[ASA] Fwd: STA Member Update | 29 May 2026

Mon Jun 1 08:52:18 AEST 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.
29 May 2026
Dear Richard,

This National Reconciliation Week, I have been reflecting on the lasting contributions of Australia’s first scientists. For 65,000 years, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have explored, cared for and lived on this remarkable country we share. They have faced incredible adversity, but despite it all, they have endured while staying true to their values. As a society, we are developing a better appreciation of their long history of innovation. These include agricultural design, such as the Brewarrina fish traps, and land management techniques like cool burnings. Our journey together is a long and shared road.

That’s given me great motivation as we’ve seen more pieces of the puzzle fall into place for the future of RD&I over the last fortnight. We’ve had some welcome funding announcements for NCRIS, a ten-year strategy for health and medicine research and confirmation of the leadership team for ATEC. But we’ve also seen details of the 350 CSIRO job cuts become a reality, a reminder of the uncertainty that remains for many in our industry.

Just today, the Assistant Minister for International Education, Julian Hill, announced funding for 53 NCRIS projects. STA President Jas Chambers welcomed the release of $323.7 million in funding<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/FkrDC1WLPxckZBM5xSpiKcVwTbe?domain=us.list-manage.com>, noting this is an allocation of existing funding. It included some impressive capabilities like CoastRI<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/d1xqC2xMQziRmZpOWc2sJc5gT8g?domain=us.list-manage.com>, which provides a real-time picture of how our coastline is changing. This collaboration between more than a dozen NCRIS facilities has applications across multiple Government portfolios. And it encapsulates the value of sustained investment in research infrastructure.

But we also know many projects missed out. This highlights the need for a clear strategy and sustainable funding. We are continuing to work closely with the Government to support the forthcoming 2026 National Research Infrastructure Roadmap and the implementation of theAmbitious Australia report<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/UafqC3QNPBiG49p0oSQtRcQugFV?domain=us.list-manage.com>. And to draw attention to the relevance of these plans for all Government portfolios.

Last Friday, the long-awaited National Health and Medical Research Strategy was released. The strategy came a week after the Federal Budget included a commitment to invest an additional $508 million in health and medical R&D over the next four years. In our response<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/klgwC4QOPEim89B3EtMujc4ioiz?domain=us.list-manage.com> we said these steps provided welcome certainty but must be implemented as part of a more comprehensive and wider RD&I blueprint.

It was pleasing to see the Australian Tertiary Education Commission formalise its leadership team<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/FLdwC5QPXJixlpZ43tNC5cknI1h?domain=us.list-manage.com>, so that their hard work can start in earnest. The appointment of Professor Barney Glover AO as Chief Commissioner, working alongside Commissioners the Hon Fiona Nash, David Coltman and Dr Stephen Duckett.

These positive developments have been somewhat overshadowed by ongoing job losses at CSIRO. Last week we saw the loss of 92 roles<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/TdyJC6XQ4Lf1W0r87t2F3c5Jb1F?domain=us.list-manage.com> from the Environment Research Unit, including critical climate modelling staff. And only yesterday, 59 roles were lost<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/uUp8C71R2NTQRVAo2CAH5coaLJq?domain=us.list-manage.com> from the Health and Biosecurity team. The job cuts went ahead despite extra money in the Federal Budget for CSIRO, which was needed to maintain research infrastructure. We will continue to support our national science agency while they are forced to make difficult decisions because funding simply hasn’t kept up with the rising cost of research.

So, it’s timely to reflect on what it means to endure and stay true to our values. Through these challenges, we will continue to welcome the wins while seeking a bold, nationally connected plan that recognises the value of the entire system.

With best wishes,

Ryan Winn
CEO, Science & Technology Australia

REPORTS AND POLICY

  *   The Minister for Health and Ageing, Mark Butler, released<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/pDyOC81V0PTzkP6LWu9IjcyEoS6?domain=us.list-manage.com> the new Health and Medical Research Strategy<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/p1L_C91WPRTMONk9AiqSJcqB9EI?domain=us.list-manage.com>.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUBMISSIONS

  *   The Australian Tertiary Education Commission is consulting on a new Tertiary Roadmap<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/ithUC0YKPviMygGZQiqT6c9OwTp?domain=us.list-manage.com> to support a more joined-up tertiary system. Submissions close 22 June.

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

  *   From 1 June to 30 June, we are offering STA members 15 per cent off our professional development workshops<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/vwY0CgZ0N1imBwApKtkUOc4vv-h?domain=us.list-manage.com>. If your organisation is interested in running some professional development for your team, email us to book now<mailto:tristan.scotcher at sta.org.au?subject=Workshop%20enquiry&body=null>. This offer ends 30 June.
  *   STA members NATA’s annual conference Accreditation Matters 2026<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/4TFUCjZ1N7i3OGnPDtpcGcmb1O4?domain=us.list-manage.com> early bird registrations close 30 May. AM2026 is Australia's biggest conference on standards, measurement, testing, accreditation and conformity assessment. The two-day program will take place in Melbourne on 7-8 July. Register now<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/gjesCk81N9trwXO1AUYfmcGehpf?domain=us.list-manage.com> to receive the early bird discount.
  *   Tickets to attend the Women of Colour in STEM Awards 2026<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/T67NClx1NjiAMP2pmtvhnczm5cw?domain=us.list-manage.com> are now available for purchase. The awards recognise the remarkable achievements of women of colour in STEM with 15 awards being handed out on the night. The event will take place at the Arts Centre Melbourne on 5 October. Get your tickets now<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/QkWACmO5gluAMPjD8txiDcR9hKm?domain=us.list-manage.com>.
  *   Registrations are now open for Southern Space 2026<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/M6K7Cnx1jniKW37jgC2sBcJBlcf?domain=us.list-manage.com>, taking place on 11–12 August 2026 at QT Canberra. Hosted by the Space Industry Association of Australia, Southern Space brings together leaders from across industry, government, defence, research and the broader space ecosystem to discuss the opportunities, challenges and priorities shaping Australia’s space future.
  *   The nomination closing date for some Academy 2027 honorific awards have been extended to 1 June. The Matthew Flinders Medal and Lecture<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/OVxHCoV1kpfBwPrZ5uMtLcpZI-U?domain=us.list-manage.com>, Hannan Medal<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/yNMRCp81lrtvwOnKqf0uQcGX-JA?domain=us.list-manage.com>, Moran Medal<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/j5LjCq71mwfz2k8lnulCkcEWlww?domain=us.list-manage.com> and Ruth Stephens Gani Medal<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/aBRuCr81nyt1mn8o7tVFXc4J3LL?domain=us.list-manage.com> have all had their nomination dates extended. Nominate or apply now<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/JeerCvl1rKi2lL7KqHqHWcQqGB5?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com>.
  *   Applications for the 2026 WILD Program<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/XBGzCwV1vMfANVG9ktEIycJJT34?domain=us.list-manage.com> close 31 May. The program provides up to 30 STEM women with the network, skills and qualifications they need to move into senior leadership and board roles.
  *   Rejoinders for Discovery Early Career Researcher Award<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/aZUaCxngwOf9XR1wDCLS9cyj_3O?domain=us.list-manage.com> for funding commencing in 2027 (DE27) are now open in the Research Management System (RMS)<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/UQwVCyojxQT042rkKf4T9cxrOpr?domain=us.list-manage.com>. The closing date for Rejoinders is 5 June.

MEMBER NEWS
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STA Committee Applications now open
Science & Technology Australia calls for applications to join our Policy Committee or Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Committee. These committee positions are fantastic opportunities for individuals to contribute their ideas and expertise to help STA achieve its mission. Applications close COB Monday 15 June. Apply now<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/f2eTCBNqjlCMnR7B0iZfwc2eP1c?domain=us.list-manage.com>.
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Women in STEMM Leadership Summit
The 2026 Women in STEMM Leadership Summit<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/AMI2CGv0oyC08O1GEfxsDcBEaIt?domain=scienceandtechnologyaustralia.us9.list-manage.com> is organised by the Women Leaders Institute in partnership with STA. One of STA’s strategic goals is to drive diversity and inclusion in the sector. The Summit will be an important contributor to putting action to this. STA members interested in attending the summit can use the code STA100 to receive a discount.
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STA professional  development survey
STA is interested in providing professional development (PD) that our sector wants. To determine how we can offer PD that would benefit our membership the most, we have created a survey so you can tell us what you’d like to see on offer. Please complete the survey<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/La8ECL7EwMfm3wR4VtQCjcydaRX?domain=us.list-manage.com> to help us explore future program to suit your needs.
STA delivers strong benefits to members, including discounted professional services via our Member Benefits Program<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Mx7hCMwGxOtRJkqWDcvFpc8vfL4?domain=us.list-manage.com>.

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This email was sent to katrina.sealey at mq.edu.au<mailto:katrina.sealey at mq.edu.au>
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