- WA hosting the inaugural State Science Meets Parliament on 21-22 October
- First time the event has been held outside Canberra
- Science-policy engagement program strengthens connections between researchers and policymakers
- The Cook Labor Government has committed $30,000 in sponsorship for the event
- Cook Government supporting innovation and science to diversify the economy and deliver highly skilled, local jobs
Western Australia’s scientific and research excellence will be in the spotlight as Science Meets Parliament takes place in Western Australia for the first time ever.
Also the first time Science Meets Parliament is held outside Canberra, the event is expected to involve around 160 participants from partnering organisations across research, industry, government, and Parliament.
The two-day program will combine professional development and policy engagement for scientists and researchers, hosting direct meetings between researchers and Members of Parliament.
It will also promote cross-sector networking between government, industry, philanthropy, and research organisations.
These meetings aim to help build the capability of WA researchers by providing them with more tools to effectively participate in public policy debates.
Science Meets Parliament WA is being delivered by Science and Technology Australia in partnership with the Chief Scientist and Parliamentary Friends of Science, Medical Advancement, Research, Technology and Talent.
The event has also been supported by a $30,000 sponsorship commitment from the Cook Labor Government.
As stated by Science and Innovation Minister Stephen Dawson:
“We know that our State is home to an incredible amount of research and scientific expertise, and Science Meets Parliament WA will be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate this.
“The Cook Labor Government is proud to be supporting the inaugural Science Meets Parliament Western Australia, marking the first time this event has ever been held outside of Canberra.
“This event gives our local science community direct access to Members of Parliament to align goals and strengthen support for local scientific excellence.
As stated by Parwinder Kaur MLC:
“Having spent more than two decades as an academic and scientist and now serving in Parliament, I have experienced both worlds firsthand. I regularly participate in Science Meets Parliament in Canberra and have highly valued the connections it creates.
“WA has its own unique challenges and opportunities, and our distance from Canberra makes building those connections here even more important.
“That is why I initiated the WA chapter of Science Meets Parliament – to bring science and Parliament closer together, here in Western Australia.”
As stated by Chief Scientist of Western Australia Professor Sharath Sriram:
“Science Meets Parliament creates a valuable opportunity for scientists and researchers to engage directly with policymakers and gain insight on how to translate scientific discovery into policy.
“The event will showcase the depth and breadth of research and scientific excellence in our universities, industries, and government science agencies to Members of Parliament.”
As stated by Science and Technology Australia president Jas Chambers:
“Over 26 years Science Meets Parliament has built a stellar reputation. There is no other event like it, bringing together the brightest minds from science, technology, engineering, and maths with decision-makers to shape Australia’s policies.
“We are delivering the power of Science Meets Parliament to Western Australia to supercharge the research, development, and innovation that will provide a boost to jobs, productivity, and the economy long into the future.”
