[ASA] Fwd: STA Member Update | 7 August 2026

[Richard McDermid]

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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.
7 August 2026
Dear Richard,

It has been a busy fortnight across the Australian STEM sector, with new collaborations taking shape, important policy conversations underway and fresh reminders of the challenges facing science and technology in Australia.

It was terrific to speak at the launch of the Australian Research Translation and Innovation Consortium (ARTIC) in Sydney earlier this week. ARTIC is a new national initiative bringing together the ARC Centres of Excellence to strengthen connections between research, industry and innovation. In my session, I highlighted the important opportunity this presents, and why we must all, individually and collectively, continue our discussions with Government about the next steps for Ambitious Australia.

Rarely a week goes by without discussion of AI, and this fortnight was no exception. These were valuable conversations about how the research sector is already using AI and what it needs to make better use of it. Notably, STA joined a roundtable with Minister Charlton on data centres and met with various departmental and parliamentary stakeholders to discuss the infrastructure, skills and capability gaps that must be addressed to support Australia’s AI ambitions.

These conversations will continue next week at a roundtable on AI in research led by Swinburne University Chief Scientist and STA Board member Professor Virginia Kilborn. Bringing together leading experts, the discussion will explore governance, ethics and human–AI collaboration, and include the launch of a national survey to help shape future research-sector action and policy. You are most welcome to join also via this link<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/lZ_wC3QNPBiG1DnLqtDsZNhQ6o-H?domain=us.list-manage.com>.

Following the long-awaited release of the Australian Research Council’s (ARC) National Competitive Grants Program Policy Review, STA this week hosted a member-exclusive webinar with ARC CEO Professor Ute Roessner. The webinar was extremely valuable, and members had the opportunity to have their questions about the changes answered. With nearly 300 people registered, it demonstrated just how important these reforms are to our sector. We greatly appreciate the work done by the ARC to implement these changes as well as their generosity to take the time to brief our members.

Less encouraging were the latest NAPLAN results, particularly the findings on mathematics. It would be remiss of me not to ask whether out-of-field maths teaching is contributing to this challenge. This is an issue STA and a number of our members have been raising over the past 12 months and advocating for policy changes. We cannot expect stronger mathematics outcomes, and a sustainable STEM pipeline, without ensuring teachers have the skills and support they need to help their students succeed.

STA also welcomed yesterday’s announcement that Simon Draper will become the next Secretary of the Department of Industry, Science and Resources, an important partner in our work including being the foundation partners of Science Meets Parliament. Mr Draper will move from the NSW public service, where he is currently heading up the Premier’s Department, succeeding Meghan Quinn following her move to lead the Department of Defence.

Together, these appointments bring welcome certainty to leadership across Australia’s higher education, science and research systems as we move through a significant period of reform.

With best wishes,

Ryan Winn
CEO, Science & Technology Australia

REPORTS AND POLICY

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The Department of Industry, Science and Resources issued the updated STEM Equity Monitor<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/10R8C4QOPEimN4XLgHVtGlh4ns5W?domain=us.list-manage.com>.
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The Australian Labor Party held its 50th National Conference and published a Draft National Platform<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/uPnBC5QPXJixmkBqEC8uq4hkktWZ?domain=us.list-manage.com>.
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CSIRO CEO Dr Doug Hilton<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/cSNIC6XQ4Lf12L5QzUBC7Xh5pIwG?domain=us.list-manage.com> addressed the National Press Club.
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The Minister for Science and Minister for Industry, Senator Tim Ayres, announced a new memorandum of understanding between Australia and Japan<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/IDokC71R2NTQ5GD3li2F3jhoDplp?domain=us.list-manage.com> on science, technology and innovation, including quantum cooperation.

OPPORTUNITIES FOR SUBMISSIONS

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The Department of Health, Disability and Aging is consulting on the MRFF Australian Research and Innovation Strategy 2026–2031 and Priorities 2026–2028<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/I-2ZC81V0PTzVNon1iEHgwhyKaQh?domain=us.list-manage.com>. Submissions close 16 August.
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The Treasury is consulting on draft legislation<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/OB5lC91WPRTMy4GoQCQINQhqtKu5?domain=us.list-manage.com> to enact changes to capital gains tax and negative gearing. Submissions close 21 August.
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The Department of Industry, Science and Resources is consulting on: 
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the review of the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation Act 2023<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/a2vlC0YKPviMON16VCpSPzh9nWi4?domain=us.list-manage.com>. Submissions close 11 August.
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the Critical Minerals Production Tax Incentive<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/4v7nCgZ0N1imXEMV9HxTk6h4ngIc?domain=us.list-manage.com>, submissions close 11 August.  

For policy related matters contact STA Director of Policy and Engagement Dr 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
Superstars of STEM applications are open

Open to women and non-binary people, the Superstars of STEM program equips brilliant, diverse STEM experts with advanced communication skills and opportunities – in the media, on stage and in schools. The result: we’re growing a critical mass of more diverse celebrity scientists appearing regularly in the Australian media to inspire our next generations of young Australians into STEM study and careers.

Applications are open<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/AqxpCmO5gluAwyOEzClh8mhRKtvq?domain=us.list-manage.com> until 20 August. The final information webinar will be held on Wednesday 12 August, 3pm AEST. You can register here<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/aaLjCnx1jniK098MvfriQqhJ_Pro?domain=us.list-manage.com>.


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DCCEEW has submitted a tender for Up to 10 members to be appointed to a new National Ecosystem Accounts (NEA) Technical Expert Reference Group (TERG) for 12 months (with possible extension to 24 months). The purpose of TERG is to provide independent, expert technical advice to support development and continuous improvement of NEA. The TERG will comprise members with expertise in ecology and biodiversity science, environmental economics, environmental-economic accounting and spatial data architecture. Respond now<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/if_iCoV1kpfBN2OxEc0sq8hpz2O4?domain=us.list-manage.com>.
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Join ANSTO on 19 August for a webinar on OPAL, an open pool light water reactor. The webinar will discuss the ways OPAL brings benefits to Australia and the how it supports the work of the International Atomic Energy Agency in the peaceful applications of nuclear technologies. Register now<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/oVsECp81lrtvr4YXmt6t2NhGB00S?domain=us.list-manage.com>.
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Applications are open for the Rozetta Institute Scholarship Awards, providing $15,000 over 12 months to support postgraduate research with strong industry impact. Recipients will receive mentoring, access to Rozetta’s research and industry networks, and support to develop an impact assessment and implementation plan that strengthens research translation. Apply now<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/Og-nCq71mwfzAYqmZi9uKphECafy?domain=us.list-manage.com>.
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Applications are open for the Libraries of the Australian Technology Network of Universities (LATN) grants<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/VGA9Cr81nyt1KQgLEUOC6Zh4UDPu?domain=us.list-manage.com> of up to $50,000 to support the transition of traditional textbooks/resources to Open Educational Resources (OER).
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Nominations for the 2026 Queensland Women in STEM Prize<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/sOFHCvl1rKi2mwQMxtBFlxhQujXm?domain=us.list-manage.com> close 18 August. The Queensland Women in STEM Prize is a statewide competition for women within the first 10 years of their STEM careers and who have demonstrated exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact to Queensland. Nominate yourself or someone you know now<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/QnlgCwV1vMfAMlBYKCkHG6hJljwf?domain=us.list-manage.com>.


MEMBER NEWS
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2026 STA member networking events
Registrations are now open for STA’s annual member networking events taking place later in the year. These events are an excellent opportunity to meet STA staff and board as well as other members. See below for dates and locations:
Brisbane - Monday 14 September: Register now<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/c-7YCzvkyVCxlW5J6CDT7Wh9g6c2?domain=us.list-manage.com>
Canberra - Thursday 26 November: Register now<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/q601CANpgjCnypk74UgU9mhGB0B9?domain=us.list-manage.com>
Sydney - Thursday 10 December: Register now<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/NuUGCBNqjlCMQWYEjC4cyWh2ktgX?domain=us.list-manage.com>
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Monthly Members Meet
Join us online for a virtual catch up with the STA team and other STA members on 11 August at 12PM AEST. Share your insights, celebrate successes and discuss any concerns. Registration is essential<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/GDtwCGv0oyC0x3vjktGimXhBTT8x?domain=us.list-manage.com>.
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Annual Member Survey
Science & Technology Australia's annual member survey<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/KSQ0CL7EwMfmxB6EKHnuDWhyCxwQ?domain=us.list-manage.com> is your chance to shape our priorities for the next 12 months. It will take just 5 minutes, and your ideas will directly inform what we discuss at the 2026 STA Leadership Dialogue and guide our work on new projects and member services.
Completing the survey will enter your member organisation into the draw to win a ticket to Science Meets Parliament 2027.
Only one representative from each member organisation needs to complete the survey. The survey closes 3 September.
STA delivers strong benefits to members, including discounted professional services via our Member Benefits Program<https://url.au.m.mimecastprotect.com/s/vrFlCMwGxOtRKBNEXTlCZ9h87M1u?domain=us.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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