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13 December 2019

Science meets Parliament 2019 | Science has so much to say

Science Minister Karen Andrews MP meets with delegates at #SmP2019
Photo: Bradley Cummings
Science Minister Karen Andrews MP meets with delegates at #SmP2019 Photo: Bradley Cummings

It was the 20th year of Science meets Parliament, an important occasion for science, policy and parliamentarians to come together in Canberra: twenty years of enduring connections, conversations and sparking change.

Day 1

Day 1 of Science meets Parliament gives delegates the opportunity to listen, learn, share and inspire.

Hundreds of researchers and innovators from across the country came together to hear from key figures in Australian science, connect with passionate and curious colleagues, learn about the policy and decision-making process, and participate in professional development.

Conversations bubble from the very first steps delegates take into this conference. The moment people enter this space it becomes clear that we are all here for one reason: to communicate.

There’s a real excitement in the room. You can see the passion that people hold for science, innovation and solving real world problems.

Packed house for #SmP2019! Welcome everyone. See anyone you know? Let them know you’ve spotted them. pic.twitter.com/GvmySAeyXo

— Science&TechnologyAU (@ScienceAU) November 25, 2019

In the keynote address, Winthrop Professor Fiona Wood, 2004 Australian of the Year, highlighted the need for crucial communications. She encourages us all to learn, to communicate well, and to connect with each other.

“To communicate is another challenge. It’s an extraordinary challenge.

“We’re living in the communication age. Why is it then, that we find it so hard to communicate?

“It’s because we have so much to say. Science and technology has so much to say.”

“From tourists to adventurers to explorers” – I think this sums up a lot of what we do in #STEM – inspiring words from Prof. Fiona Wood #SmP2019 @ScienceAU #SuperstarsofSTEM #innovation @usqedu pic.twitter.com/2YSjjIRQ3j

— Erin Rayment (@erinrayment) November 25, 2019

“You could be the best violist in the world, but if you’re in a sound proof room it is a waste…we need to communicate”

Amazing keynote from Winthrop Prof Fiona Wood at Science meets Parliament #SMP2019 pic.twitter.com/4ql3J3GALx

— Kate Cole (@kate_cole_) November 25, 2019

Today’s conveniences were yesterday’s magic in #science & #technology says Prof Fiona Wood at @ScienceAU #SmP2019 pic.twitter.com/cuturBQCCA

— Chief Scientist (@ScienceChiefAu) November 25, 2019

The message of the need for communication was throughout the day. Science Chiefs Professor Gary Evans and Dr Alan Finkel talked about what we can learn from working across the Tasman, and shared insider knowledge on being effective science communicators.

Their advice? “It’s a two-way conversation and listen before providing advice.”

@ScienceChiefAu offering an alternative approach to #SmP2019 delegates on how to talk to politicians. “It’s a 2 way conversation you need to have. Listen to the politicians before offering advice. Start by saying ‘I have something to say, but first, tell me what’s on your mind’.” pic.twitter.com/SrH96K9iQH

— Candice Raeburn (@CandiceRaeburn) November 25, 2019

The theme of communication weaved throughout the day. There were exciting success stories about science and technology on the Hill, a lay of the land working inside and outside of politics in Canberra, tough questions at mock Parliamentary enquiries, quick tips for communicating science in every context, a recipe for how to form an effective pitch, hints and tips for networking like a pro, and real-life advice for using social media to promote science.

It’s so much fun hosting panels of this calibre but there’s never enough time!! Thanks so much for sharing your wealth of knowledge and experience at #SmP2019 @InnovationSarah @CullensSarah @osbornep https://t.co/bwDE4LHxz0

— Dr Darren Saunders (@whereisdaz) November 26, 2019

Prof Tanya Monro @CDS_Australia, alum of SmP 2010: "I still remember vividly standing in Old Parliament House and having a sparkler thrust into my hand, being told I had to stand on stage and pitch in the time it took to burn. It was hard, but it was so useful." #SmP2019 pic.twitter.com/ihQeestixL

— Science&TechnologyAU (@ScienceAU) November 26, 2019

Always such a pleasure to talk with our up and coming #SmP2019 stars as they use their education and expertise to inform and elevate public debate. https://t.co/JXYEmnUMyb

— catriona jackson (@catrionajackso1) November 26, 2019

@MelanieBagg the differences between how scientists and media/politicians think and communicate… flip the pyramid! Start with the outcome (pyramid tip) rather than all the detail (the base). A great resource here: https://t.co/1H4u2PnBaC #SmP2019 @ScienceAU pic.twitter.com/BTZ7L9DcDD

— Candice Raeburn (@CandiceRaeburn) November 26, 2019

The day centred on preparing delegates for meetings with Parliamentarians. Delegates heard practical tips for meeting with politicians: “Be prepared, be personable and be passionate. Remember you’re speaking to another person who is genuinely giving you some of their time – they are listening.”

Finally, there were hands on workshops for delegates to practice their pitches so they were all shiny and ready for meeting Parliamentarians the next day.

Never start with the ask
Build a relationship w advisors
Bring an end user
Don’t be naive, think about spin & facts
Demonstrate you’re a collaborator
Work related portfolios
Be flexible with your agenda
Be responsive
Appreciate the urgency
Carefully work both sides #SmP2019

— Erin Rayment (@erinrayment) November 26, 2019

@ScienceAU When meeting your MP, Senators, PM and their aides, be:
-Authentic
-Prepared with your pitch
-Knowledgeable about your parliamentarian
-Realistic of your expectations from meeting
-On a good indiv chair, not the couch!#SmP2019 @RAMorgain pic.twitter.com/g3zfDOkwr2

— Dr Holly Vuong (@CoughItUp1) November 26, 2019

Science communication experts @willozap & @rodl from @ANU_CPAS lead the room in practicing their pitches for tomorrow #SmP2019 pic.twitter.com/zpnLxXDh1s

— Science&TechnologyAU (@ScienceAU) November 26, 2019

Gala dinner

Day One ended in style with the Science meets Parliament Gala dinner. Parliamentarians, VIPs, invited guests and delegates came together for a celebration of science, which included addresses from Minister for Science Karen Andrews MP and Shadow Minister for Science Brendan O’Connor.

Wow. What a night! Thanks @ANSTO for supporting #SmP2019 gala dinner as @Kylie_Walker1 CEO of @ScienceAU kicks everything off! @CNBPscience scrub up pretty well! pic.twitter.com/tBN2hv1CQW

— Prof Mark Hutchinson (@prof_hutchinson) November 26, 2019

The fun and fabulous Lee Constable ⁦@Constababble⁩ is our #SmP2019 dinner MC AND our newly minted ⁦@ScienceAU⁩ Early Career Representative. pic.twitter.com/2ZZCijcGQj

— Tanya Ha (@Ha_Tanya) November 26, 2019

It’s a meeting between the best and brightest minds in the country, and those that think they have the best and brightest minds – looking forward to catching up with @BOConnorMP tomorrow to discuss #commercialisation #techtransfer #innovation – all #research is important #SmP2019 pic.twitter.com/JCFkY9CsSG

— Erin Rayment (@erinrayment) November 26, 2019

“Hi, I’m Karen, I’m a mechanical engineer and I’m a Leo” [Joke!!].
Minister @karenandrewsmp drops a @DrMattAgnew reference in a brilliantly funny speech at the Science Meets Parliament dinner. #SMP2019 pic.twitter.com/sEUKcTMTWQ

— Prof. Lisa Harvey-Smith (@lisaharveysmith) November 26, 2019

Blown away by all the scientists in the room at the annual Science Meets Parliament event in the Great Hall of Parliament House. #SmP2019 pic.twitter.com/i8s06EuklU

— Graham Perrett (@GrahamPerrettMP) November 26, 2019

Day 2

Communication skills were truly put to the test on Day Two. 247 STEM professionals participated in more than 60 meetings at Parliament House, starting essential conversations and collaborations between the worlds of Science and Politics.

It was encouraging to see the mutual respect between scientists who intensely prepared for these meetings and the politicians who have kindly given their time to listen, engage and ensure that science stays on the political agenda.

Honoured to meet @TimWilsonMP at #smp2019 (with Sharna and Amaz). Makes it very easy to communicate that "science is important" when your representatives already have some science training. Genuinely inspiring experience. pic.twitter.com/C2GBEDPdzr

— Oren Griffiths (@OrenGriffiths) November 26, 2019

It was great to talk #science and #innovation with @karenandrewsmp and four amazing #STEM researchers #SmP2019 @ScienceAU pic.twitter.com/OL94r8Ojv5

— jeremy brownlie (@JeremyBrownlie) November 27, 2019

Thrilled to talk women in leadership today with @tanya_plibersek along with thought leaders @FelicityBriody & @andyharford. @WomenSciAUST @WISparkville #womeninstem #womeninscience – thank you for your insights, generosity & time #smp2019 pic.twitter.com/QUOOY0offp

— Dr Emma (@embws) November 27, 2019

Talked about raising awareness for applied science careers in STEM with The Hon Dan Tehan MP Minister for Education #SuperstarsofSTEM #SmP2019 @CSIRO pic.twitter.com/3GPlF6Jk4E

— Dr Sonja Dominik (@SonjaDominik) November 27, 2019

https://twitter.com/DrMuneeraBano/status/1199504030378016775

The annual Science meets Parliament National Press Club address was a powerful and important speech by Women in STEM Ambassador Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith encouraging us all to inspire the next generation of women scientists.

#SmP2019 #NPC address. @lisaharveysmith @WomenInSTEMAu speaks passionately and enthusiastically about #WomenInSTEM and the importance of diversity in STEM. Very inspirational pic.twitter.com/T1vYl8WKlP

— Dr Tom Cresswell (@TomCresswell) November 27, 2019

Being inspired to encourage the next generation of scientists by Women in STEM @WomenInSTEMAu Ambassador Professor Harvey-Smith @lisaharveysmith at her @PressClubAust address for Science Meets Parliament week. Important and powerful message. #npc #auspol #science #SmP2019 pic.twitter.com/ma6M1c8rEy

— Matthew Cossey (@Matthew_Cossey) November 27, 2019

Absolutely brilliant talk by @lisaharveysmith at #npc #SmP2019 on supporting Women in STEM. “Don’t ask your girls what colour are the flowers, ask them how many they see”. https://t.co/U56dqKIqhV

— Kelly Walton (@drkellywalton) November 27, 2019

.@lisaharveysmith is outlining the challenges for women in STEM at the #NPC for #SmP2019.

Even if they choose it as a pathway, women leave science careers at an alarming rate.

Harassment, inflexibility and lack of support for *men* to take parental leave all play a role. pic.twitter.com/o2LB1e8rdH

— jonathan jb webb (@jjbw) November 27, 2019

Amongst all these meetings, Science meets Parliament continued to deliver a packed schedule with a variety of talks, panels, parliamentary tours and networking sessions. Highlights included: Meet the Chiefs, Parliamentary Panel, Parliament House beekeeping and geology tours, and concluded with a Parliamentary Friends of Science drinks.

https://twitter.com/Ha_Tanya/status/1199452800729542656

Learning more about the fruits of a genuine partnership between a scientist and parliamentarian with the fabulous @CandiceRaeburn and the Hon @PeterKhalilMP #SmP2019 pic.twitter.com/h3Nhv38twH

— Chris Fulton (@FultoFish) November 26, 2019

https://twitter.com/VOLCANOTEACHER/status/1199472990200578048

Three champions for science in Federal Parliament. Thank you @RichardMarlesMP @AdamBandt @KatieAllenMP for speaking passionately about the need for science and evidence based policy at #SmP2019 @ScienceAU pic.twitter.com/60yTZV4VPi

— tim rawling (@modeltheearth) November 27, 2019

https://twitter.com/VOLCANOTEACHER/status/1199864224538746881

https://twitter.com/JeremyBrownlie/status/1199529381439295489

https://twitter.com/CS_InWaves/status/1199662207480393728

A wonderful day for Science Meets Parliament. It began with a delegation of scientists, who had lots of ideas to solve our nation’s big challenges. It ended with an event for Parliamentary Friends of Science – which I’ve co-chaired since entering parliament almost a decade ago. pic.twitter.com/HG4LwSOcn1

— Karen Andrews MP (@karenandrewsmp) November 27, 2019

Thanks to all of our sponsors, delegates, member organisations and speakers – we couldn’t do it without you!

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