Science Meets Parliament 2025
About Science Meets Parliament
Science Meets Parliament is Australia’s premier initiative for fostering meaningful connections between the STEM sector and policymakers. In 2025, we will celebrate 25 years of SMP—join us to mark this phenomenal milestone on 12 and 13 February.
Science Meets Parliament features a comprehensive training program designed to strengthen relationships between federal Parliamentarians and professionals in science and technology. It plays a vital role in integrating STEM expertise into national service.
Participants gain valuable insights into effective engagement strategies with policymakers, while federal Parliamentarians have the opportunity to connect with leading experts in science and technology.
Our national gathering brings together STEM leaders for expert-led professional development, a welcome reception, a Parliamentary forum, a national gala dinner, a televised address at the National Press Club, and intimate meetings with Parliamentarians in small group settings.
A highlight of the Parliamentary calendar, Science Meets Parliament 2025 will provide exceptional opportunities to enhance the visibility and understanding of STEM within Parliament and Australian Government Departments.
Speakers
Welcome to Country and welcome to Science Meets Parliament
At the beginning of SMP2025, Ngunnawal custodian Serena Williams will welcome us to Country. Followed by STA CEO Ryan Winn and STA President Sharath Sriram, who will welcome us to the event.
Serena Williams
Ngunnawal custodian
Ryan Winn
CEO, Science & Technology Australia
Prof Sharath Sriram
President, Science & Technology Australia;
Professor, RMIT University
National Press Club address
Minister for Industry and Science Hon Ed Husic MP will deliver the centrepiece National Press Club address at #SMP2025, where he will share a vision of how science, technology and industry can power Australia's economy and our nation's prosperity.
The Hon Ed Husic MP
Minister for Industry and Science
Gala Dinner: 25th Anniversary of SMP
Celebrate science with a Night at the Museum. Guests will hear from The Governor-General, Her Excellency the Honourable Sam Mostyn AC, and Minister for Industry & Science, Hon Ed Husic MP, who will introduce Australia's Chief Scientist Emeritus Professor Tony Haymet. Also speaking are Shadow Minister for Science, Senator Claire Chandler, and Dr Karin Soldenhoff, representing Gala Dinner sponsor ANSTO.
Her Excellency the Hon
Sam Mostyn AC
The Governor-General
The Hon Ed Husic MP
Minister for Industry and Science
Emeritus Professor
Tony Haymet
Australia’s Chief Scientist
Senator
Claire Chandler
Shadow Minister for Science
Dr Karin Soldenhoff
Principal Consultant
for Minerals, ANSTO
Navigating democracy: A beginner’s guide to civics
Chief Executive of the Australian Academy of Science Anna-Maria Arabia in conversation with the Hon Bill Shorten on how legislation is made, the role of inquiries and committees, and the impact of expert advice on policy.
Anna-Maria Arabia
Chief Executive,
The Australian Academy of Science
Hon Bill Shorten
Vice-Chancellor and President,
University of Canberra
Leading with science: Elevating STEM for economic growth
Professor Sharath Sriram chairs this session covering significant opportunities on the horizon for Australian science.
Prof Sharath Sriram
President, Science & Technology Australia;
Professor, RMIT University
Jas Chambers
President-Elect, Science & Technology Australia;
Chair and Co-founder, Ocean Decade Australia
Dr Raj Aseervatham
National President and Chair,
Engineers Australia
Prof Reuben Bolt
Deputy Vice-Chancellor First Nations Leadership, CDU
From research to reality: The role of policy advisors in decision making
Chaired by Catriona Jackson, former Science & Technology Australia CEO and former Universities Australia Chief Executive, this session features current and former advisors and delves into their insights, the pressures they face, and the most effective strategies for presenting valuable information to them and their leaders.
Catriona Jackson
Former Chief Executive, Universities Australia; Former CEO, Science & Technology Australia
Brooke Curtin
Senior Adviser for Science
to the new Shadow Minister for Science
John Byron
Director, Government Relations & Policy,
QUT
Fiona Scott
Chief of Staff,
Senator David Pocock
Advocacy with impact: Turning passion into action
Chaired by Dr Kathy Nicholson, Australia’s top advocacy leaders share their insights on effective advocacy and how they’ve turned their passion into actionable policy.
Dr Kathy Nicholson
Board Director and Policy Chair, Science & Technology Australia;
Operations Manager, AIML
Feyi Akindoyeni
Founding Partner and Communications,
SEC Newgate Australia
Matthew Cossey
CEO, CropLife Australia
Pitch perfect: How to talk about your science to the media
Chaired by Dr Lila Landowski, learn how to effectively communicate complex science to capture the imagination of policymakers, the public, and the media from some of Australia’s top science communicators.
Dr Lila Landowski
Vice President, Science & Technology Australia;
Lecturer, University of Tasmania
Tanya Ha
Director of Engagement, Science in Public
Dr Nicholas Coatsworth
Health policy expert;
Former Deputy CMO, Australian Government
Dr Vanessa Pirotta
Chief Scientist, Wild Sydney Harbour;
Chief Data Scientist, Rapiscan Systems
The untold stories: Hidden history of Australia
Introduced by Professor Chris Matthews, John-Paul Janke explores the untold history of Australia.
Prof Chris Matthews
Chair, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Mathematics Alliance (ATSIMA);
Board Director, Science & Technology Australia;
Associate Dean (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement), UTS
John Paul Janke
National Indigenous Affairs Editor, NITV;
Co-host, The Point
STEM in the House: Parliamentarians' perspectives
CEO of Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre and STA Governance Chair Mark Stickells AM leads this panel session including Federal MPs and Senators discussing how policymakers access scientific advice, balance competing voices in the debate, and leverage science to shape the nation’s future.
Mark Stickells
CEO, Pawsey Supercomputing
Research Centre;
Governance Chair, STA
Senator Perin Davey
Deputy Federal Leader
of the National Party
Zaneta Mascarenhas MP
Labor Member
for Swan
Aaron Violi MP
Liberal Member
for Casey
Allegra Spender MP
Independent Member
for Wentworth
Senator Steph
Hodgins-May
Greens Spokesperson
for Science
Informed decisions: the research behind the curtain
STA Board Director Professor Steve Rodda chairs this session on informed decision-making. We will hear from the experts from the Parliamentary Library and Parliamentary committees, who synthesise diverse perspectives, translate evidence into actionable advice, and play a vital role in shaping national policy.
Prof Steven Rodda
Board Director, Science & Technology Australia; Pro Vice-Chancellor
(Industry & Innovation),
UNSW Sydney
Jenny Adams
Committee Secretary,
Department of the
House of Representatives
Paul Zinkel
Committee Secretary in the Department of the House of Representatives
Dr Robyn Prior
Senior Researcher,
Parliamentary Library
Hunter Laidlaw
Director (Science, Technology,
Environment & Resources),
Parliamentary Library
Science informing policy: strategic insights from departmental leaders
Chaired by Jas Chambers, this session explores how government departments collaborate to leverage STEM research for policy development, tackle complex challenges, and support Ministers in decision-making.
Jas Chambers
President-Elect, Science & Technology Australia;
Chair and Co-founder, Ocean Decade Australia
Meghan Quinn PSM
Secretary, Department of
Industry, Science and Resources
Drew Menzies-McVey
Assistant Secretary,
Australia’s Economic
Accelerator
Professor Robyn Langham
Chief Medical Adviser,
Therapeutic Goods Administration
Putting Indigenous Communities at the centre
Chaired by Yawuru epidemiologist and the Director of Poche SA+NT Associate Professor Kalinda Griffiths, this panel session explores the importance of collaboration, respect and sovereignty in research initiatives involving Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples.
Assoc Prof Kalinda Griffiths
Director of Poche SA+NT and Assoc Prof, Flinders University
Assoc Prof Raymond Tobler
Population geneticist and
Assoc Prof, ANU;
ARC DECRA fellow
Assoc Prof Summer Finlay
Senior Lecturer (Aboriginal Health)
and Assoc Prof,
University of Wollongong
Tegan Miller
First Peoples Engagement Lead,
CitiPower and Powercor;
Research Fellow,
Atlantic Fellows for Social Equity
Using STEM for the greater good
What does a STEM career look like in 2025? What can scientists do away from the lab or the microscope? Hear from amazing STEM-qualified leaders to learn how they’ve taken their science smarts and skills out of the lab and into the worlds of industry, politics and beyond – for the greater good of the nation.
Prof Mark Hutchinson
Interim Director of the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS);
Professor, University of Adelaide
Senator Mehreen Faruqi
Deputy Leader of the Australian Greens;
Federal Senator
Prof Brett Sutton
Director of Health & Biosecurity, CSIRO; qualified public health physician
Meet a Parliamentarian
What should you know before you meet with your Parliamentarian – and how should you prepare? Hear from Science Meets Parliament veterans and Parliamentary engagement experts on what to expect in your meeting, how to make it a success, and how to follow-up.
Dr Sarah Tynan
Director of Policy and Engagement,
Science & Technology Australia
Kylie Walker
CEO, Australian Academy
of Technology and Engineering
(ATSE)
Assoc Prof Jeremy Brownlie
Director of the Griffith Sciences Partnerships Office, Griffth University;
former President, STA
Boldly go!
Introduced by Dr Jiao Jiao Li, Australian astronaut Katherine Bennell-Pegg in conversation with Nobel Laureate and Distinguished Professor Brian Schmidt.
Dr Jiao Jiao Li
EDI Chair, Science &
Technology Australia;
Senior Lecturer, UTS
Prof Brian Schmidt
Nobel Laureate;
Distinguished Professor, ANU
Katherine Bennell-Pegg
Australian astronaut
Partner speakers
Anthony Murfett
Head Of Division
Technology and Digital,
Department of Industry,
Science and Resources
Dr Karin Soldenhoff
Principal Consultant
for Minerals, ANSTO
Prof Tanya Monro AC
Australia's Chief Defence Scientist,
Defence Science and
Technology Group (DSTG)
Dr Grace Chung
Engineering Director,
Google Research Australia
Prof Andrew Lowe
Director of the Environment Institute,
University of Adelaide
Dr Brianna Le Busque
Program Director of Environmental
Science and Geospatial Science,
University of South Australia
Prof Nick Birbilis
Executive Dean of the Faculty of Science, Engineering & Built Environment,
Deakin University
Dr Maja Cassidy
Director of the Quantum Materials
and Devices Laboratory, UNSW
Prof Ian Hickie
Co-Director, Health and Policy
at Brain and Mind Centre,
The University of Sydney
Doug Hilton AO
Chief Executive,
CSIRO
Scholarship recipients
We congratulate nine talented and emerging STEM leaders awarded an esteemed Science Meets Parliament scholarship for 2025! Learn about the recipients.
With the support of our sponsors, scholarships in six categories were awarded: Disability, First Nations, LGBTQIA+, Neurodivergent, Regional and remote, and Technology. The scholarships are generously sponsored by abbvie, the Australian Academy of Science, the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences & Engineering (ATSE), Australian Technology Network of Universities (ATN), Cerebral Palsy Alliance, CropLife Australia, NCI Australia, Pawsey Supercomputing Centre, and Poche SA+NT at Flinders University.
Partners
Foundation
Titanium
Scholarships
Gold
Coffee Cart
Silver
Podcast
Care Support
Nametags
Partnership Opportunities
Science Meets Parliament celebrates 25 years in 2025.
Don't miss this opportunity to have your brand and staff associated with the biggest SMP yet. See the partnership opportunities section below and partner with us for this momentous occasion.
“"I found all the panel discussions fascinating, I particularly now feel like I have a much better handle on the policy priorities for science in Australia and a greater understanding of how power and influence can be greater exercised by scientists through communication with policy makers.”
SMP Delegate feedback, 2024
“"The gala dinner was a great opportunity for networking."
SMP Delegate feedback, 2024
““I loved the panels - great length, incredible speakers, and really good targeting of key information. I learned so much."
SMP Delegate feedback, 2024
Benefits of Partnership
By partnering with Science Meets Parliament, your organisation will secure strong visibility as a sector leader in a diverse audience of agenda-setters, key decision-makers, and sector influencers.
Powerful Brand Exposure:
Your organisation's logo and branding will be prominently displayed on event collateral, including marketing materials, website, social media platforms, and signage, maximising your brand's visibility and reach.
Thought Leadership Positioning:
As a partner, your organisation will have the opportunity to send delegates to Science Meets Parliament, contribute to discussions, share expertise, showcase innovative projects, position yourselves as a leader in the field and enhance your reputation.
Networking Opportunities:
Science Meets Parliament brings together a diverse group of participants, including scientists, policymakers, industry representatives, and Parliamentarians. Partnership comes with networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with key stakeholders, explore collaborations, and expand your professional networks.
Access to Insights and Policy Developments:
By partnering with Science Meets Parliament, your organisation and delegates will gain access to world class professional development. This event shares invaluable insights on how to shape the Australian policy landscape by giving STEM experts a deeper understanding of how to engage effectively with policymakers.
To read about the success of SMP 2024, download the Impact Report.
Partnership Levels
We offer partnership packages for a wide array of organisational needs and budgets. Detailed information on each of the packages is below. Under each drop-down menu, you’ll find comprehensive information on each partnership level, benefits, and investment levels. We’re also open to discussing customised packages to suit your specific goals and preferences.
Speaking opportunity
- Opportunity to deliver an address during Science Meets Parliament.
- Opportunity to introduce VIP speaker.
Registrations
Eight conference registrations, which includes:
- Attendance at SMP2025 (excludes National Press Club ticket)
- Opportunity to meet with a Member of Parliament (meetings only available for STEM professionals), and;
- Ticket to the Gala Dinner
Functions
Opportunity to invite seven additional guests to the Gala Dinner.
Opportunity to invite five guests to attend the National Press Club address and lunch.
Acknowledgement & logo placement
- Opportunity to display two banners in main conference venue.
- Opportunity to provide delegates with corporate branded hand outs.
- Acknowledgement as Sapphire Partner pre-event & during event.
- Opportunity to highlight your company in bespoke promotion.
- STA will amplify your partnership announcement on social media.
- Logo prominently displayed on the conference website.
- Verbal acknowledgment of your organisation’s support throughout the conference.
- Advertisement in the conference program.
- Logo and website link in conference app.
Speaking opportunity
Opportunity to deliver an address during Science Meets Parliament.
Registrations
Six conference registrations, which includes:
- Attendance at SMP2025 (excludes National Press Club ticket)
- Opportunity to meet with a Member of Parliament (meetings only available for STEM professionals), and;
- Ticket to the Gala Dinner
Functions
Opportunity to invite five additional guests to the Gala Dinner.
Opportunity to invite five guests to attend the National Press Club address and lunch.
Acknowledgement & logo placement
- Opportunity to provide delegates with corporate branded hand outs.
- Acknowledgement as Diamond Partner pre-event & during event.
- Opportunity to highlight your company in bespoke promotion.
- STA will amplify your partnership announcement on social media.
- Logo prominently displayed on the conference website.
- Verbal acknowledgment of your organisation’s support throughout the conference.
- Advertisement in the conference program.
- Logo and website link in conference app.
Speaking opportunity
Opportunity to deliver an address during Science Meets Parliament.
Registrations
Four conference registrations, which includes:
- Attendance at SMP2025 (excludes National Press Club ticket)
- Opportunity to meet with a Member of Parliament (meetings only available for STEM professionals), and;
- Ticket to the Gala Dinner
Functions
Opportunity to invite two additional guests to the Gala Dinner.
Opportunity to invite two guests to attend the National Press Club address and lunch.
Acknowledgement & logo placement
- Acknowledgement as Titanium Partner pre-event & during event.
- STA will amplify your partnership announcement on social media.
- Logo displayed on the conference website.
- Verbal acknowledgment of your organisation’s support throughout the conference.
- Advertisement in the conference program.
- Logo and website link in conference app.
Speaking opportunity
Opportunity to deliver a five-minute welcome address at the Gala Dinner.
Registrations
Two conference registrations, which includes:
- Attendance at SMP2025 (excludes National Press Club ticket)
- Opportunity to meet with a Member of Parliament (meetings only available for STEM professionals), and;
- Ticket to the Gala Dinner
Functions
Opportunity to invite ten guests to the Gala Dinner.
Acknowledgement & logo placement
- Acknowledgement as Gala Dinner Partner pre-event & during event.
- Logo displayed on the conference website.
- Prominent logo branding during the Gala Dinner.
- STA will amplify your partnership announcement on social media.
- Verbal acknowledgment of your organisation’s support throughout the conference.
- Advertisement in the conference program.
- Logo and website link in conference app.
Speaking opportunity
Opportunity to deliver an address during Science Meets Parliament.
Registrations
Three conference registrations, which includes:
- Attendance at SMP2025 (excludes National Press Club ticket)
- Opportunity to meet with a Member of Parliament (meetings only available for STEM professionals), and;
- Ticket to the Gala Dinner
Functions
Opportunity to invite two guests to the Gala Dinner.
Acknowledgement & logo placement
- Acknowledgement as Platinum Partner pre-event & during event.
- Logo displayed on the conference website.
- STA will amplify your partnership announcement on social media.
- Verbal acknowledgment of your organisation’s support throughout the conference.
- Advertisement in the conference program.
- Logo and website link in conference app.
Exclusive opportunity. The nationally televised National Press Club luncheon address will feature a prominent person in the STEM sector. Traditionally attended by conference delegates, Press Gallery journalists, senior members of the business and science sectors, and senior policy makers.
Corporate Signage:
Opportunity to place two free-standing banners at the National Press Club.
Functions
- Opportunity to invite ten guests to the National Press Club address.
- Opportunity to meet with the National Press Club speaker and board prior to the address and lunch.
Acknowledgement & logo placement
- Acknowledgement as National Press Club Partner pre-event & during event.
- Logo displayed on the conference website.
- STA will amplify your partnership announcement on social media.
- Verbal acknowledgment of your organisation’s support throughout the conference.
- Logo and website link in conference app.
Opportunity to be named partner of:
- Parliamentary Forum (SOLD)
- Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Panel
- Science Leadership Dialogue (SOLD)
Speaking opportunity
Opportunity to provide an address prior to the session.
Registrations
Two conference registrations, which includes:
- Attendance at SMP2025 (excludes National Press Club ticket)
- Opportunity to meet with a Member of Parliament (meetings only available for STEM professionals), and;
- Ticket to the Gala Dinner
Acknowledgement & logo placement
- Acknowledgement as Named Session Partner during event period.
- STA will amplify your partnership announcement on social media.
- Logo displayed on the conference website.
- Verbal acknowledgment of your organisation’s support throughout the conference.
- Advertisement in the conference program.
- Logo and website link in conference app.
Registrations
Three conference registrations, which includes:
- Attendance at SMP2025 (excludes National Press Club ticket)
- Opportunity to meet with a Member of Parliament (meetings only available for STEM professionals), and;
- Ticket to the Gala Dinner
Acknowledgement & logo placement
- Logo displayed on the conference website.
- STA will amplify your partnership announcement on social media.
- Verbal acknowledgment of your organisation’s support throughout the conference.
- Advertisement in the conference program.
- Logo and website link in conference app.
Give SMP2025 delegates an opportunity to have a professional headshot taken to update their social media, LinkedIn etc. Delegates can elect to get a photograph taken by a professional photographer.
Registration
One conference registration, which includes:
- Attendance at SMP2025 (excludes National Press Club ticket)
- Opportunity to meet with a Member of Parliament (meetings only available for STEM professionals), and;
- Ticket to the Gala Dinner
Acknowledgement & logo placement
- Opportunity to display one banner beside the photo booth.
- Opportunity to hand-out marketing material to delegates at the photo booth.
- Verbal Acknowledgement as Photobooth Partner during the event.
- Logo displayed on conference website.
- Logo and website link in conference app.
Coffee carts provide an excellent opportunity to promote your brand to delegates at Parliament House during SMP.
Registration
One conference registration, which includes:
- Attendance at SMP2025 (excludes National Press Club ticket)
- Opportunity to meet with a Member of Parliament (meetings only available for STEM professionals), and;
- Ticket to the Gala Dinner
Acknowledgement & logo placement
- Opportunity to display logo and banner at the coffee cart in the venue.
- Opportunity to bring one member of staff to speak with delegates at the coffee cart.
- Logo displayed on conference website.
- Logo and website link in conference app.
Registration
One conference registration, which includes:
- Attendance at SMP2025 (excludes National Press Club ticket)
- Opportunity to meet with a Member of Parliament (meetings only available for STEM professionals), and;
- Ticket to the Gala Dinner
Acknowledgement & logo placement
- Verbal acknowledgement as Silver Partner during the event.
- Logo displayed on the conference website.
- Logo and website link in conference app.
Help us make SMP2025 as sustainable as possible with recyclable name tags and lanyards.
Add your logo to the SMP2025 nametags worn by all delegates attending the event in Parliament House.
Partner benefits
Company logo printed on SMP2025 delegate nametags
Acknowledgement & logo placement
Logo displayed on the conference website.
Your support of the SMP Scholarships enables a STEM professional to access and attend SMP2025
Scholarship categories:
- Disability
- First Nations
- LGBTIQIA+
- Neurodivergent
- Regional & Remote
- Technology
- To propose an additional scholarship category, please contact us.
Partner benefits
- Opportunity to assist STA Staff with assessing scholarship applications.
- Opportunity for in-person or virtual meet & greet with recipients of SMP2025 scholarships.
- Logo recognition in media release announcement of scholarship winners.
Scholarship recipients
- Recipients receive full registration to Science Meets Parliament 2025.
- Travel, accommodation, transfers & meals are provided for the recipients to attend SMP2025 including tickets to the National Press Club lunch and the Gala Dinner.
Acknowledgement & logo placement
- Acknowledgement as Scholarship Partner on all promotion of the scholarships.
- STA will amplify your partnership announcement on social media.
- Logo displayed on the conference website.
- Logo and website link in conference app.
This partnership opportunity enables delegates with care responsibilities to attend the event.
Bursaries (and the sponsor) will be promoted to all delegates to allow attendees with care responsibilities (not limited to the care of children) greater freedom to attend all aspects of the program.
Acknowledgement & logo placement
- Acknowledgement as Carer's Support Partner on all promotion of the bursaries.
- Logo displayed on the conference website.
- Logo and website link in conference app.
Next steps
To discuss these opportunities further, please contact STA’s Director of Events and Membership Lucy Guest. Get in touch here.
We’d be delighted to share more information, arrange a meeting, or tailor a partnership package to meet your organisation’s objectives.
We look forward to working with you as a valued partner of Science Meets Parliament.
Together, we can foster these powerful professional networks that are key to ensuring the deep expertise of our sector is engaged in policy making.
Contact
For enquiries about SMP 2025, please contact:
Lucy Guest
Director of Events and Membership
T: 02 6113 0781
or visit our Contact Us page
This project received grant funding through Inspiring Australia – An Australian Government Initiative.