SMP WA 2026 | Science and Technology Australia

Acknowledgement of CountryWe acknowledge the Whadjuk Noongar people as traditional custodians of the land on which this event is held, and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the Perth region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.

About SMP WA

Science Meets Parliament Western Australia is the first state based SMP.

Presented by the WA Office of the Chief Scientist and the Parliamentary Friends of Science, Medical Advancement, Research, Technology and Talent (SMARTT) and supported by the Department of Energy and Economic Diversification, STA is proud to be the SMP WA delivery partner.

SMP WA will be held across 21 - 22 October 2026.

SMP WA features a comprehensive training program designed to strengthen relationships between state Parliamentarians and professionals in science and technology.

Participants gain valuable insights into effective engagement strategies with policymakers, while Parliamentarians have the opportunity to connect with leading experts in science and technology.

Who can attend?

Registration for Science Meets Parliament WA 2026 is not open to the general public. Places are allocated through nominations from SMP WA's partner organisations.

SMPWA 2026 Program

The program is in the process of being finalised and is subject to change.

Day One – Wednesday 21 October 2026

From 8:30 AM	Arrival and registration - WA Government House
9:00 AM	Welcome to Country Official opening of SMPWA2026
9:30 AM	Partner address WA Civics 101 A grounding session on how the Western Australian Parliament and policy process works — the roles of the Legislative Assembly and Legislative Council, and how parliament, executive government and the public service relate to one another.
10:30 AM	Morning break
11:15 AM	Partner address Prepare to Meet a Parliamentarian (Part A) — A Day in the Life A facilitated conversation giving delegates a parliamentarian's-eye view: what they read, how they think, the role of their advisers, and what scientists should know before walking into a meeting.
12:15 PM	Partner address Prepare to Meet a Parliamentarian (Part B) — Practise Your Pitch An interactive session in which each presenter demonstrates their own 'pitch', explaining how they distilled their top three messages. Delegates then break into structured pairs and small groups to practise their own pitch, with peer feedback.
1:00 PM	Lunch (networking / practising your pitch)
2:00 PM	Cultural Capability
2:30 PM	How to Engage with WA Government Departments Practical guidance on navigating departmental structures, identifying the right contacts, making submissions, and influencing policy from outside government.
3:20 PM	Grab-and-go afternoon tea
3:30 PM	Partner address Evidence in the Room: Inquiries, Influence and Impact A two-act, 60-minute session covering: (1) how parliamentary inquiries actually work from a Chair's perspective — what makes evidence and witnesses credible, plus common pitfalls; and (2) senior researchers sharing career-spanning lessons on turning evidence into real policy influence, both inside and outside formal inquiries. Wraps with audience Q&A and a practical takeaway checklist for delegates' Parliament House meetings the next day.
6:30 PM	SMP WA GALA DINNER Hosted by WA Museum A hosted evening bringing delegates together with WA parliamentarians, senior policy advisers, and national and state science sector leaders.
10:30 PM	Gala Dinner Ends

Day Two – Thursday 22 October 2026

10 AM - 3PM

Parliamentary Meetings

On Day Two, delegates will take their research directly to WA Parliament House for a series of one-on-one meetings with Members of Parliament.

Each delegate will be allocated a 30-minute meeting slot within one of three time blocks across the day. Outside of your allocated meeting, there is no additional scheduled program content for Day Two — this gives delegates the flexibility to prepare, network, or make the most of their time in Perth around their meeting slot.

Further etails on time block allocations and meeting logistics will be provided closer to the event.