
Stas
------------------------------------
Professor Stas Shabala
President, Astronomical Society of Australia
Discipline of Physics | School of Natural Sciences | College of Science and Engineering
University of Tasmania
------------------------------------
From: Ryan Winn <ceo at sta.org.au>
Reply to: Ryan Winn <ceo at sta.org.au>
Date: Friday, 4 April 2025 at 10:23 am
To: Stas Shabala <stanislav.shabala at utas.edu.au>
Subject: STA Member Update | 4 April 2025
͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏ ͏
View this email in your browser<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/alBCCANpgjC1wpyzysGfzcG9KZq?domain=mailchi.mp>
[https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/phT5CBNqjlClwWQOQh6h1c2t-9_?domain=mcusercontent.com]<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/amA4CD1vlpTOEY2k2FAiYcjwZUZ?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>
Friday 4 April 2025
The STA Member Update is sent to the leadership of member organisations.
Please forward to your executive and membership.
Dear Stanislav,
The starter’s gun has been fired and the race to parliamentary places is underway! With the Federal Election on 3 May, the next few weeks are a crucial time for everyone working in STEM to make sure our future politicians and political parties are putting science and technology at the heart of their decision-making for the country’s future. STA’s Election Priorities<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/NLxiCE8wmrt6v4rNrfPs7c7EbFi?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> sets out our positive agenda to draw on the power of the STEM community to help Australia seize the future it wants and needs. We have written to and will continue to engage with candidates and parties in the upcoming election and asking them to commit to the sensible and smart measures set out in the document. The Election Priorities reflect the concerns and innovative thinking of STA’s member organisations – please amplify them however you can.
Now is also the time to start thinking about your own incoming government briefs. These should be short and sweet, focusing on: who you are; what you can do for government; outline of key issues of concern; initial actions Government should take; and, longer term actions.
Have you shared your views on pay and conditions in the STEM sector<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/jj5ACGv0oyCLD3xQxuktpcBemYh?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>? Professionals Australia and STA are conducting Australia’s largest survey into pay and conditions in the sector, and we need the input of you and your members. This important survey will play a key role in in advocating for better outcomes for STEM sector professionals. Please do fill it in, and share the link<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/35wICJyBrGfQ69GDGIOujcyTCSA?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> with colleagues.
STA President Professor Sharath Sriram shared STA’s views this week with The Guardian<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/A1RHCK1DvKTrX7gGghoCVc51Q5v?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> and Times Higher Education<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/zMaiCL7EwMfYGBxZxTKFVcyKj9L?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> on the Australian Research Council’s proposed changes to its grants funding program. Sharath talked to both media outlets about how we welcome the ARC’s intention to simplify and streamline the grant funding process and strengthen its role in supporting essential discovery research, but urge caution around unintended consequences and encourage clear communication from the organisation on the changes ahead. We are finalising our response to the ARC’s Discussion Paper: A New Plan for ARC-Funded Research. We encourage STA members to submit their own responses<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/hIiLCMwGxOt6wBKAKfOH5c84RdH?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> to the discussion paper or get in contact with us to contribute to ours.
This week Deputy CEO Sandra Gardam and I were in Melbourne for the first get-together of the new cohort of Superstars of STEM. It was a delight to meet these 60 outstanding women and non-binary scientists and technologists and get them officially underway in this world-leading program. You can read more about the 60 participants in this cohort of Superstars of STEM here<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/eGeuCNLJyQUMOkKGKT8IPcyGdxg?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>, and please join me in congratulating them on their substantial achievements being recognised through participating in the program. I look forward to seeing them as regular media commentators.
Finally, we are looking for a superstar to help with the Superstars of STEM Program! We’re recruiting for a newly created position, Superstars of STEM outreach and program officer<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/bJBOCOMKzVT271VyVCYSxcGU6ue?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>, who will work on the program to support a ramping up of communications work, particularly with Indigenous media and communities. We strongly encourage First Nations people to consider this opportunity. Please forward the link to the job ad to anyone in your networks looking for an exciting move.
All the best,
Ryan Winn
CEO, Science & Technology Australia
[iSTEM Co Women in STEM Careers Fair]<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/jJD5CP7LAXf5jzYkYsRT5cxkXP-?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>
iSTEM Co. Women in STEM Careers Fair 2025<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/OKUvCQnMBZfN2vGyGinUAcGtkXX?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> – A full-day, interactive program for job seekers and STEM women looking to pivot their careers.
REPORTS AND POLICY
* The 2025–26 Federal Budget<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/fwBYCROND2ugM49z9Iycpc1QYdL?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> was handed down on 25 March.
* The NHMRC released the National Statement on Ethical Conduct in Human Research<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/hFSwCVARKgCPWqrRri5f3cEQuT9?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> 2025.
OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUBMISSIONS
* The Chair of the National Health and Medical Research Strategy development, Rosemary Huxtable, will give a seminar on 7 April<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/BI6aCWLVXkUyMr7W7F2h8coyyfe?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
For policy related matters contact STA Director of Policy and Engagement Sarah Tynan<mailto:sarah.tynan at sta.org.au>.
Browse the complete list of reports, policy news, and opportunities for submissions in our LinkedIn newsletter.
[cid:image002.png at 01DBA54F.94B968E0]
GRANTS, FUNDING, AND OPPORTUNITIES
The AUKUS partners announced the trilateral AUKUS Maritime Innovation Challenge 2025<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/vN-kCXLW2mUM8EvzvToi1cWDjHQ?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> – seeking innovative solutions for undersea autonomous systems’ communications and control.
Entries for the Australian Museum’s Eureka Prizes<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/5sQICYW8Noc6nVR4Rf6s0cxRlA6?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> close 14 April. There are 20 prizes available for nomination.
Applications for FameLab Australia have been extended to 6 April. For the opportunity to participate in this unique science communication training program, submit your entry now. FameLab 2025 - Foundation for the WA Museum<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/NnFuCZY1NqiokKZpZu6t4cBgXPd?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>
The Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) has announced the opening of applications for its 2025 Antarctic-related Fellowships, designed to support early-and mid-career researchers. SCAR will award four to five fellowships of up to US$15,000 each. Applications close 31 July<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/8gm9C1WLPxcEPJy9yuou0cVSyYp?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
The ATA Scientific Encouragement Award invites participants to submit a 500-word essay addressing the theme, ‘Social media – Out of control?’. First prize wins $1500 and two runners-up can win $750. Entries close 28 March<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/mTLqC2xMQziEB5q9quGCnc5-zPA?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
STA members are eligible to receive a $200 discount to the RMIA Risk Conference on the Gold Coast. The conference will take place from 6-8 May and will offer insights into the latest advancements in risk management from cyber security, AI through to environmental risks. It will also serve as a platform for collaboration and innovation as well as being a place for a dynamic exchange of ideas and networking opportunities with industry leaders. STA members can receive their $200 discount by using the code S&T2025 when registering<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/e8rAC3QNPBiRyD1E1TWFWcQkc8N?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
Those who are applying for a 2025 Churchill Fellowship may be interested in a seminar being run on 10 April to learn more about the fellowship. Registrations are open now<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/MtVSC4QOPEi7D4NvNu4Hyc4bezq?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> for this online event.
National Science Week grants are now open<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/X-Y6C5QPXJiWXkmDmTqImckkj4o?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>. Grants range from $500 to $5,000. Get your submission in before 24 April.
Stage One Preliminary Applications for the NSW Biosciences Fund have opened<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/zwUnC6XQ4LfGpL2B2cRS6c56BSO?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>. BioSF is providing $3.5 million funding for grants worth between $200,000 and $2 million. Applications close 1 May.
The Australian Government’s Veteran Employment Program<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/v_imC71R2NTW8G5J5TMTvcouG9J?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> supports Australian organisations to recruit and retain veterans. As an employer you can access resources and advice to help implement and improve your veteran employment initiatives. You can also apply to be recognised via the Veteran Employment Commitment.
MEMBER NEWS
[https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/fhLFC81V0PTw2NVKVIjUxcy7zNX?domain=mcusercontent.com]<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/FIYUC91WPRTYl4ypyTlcPcqyM8s?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>
Have a virtual coffee with the CEO
You are warmly invited to join STA CEO Ryan Winn and the STA team for a virtual coffee. The STA team will brief attendees on what's happening in the policy, advocacy and events space. Come with questions, insights or anything you'd like to discuss or share. Registration is essential<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/a_UCC0YKPvir7NOLOh6f2c9agq-?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
[Laptop coffee and notpad]<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/hIq0CgZ0N1iYoEX7XTph4c4y8Y0?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>
Women in STEM
Careers Fair
Want to explore new STEM career opportunities? The 2025 iSTEM Co. Women in STEM Careers Fair<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/APoaCjZ1N7iyBoLvLF6iocmvziQ?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> connects you with top employers, recruiters, and career coaches. STA is supporting 10 places for women STEM professionals – email the STA events team<mailto:events at sta.org.au?subject=2025%20iSTEM%20Co.%20Women%20in%20STEM%20Careers%20Fair%20&body=Hi%2C%0A%0AI'm%20interested%20in%20attending%20the%202025%20iSTEM%20Co.%20Women%20in%20STEM%20Careers%20Fair%20in%20Melbourne%2C%20and%20I%20would%20greatly%20appreciate%20STA's%20support%20in%20attending.%0A%0ABest%20regards%2C%0A%0A> if you’d like to attend!
[https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/PyDOCk81N9tqK2VpVILsBcGXWjL?domain=mcusercontent.com]<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/hullClx1NjizVRJvJIXt6cznbc0?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>
Leadership Dialogue and Annual General Meeting
It’s time to save the dates in your calendar for two of STA’s annual member events. This year, both the Leadership Dialogue and the AGM will be held online.
The STA Leadership Dialogue is on 9 October and registration is essential<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/dVp9CmO5gluRgywrwTXuZcRubQ9?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>. The AGM will be held on 13 November.
STA delivers strong benefits to members, including discounted professional services via our Member Benefits Program<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/_KNVCnx1jni6P90Y0fQCgcJG99Z?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
Want the latest news from Science & Technology Australia? Subscribe to our media release distribution list<mailto:media at sta.org.au>, it is open to all.
Want to keep up to date with the latest in science and technology policy and advocacy? Subscribe to our LinkedIn newsletter - the Science and Technology Update<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/vTdcCoV1kpfKg2N0NI4Fncp7Sf4?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
Follow us on LinkedIn<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/nOt6Cp81lrtxV4rBrsmH9cGVDa4?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>, Twitter<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/TqoZCq71mwf7EYAoAuOIMcEyUwa?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>, Instagram<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/LYUOCr81nytDkQKGKi1SBc4qZO-?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> and Facebook<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/sn_2Cvl1rKiyYwm3mFMTncQoqGT?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
[https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/1wXlCwV1vMfRqlMWMTYU7cJ22h5?domain=mcusercontent.com]
This email was sent to stanislav.shabala at utas.edu.au<mailto:stanislav.shabala at utas.edu.au>
why did I get this?<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/dBiqCxngwOfQ7E636IGcZcyVXoX?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> unsubscribe from this list<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/z2NKCyojxQTy8OvRvFGfJcxV8KO?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> update subscription preferences<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/0AgZCzvkyVCmkWlAlc4Zhlc9O3pp?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>
Science & Technology Australia · PO BOX 259 · Canberra · DEAKIN WEST, ACT 2600 · Australia
This email is confidential, and is for the intended recipient only. Access, disclosure, copying, distribution, or reliance on any of it by anyone outside the intended recipient organisation is prohibited and may be a criminal offence. Please delete if obtained in error and email confirmation to the sender. The views expressed in this email are not necessarily the views of the University of Tasmania, unless clearly intended otherwise.
-------------- next part --------------
An HTML attachment was scrubbed...
URL: <http://mailman.sydney.edu.au/pipermail/asa/attachments/20250403/723f37f3/attachment.htm>
-------------- next part --------------
A non-text attachment was scrubbed...
Name: image002.png
Type: image/png
Size: 3744 bytes
Desc: image002.png
URL: <http://mailman.sydney.edu.au/pipermail/asa/attachments/20250403/723f37f3/attachment.png>
More information about the ASA
mailing list