[ASA] Fwd: STA Member Update | 17 November 2025

Mon Nov 17 13:09:12 AEDT 2025

Dear ASA,

Please see below the latest STA member update, and passing on our warm congratulations to Professor Virginia Kilborn for her recent election to the STA Board.

Best wishes,
Richard

----
Professor Richard McDermid
(he/him)

Director, Australian Astronomical Optics (AAO)
Director, Astrophysics and Space Technologies Research Centre
President, Astronomical Society of Australia
Macquarie University,
Sydney, Australia

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Begin forwarded message:

From: Ryan Winn <ceo at sta.org.au>
Subject: STA Member Update | 17 November 2025
Date: 17 November 2025 at 12:44:24 pm AEDT
To: Richard <richard.mcdermid at mq.edu.au>
Reply-To: Ryan Winn <ceo at sta.org.au>

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The STA Member Update is sent to the leadership of member organisations. Please forward to your executive and membership.
17 November 2025
Dear Richard,

As the year draws to a close, it’s a fitting time to reflect on what has been a milestone 12 months for Science & Technology Australia. Our 40th anniversary celebrations have been a wonderful opportunity to honour the legacy of four decades of advocacy for the STEM sector, and to look ahead to the next chapter. We’re immensely proud of what our community has built together and the impact it continues to have on Australia’s research and innovation landscape.

The Government released its statement in response to the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/NMXMC91WPRTNoNlVViPt0Cq3AhD?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>, and the response marked a positive step towards creating a more inclusive and equitable STEM ecosystem. These funded programs are powerful enablers of talent and opportunity, but as we emphasised in our response<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/-C33C0YKPvig6g700u3uNC9_Q7Q?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> - there is more to do. STA will continue to work with Government, industry, and the wider STEM community to ensure that the commitments made translate into lasting cultural and structural change.

STA has been closely following key national processes shaping Australia’s science and research system, including the Strategic Examination of R&D (SERD). Early findings from SERD reflect many priorities STA has long supported - strong foundations for research, stable funding pathways, and recognition of discovery science as central to future innovation. We’ll continue advocating for a cohesive R&D system that builds capability, drives productivity, and fosters homegrown ideas.

In parallel, work is advancing on the next National Research Infrastructure (NRI) Roadmap and the National Health and Medical Research Strategy (NHMRS). Each process plays a critical role in defining how Australia invests in the tools, talent, and facilities that enable world-leading science. STA has been engaging in deep consultation to ensure our members’ expertise informs these frameworks, with a particular focus on long-term sustainability.

It’s also been heartening to see the Australian Research Council’s latest funding announcements<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/CbucCgZ0N1iwVwo55cZCPC46LrK?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>recognising excellence and ambition across the research community. These new fellowships and project grants are a testament to the strength and creativity of Australia’s researchers, and we extend our warm congratulations to all who were successful, including those from our member organisations.

Planning is already underway for next year’s Science Meets Parliament<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/z7kQCjZ1N7iGpGB11uxFRCm50_t?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> - stay tuned for more details soon on what’s shaping up to be another inspiring program of connection between scientists and policymakers.

At our Annual General Meeting yesterday, members elected two outstanding new Directors to STA’s Board. We warmly welcome Professor Virginia Kilborn<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/QSIHCk81N9tXmXK33u0HRCGouM7?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>, Swinburne University’s inaugural Chief Scientist, and Associate Professor Kalinda Griffiths<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/E4QVClx1NjiPgPVqqiNI8Czq6SR?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>, Director, Poche SA+NT, College of Medicine and Public Health, Flinders University and a member of the Statistical Society of Australia and The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance.

Virginia brings deep experience in astronomy, research leadership, and equity advocacy, and Kalinda is an epidemiologist whose work on Indigenous data governance and health equity is nationally significant. Both bring a wealth of expertise and perspective to the STA Board. We extend our sincere thanks to outgoing Directors Dr Jiao Jiao Li and Professor Chris Matthews for their service, dedication, and contribution to the STA Board and community.

Finally, we’ve also released our 2024–25 Annual Report<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/oMVUCmO5gluPEPgLLiwSECRuAGm?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>, highlighting STA’s work over the past year, including our programs, advocacy, and community initiatives. It’s a great way to see the impact of our efforts and the progress being made across Australia’s science and research landscape - we look forward to continuing our work with members, partners, and the broader STEM community in the year ahead.

With best wishes,

Ryan Winn
CEO, Science & Technology Australia

REPORTS AND POLICY

  *
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Minister for Science Tim Ayres announced the 2025 Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/IAmfCnx1jni3M3PppuzTACJCGQe?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
  *
DISR released its Statement on the Pathway to Diversity in STEM Review<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/7fs4CoV1kpfPxPgppimU2Cp1SNa?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUBMISSIONS

  *
The Department of Education has opened consultations on its 2026 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap Issues paper<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/uqyiCp81lrtOXOVEET9cyCGhrkY?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>. Survey closes 1 December.

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.
View LinkedIn newsletter<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/8xLlCq71mwfkmkE66cgf3CEi-2C?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>
GRANT FUNDING AND OPPORTUNITIES

  *
Nominations for the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science 2026 have opened<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/z0LeCr81nytnLnk33c5hpC4DLuT?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>. Prize winners receive national recognition and money ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. Nominations can be made by peers and colleagues across the STEM sector. Nominations close 18 December.
  *
Applications for the new Regional STEM Community Activity Seed Grants 2026<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/hAVuCvl1rKiLMLY00SPimCQZS6s?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> close 18 November. Successful applicants will receive up to $1000 for small, one-off events that celebrate science outside of National Science Week.
  *
Shapes Futures 2025 Annual Convention: Navigating the funding landscape<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/sg7YCwV1vMfVYVqZZuzsXCJTUbr?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> is a fee event for early and mid-career researchers taking place at the University of Melbourne on 27 November. The convention will focus on navigating the evolving research funding landscape.
  *
The Department of Defence is inviting applications for the 2026 Strategic Policy Grants Program<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/JwMDCxngwOfRrR7qqfmt3Cy-2N9?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>. The program is offering $4M for independent research on Australia’s defence and strategic policy. Applications close 30 November.

MEMBER NEWS
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Women in STEMM Strolls
STA members Women in STEMM Australia (WiSA) are holding two STEMM Strolls over the next month. These strolls aim to connect women and girls in STEMM to one another and build new networks, find mentors and access support. The following are the locations and dates for the upcoming strolls: Bendigo Victoria 19 November<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/DbQACANpgjCl7lwJJtyFyCGxOT8?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> and Mount Gambier South Australia 3 December<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/TqdRCBNqjlCRERwJJfAH9C2mAi9?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
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Science Meets Parliament 2026 Partnership Opportunities
Science Meets Parliament 2026 will be held at Parliament House in Canberra on either 18-19 March or 25-26 March 2026. We have multiple partnership opportunities to have your brand and staff associated with STA’s flagship event.
Partnerships can include registrations to SMP, extra gala dinner tickets, tickets to the National Press Club address, speaking opportunities, branding in the delegate handbook, acknowledgement as a partner during the event and many more benefits.
Further information on SMP2026 partner opportunities can be found here.<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/7j16CGv0oyCOjODZZTRT9CBwQxS?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>

<mailto:tristan.scotcher at sta.org.au>
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Monthly Members’ Meet
Join us online for our final virtual catch up with the STA team and other STA members for 2025 on 9 December at 12pm AEDT. Share your insights, celebrate successes and discuss any concerns. Registration is essential<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/TZcpCK1DvKTM3MXxxs5c6C5-xou?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
STA delivers strong benefits to members, including discounted professional services via our Member Benefits Program<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/KLlXCL7EwMfwEwGMMcvfnCyWJSM?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.

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This email was sent to richard.mcdermid at mq.edu.au<mailto:richard.mcdermid at mq.edu.au>
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