Science & Technology Australia (STA) has welcomed the steady approach to maintain investment in Australian research, innovation, science and technology following the Mid-Year Economic and Fiscal Outlook.
Funding for the National Innovation and Science Agenda (NISA) has been maintained and significant support has been assigned to inspire girls and women to take up and stay in science and support innovative new businesses and jobs.
CEO of STA, Kylie Walker, said scientists and technologists were heartened by the confidence shown in the STEM sector and that the measures were positive steps towards building stronger STEM skills in Australia.
“The science and technology sectors contribute meaningfully to our wellbeing as well as the health of our economy, and they work hard to earn their keep, often with budgets that are limited and short-term,” Ms Walker said.
“We appreciate the steady approach taken to supporting STEM in the government’s mid-year outlook and we hope that moving forward we will see greater investment in science and technology research and application.”
In 2017, STA will launch its ‘Superstars of STEM’ program, which has been supported through the Government’s ‘Supporting Women and Girls in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics’ initiative. This program will provide professional development and logistical support for female STEM professionals to raise their profile, and establish more positive STEM role models for girls and women.
