[ASA] Fwd: STA Member Update | 6 Mar 2026

Fri Mar 6 16:32:07 AEDT 2026

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The STA Member Update is sent to the leadership of member organisations. Please forward to your executive and membership, including the policy submission and funding opportunities below.
6 March 2026
Dear Richard,

The next few weeks could be transformative for the STEM research and development sector. We are waiting expectantly for the release of the Strategic Examination of R&D and the Australian Government’s response.

This is a generational opportunity to set up our sector for success, and it requires swift action. We have consistently called<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/OxSRCoV1kpfPOg006u6szSpmiZ_?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> for improved sector governance, a focus on research missions, CPI-indexed increases to research grant programs and agencies, streamlined administrative processes, investment in Australia’s crucial STEM workforce and research infrastructure and strengthening of STEM education to reverse declining participation.

Yesterday, we heard from leaders in the medical research sector who described the latest outcomes from NHMRC Investigator Grants as devastating. Once again, many missed out. We know part of the reason is the rising cost of research. If funding can’t keep pace, the nation will pay the price of capability lost.

Next week will be another reminder of the urgency of reform when we give evidence at the Senate inquiry into Funding and resourcing for the CSIRO. As we made clear in our submission<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ubxeCp81lrtOYVBBphJt5SGEytJ?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>, Australia’s research funding has flatlined while the cost of research continues to grow. We will take this opportunity to encourage the Government to take an investor mindset to budget decisions, not only for our national science agency, but for our entire sector.

Meanwhile, the importance and value of the R&D sector was again front and centre in the joint statement<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/BQagCq71mwfkqEooJsru7SExF2T?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> from the Prime Ministers of Australia and Canada. It listed a huge range of important economic and strategic priorities, including developing crop protection technology, clean energy, artificial intelligence, pandemic preparedness, critical minerals, polar environmental science, defence innovation and civil space priorities, including Earth observations. To realise the ambition of these partnerships, Australia needs patient capital investment from the Government.

We are deeply grateful for engagement across the Parliament and at all levels of the Government. So we are looking forward to bringing many of the best and brightest minds from the across the sector to Science Meets Parliament 2026<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/n_XECr81nytngkGG4tGCNS4N3rj?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>. This is the best annual opportunity to equip our colleagues with skills to engage effectively with parliamentarians and policymakers. We will also hear directly from the Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Senator Tim Ayres, when he addresses the National Press Club<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/N0e3Cvl1rKiLQY33rT8FQSQdYTF?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.

It’s the final countdown, with less than three weeks to go. While two-day registrations have been sold out, there are still tickets available for the first day and the Gala Dinner. I look forward to seeing you there.

With best wishes,
Ryan Winn
CEO, Science & Technology Australia

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Register by<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/d9MvCyojxQT2x8RRAunS4SxRshu?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> <https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/cYmZCzvkyVCw5kAAOh1TnS99p-h?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> 10 March for Science Meets Parliament 2026.
REPORTS AND POLICY

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The Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and the Prime Minister of Canada Mark Carney released a joint statement<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/VoSPCANpgjClkwzzGckUrSGhzRa?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> outlining areas of future collaboration between Australia and Canada – including green energy technologies, critical minerals, artificial intelligence, pandemic preparedness, space observation, polar science and R&D in defence innovation.
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Minister for Education Jason Clare addressed the Universities Australia Gala Dinner<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Ell6CBNqjlCRYwOOzFMcAS21nNc?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUBMISSIONS

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The Senate Standing Committee on Education and Employment inquiry into the Higher Education Support Amendment (Reverse Job-Ready Graduates Fee Hikes and End 50k Arts Degrees) Bill 2025<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/6VD3CD1vlpTJ4EkkDsxfNSjzKoJ?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> – submissions close 10 April.
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The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water consultation on Feedback on Gas Market Review implementation<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/VKDJCE8wmrt0EvNNktDh0S70TS3?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> — consultation closes 13 March.

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.
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GRANT FUNDING AND OPPORTUNITIES

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Applications for the Women of Colour in STEM Awards 2026<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/rPLHCJyBrGfAN6DDgs7sxSyiu7d?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> are now open. There are 15 award categories dedicated to honouring the remarkable achievements of women of colour who are pioneering innovation and change in STEM. Apply now<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Sts_CK1DvKTMVXGGZh8tjS5jfgS?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>!
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Do you know students in Years 10-12 who are curious about a career in STEM? NYSF’s STEM Hubs<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/gXKsCL7EwMfw6GZZlhXuqSy7pII?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> offer an excellent opportunity for students to participate in an immersive experience that connects them with real study options and career pathways in STEM. The Melbourne STEM Hub takes place from 7-10 April. Register now as places are limited<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ON2aCMwGxOtkNwAAvsoCnS8_JOB?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
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Deadly Coders is supporting the delivery of an upcoming webinar focused on building cultural capability and creating culturally safe learning environments for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students. Event and registration details are here<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/vqjNCNLJyQUP4OGGwuwF5SyyYht?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
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The 2026 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/VQJOCOMKzVTZW7yyET8HLSG1Yre?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> are now open. This year, 19 prizes are on offer with a pool of $190,000 to be shared between the winners. Apply by 16 April.
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The Australian Not-For-Profit Technology Awards<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/3NuQCP7LAXfNpjkkJsgIESxEDmK?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> are open for 2026. These awards highlight the outstanding and unseen achievements of those using technology across the not-for-profit sector. Nominate a peer or yourself before 13 March.
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Grants of up to $1,000 to host community events during National Science Week 2026 are available through the NSW Public Library Science Weeks Grants<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/r2MGCQnMBZfl02yyJcLSgSGyYjv?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
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Applications are open for CSIRO’s Innovate to Grow program<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/dlvrCROND2u02MzzytgT1S1R-gZ?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>: a free, eight‑week opportunity designed to help Australian SMEs transform great ideas into a clear, actionable R&D plan. Applications close 22 March 2026.

MEMBER NEWS
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Science Meets Parliament 2026 Gala Dinner
Tickets to attend the SMP2026 Gala Dinner<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/YtyVCXLW2mUDw8zzkhYfYSWJa8o?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> on 25 March at Parliament House in Canberra are still available. Join us for an evening of networking, food and drink and celebrations of the Australian STEM sector at Australia’s most iconic meeting place. Tables of up to 10 are also available for purchase.
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Science Meets Parliament 2026 Registrations
Two-day registrations for Science Meets Parliament 2026<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/d1bxC1WLPxcBVP99LuxswSVfiKo?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> have reached capacity. But there is still space to attend day one and the gala dinner. Registrations close on 10 March, so get your registration in before it’s too late!
<mailto:tristan.scotcher at sta.org.au>
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Science Meets Parliament 2026 Partnership Opportunities
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/8LJnC3QNPBi9nyEEWcVuJSQqhyh?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/rZ_NC4QOPEi9XDvvRcnCOS4IH8R?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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