MEMBERSHIP & BENEFITS
Membership
Science & Technology Australia (STA – previously the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies – FASTS) is Australia’s peak body in science and technology. Since 1985 we have grown to become a respected voice for scientists across Australia among politicians, business leaders and the wider community.
Today we represent some 68,000 people working across all scientific disciplines. Our strong membership has allowed us to influence many scientific debates, improve science policy and present a strong united voice to Government.
Membership of STA brings many benefits. STA is well positioned to assist our members grow and meet changing needs as science evolves as a profession and as a discipline. Our reputation, networks and events place you in the centre of the decision making process. Our varied activities allow Members to offer their respective members opportunities that would not otherwise be possible if individual Societies were operating alone.
Our considered advice on policy and legislation is routinely sought by the nation’s decision makers. We’re an important link for the appointment of scientists, researchers and technologists to government advisory panels and boards.
Who can join
As an ‘association of associations’ membership is open to all professional and learned scientific and technological societies in Australia, and any organisation with an interest in science and technology policy
Unfortunately we do not offer membership to individuals.
All member organisations may participate in the organisation’s events and activities, and are entitled to vote at general meetings. All financial members of member societies/associations are entitled to nominate for elections as STA office bearers.
Affiliate Membership is available for industrial or government bodies with an interest in science and technology policy. Affiliate members have full voting rights at general meetings, but are not entitled to nominate for office bearing positions on the STA Board or Executive and do not have voting rights on Board or Executive.
Members are grouped into 10 clusters which are organised along broad disciplinary lines and two clusters cover organisations that are not primarily disciplinary-based. Currently the cluster groups are: Agricultural and Food Sciences; Aquatic Science; Biological Sciences; Chemical Sciences; Geographical Sciences; Mathematical Science; Medical and Cognitive Science; Physical Science; Plants and Ecological Science; Technology Sciences; General Representatives [2].
Membership fees
There is no joining fee. The annual membership fee is determined by either;
- the number full financial members of societies not including students. The fee is indexed to CPI and is approximately $6.75 per head (2011-12), or
- Affiliate membership for organisations is based on 3 categories (pricing is indicative for 2011-12):
1. Student organisations – $500 per annum
2. University groups; umbrella organisations (where members are individuals) – $4800 per annum
3. Unions, organisations representing industry; umbrella organisations (where members are bodies) – $6400 per annum.
How to join
Click here to download the membership application form (see page 39)
An application for membership must be made in writing by a member of your organisation and must be supported by an existing member. It should be lodged with Science & Technology Australia’s secretary.
For more information please phone Catriona Jackson on 02 6257 2891 or email catriona.jackson@sta.org.au
Benefits
Engagement with parliamentarians, the scientific sector, industry and the public is a core business for Science & Technology Australia and serves to keep science on the national agenda. On behalf of its members STA strives to improve science and technology policy for the economic, environmental and social benefit of Australia.
In addition to having Science & Technology Australia represent the interests of member societies, membership includes the opportunity to be represented at key annual events such as Science meets Parliament.
Science & Technology Australia is involved in a range of activities that address issues affecting the science and technology sector. These include policy development, campaigns, advocacy efforts; publications, conferences, and forums. STA also provide personal development opportunities for members.
Members
We represent more than 68,000 scientists and technologist who work across disciplines, across the country and who belong to more than 60 key science and technology organisations.
Science & Technology Australia represents a vast array of professional interests in the field. Members include organisations such as the Australian Neuroscience Society, Australian Society for Biophysics, the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, the Australian Council of Deans of Science and the Women in Science Enquiry Network, amongst others.
