BAMOS Vol 30 No. 4 2017 | Page 7

BAMOS Dec 2017 News New vision for Science & Technology Australia Dion Pretorius Science and Technology Australia Science & Technology Australia (STA) have published a new strategic plan for the next five years, working with their member organisations—including AMOS—to set a path towards a stronger, supported and influential science and technology sector in Australia. Best known for running Science meets Parliament and Science meets Business each year—and more recently for the launch of the Superstars of STEM program to support female scientists and technologists—the peak body represents more than 68,000 STEM professionals around Australia. Through its affiliation with STA, AMOS members have access to a variety of great benefits and discounts designed to aid in this work – including access to exclusive events, training and advice. STA’s new Strategic Plan (opposite) outlines seven strategic outcomes, which will bring together scientists and technologists, governments, industry and the broader community to advance the role, reputation and impact of science and technology in Australia. STA will do this by serving as a leading voice of science and technology, providing insightful contributions to public conversations around issues relevant to STEM and by serving as the go-to organisation for advice and information to inform decision making in science and technology. Through events like Science meets Parliament and the Parliamentary Friends of Science, STA will continue to be an effective political influencer, providing evidence-based contributions to policy and thoughtful, representative feedback and submissions. STA will also be the key connector for science, politics, industry and the media – providing opportunities for our members to expand their networks and their influence, with an emphasis on fostering collaboration and cooperation. We will work to champion diversity in the science and technology workforce – supporting STEM professionals to be the best they can be, regardless of their ethnicity, gender, sexuality, culture or beliefs. Through our expansive reach and growing network, STA will be a valued amplifier of STEM professional organisations, helping to enhance the way our members connect with one another, with other like-minded organisations in the sector, with decision-makers, and with the public. Through growing inter-sector networks and partnerships, workshops and discounted programs, it will be STA’s priority to engage, empower and mobilise all STEM professionals for the benefit of Australian science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Finally, our work will link Australian science and technology nationally and internationally in order to expand the influence and impact of our researchers, practitioners, entrepreneurs and business people. To find out more about the opportunities available to you through Science & Technology Australia, visit the STA website (STA.ORG.AU) or email [email protected]. Registrations for Science meets Parliament are now open, and you could join hundreds of scientists and technologists in Canberra on 13–14 February to meet with Parliamentarians and advocate for the atmospheric and oceanic sciences. Previous delegates have described the event as a beneficial professional development opportunity, a great networking event, and a once-in-a-lifetime chance to influence government. 7