24
BAMOS
Dec 2019
A Lego replica of Parliament House at Science meets Parliament 2019. Source: Bradley Cummings/STA
Later that afternoon parliamentarians from all major parties
came to talk to us, answering questions about how we can
engage more effectively with local government, the importance
of science in policy, and finally, how climate change is being
addressed. When science met parliament
The day concluded with a networking session over drinks. This
was an opportunity to share contact details with new friends,
marvel at the amazing replica of Parliament House made from
Lego and take a breath after a whirlwind couple of days. It was also inspiring to see many leaders from the AMOS
community, such as Dr Sue Barrell and Jas Chambers,
representing our fields in their roles on the STA Board.
We were farewelled by Minister Karen Andrews, Dr Jeremy
Brownlie, incoming president of STA, and Mr Michael Azrak, vice
president of pharmaceutical company MSD Australia.
AMOS members Dr Sue Barrell (STA Immediate Past Vice
President) and Jas Chambers (STA Board Member) at
Science meets Parliament 2019.
Source: Bradley Cummings/STA
A packed house for the start of Day Two.
Source: Bradley Cummings/STA
With two jam‑packed days of networking and practising our
'pitches', many of us were well outside our comfort zones, but
it was an invaluable experience and we learned a lot about
science communication.
As well as getting to experience all the excitement of Parliament
House, another highlight was meeting other STEM professionals
from such diverse fields, sharing our science, and finding out
that we all have many common areas of interest.
In the end it felt more like a 21st than a 20th celebration, in that
we were exhausted and needed to take off our business attire
shoes. But having the chance to share our science and converse
with those in power was a rare and meaningful opportunity.
A huge thank you to outgoing STA CEO Kylie Walker, the event
sponsors, our sponsors and the whole STA team for their hard
work in organising a fantastic event.