Member Login - Account - Logout

Science and Technology Australia
  • Home
  • About STA
    • Who is STA?
    • Our history
    • Alliances and Partnerships
    • Board and Executive
    • Governance
    • Work for us
    • Reconciliation Action Plan
    • Policy Vision
    • Policy Wins
  • News and Publications
    • Latest news
    • Reports and publications
  • Our Programs
    • Science Meets Parliament
    • Parliamentary Friends of Science
    • Superstars of STEM
    • Science Policy Fellows Alumni
    • Super STEM communicator workshop
    • STEM Ambassadors
  • Events
    • Science Meets Parliament 2023
  • Membership
    • Our Members
    • Why be a member?
    • Member Benefits Program
    • Join STA
    • Member How-to Guides
    • Login to member portal
    • Register for member portal
  • Contact
    • Media
  • Home
  • About STA
    • Who is STA?
    • Our history
    • Alliances and Partnerships
    • Board and Executive
    • Governance
    • Work for us
    • Reconciliation Action Plan
    • Policy Vision
    • Policy Wins
  • News and Publications
    • Latest news
    • Reports and publications
  • Our Programs
    • Science Meets Parliament
    • Parliamentary Friends of Science
    • Superstars of STEM
    • Science Policy Fellows Alumni
    • Super STEM communicator workshop
    • STEM Ambassadors
  • Events
    • Science Meets Parliament 2023
  • Membership
    • Our Members
    • Why be a member?
    • Member Benefits Program
    • Join STA
    • Member How-to Guides
    • Login to member portal
    • Register for member portal
  • Contact
    • Media
26 March 2020

STA member gathers volunteers for COVID-19 testing surge

virus-4835301_1280

The Australian Society for Microbiology put a call out this week for volunteers trained in microbiology to register to help with extra novel coronavirus testing if needed.

ASM has created a database of scientists who may be able to assist with COVID-19 testing in hospitals or other diagnostics labs across Australia as they ramp up to meet a surge in demand.

Within the first 48 hours alone, more than 1100 skilled scientists and post-grad science students registered.   The number is now at 3700 – and continues to grow.

ASM Ambassador Dr Laurence Luu

The idea for the database came from ASM Ambassador Laurence Luu, a postdoctoral research associate at UNSW.

Dr Luu said his idea was inspired by groups in the UK and US calling for scientists to help with COVID-19 testing.

“The countries that have coped best with COVID-19, and flattened the curve, all had one thing in common – widespread testing,” he said

“At the time, the number of COVID-19 cases in Australia was still low – but the curve was starting to become exponential.”

“We thought it was possible that more and more tests would be required as the number of cases in Australia start to increase and hospitals and diagnostic labs may need additional help.”

“The escalating number of those recommended to be tested for COVID-19 requires not only more test kits, but skilled scientists that can perform these tests,” Dr Luu said.

ASM Vice President Dr Rebecca LeBard, a senior lecturer at UNSW, said the society had been overwhelmed by the response, and was still looking for more skilled people who are ready to be deployed.

ASM Vice President Dr Rebecca LeBard

“We have a particular need for people that could be employed in short-term contracts. That is, skilled scientists that are not currently employed full time.

“We are also interested in those who have accredited National Association of Testing Authorities training, though scientists with the necessary skills could receive this training if the need arises,” Dr LeBard said.

ASM is asking volunteer scientists to provide their qualifications, professional background, and relevant skills such as RNA isolation, qPCR or training to work in an accredited NATA laboratory.

“We also ask if individuals are willing to be contacted should there be a need for molecular biology reagents required for testing. We will only share these details for the purposes of needing COVID-19 testing,” Dr LeBard said.

Science & Technology Australia Chief Executive Misha Schubert said it was inspiring to see an STA member organisation play this role in the fight against novel corona virus.

“The challenges of 2020 – from bushfires, air quality, drought and flood through to the current COVID -19 crisis – have focused the public’s mind on the value of the deep expertise being  available to us in moments of challenge or crisis,” she said.

“The ASM – and so many of our members– have deployed magnificently to help in the fight against this virus. In moments of great challenge like these, it’s a powerful resource to the nation to have this level of expertise readily deployable. It’s a key part of our nation’s defence.”

“Congratulations to ASM for their outstanding work – and our thanks to all of our members working hard on the frontlines of this fight. Seeing so many experts coming together to help slow the spread of the virus is a proof-point of the incredible value of our national scientific workforce,” Ms Schubert concluded.

Add your details to the database and please help spread the word.

Share
Previous StoryLeading through uncertainty – a webinar
Next StoryAustralia can’t afford to lose R&D investment in recovery

Related Articles

  • Ed Husic MP National Press Club Address SMP 2023
    Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic's National Press Club address - Science Meets Parliament 2023
  • STA_Sparklabs_Cultiv8_webStory
    Win up to $100,000 investment to commercialise your clean agri-food technology

ABOUT US

Science & Technology Australia (STA) is Australia’s peak body in science and technology. We represent more than 115,000 scientists and technologists. STA is an influential voice for evidence and expertise in public policy.

Recent news

  • Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic’s National Press Club address – Science Meets Parliament 2023
  • Win up to $100,000 investment to commercialise your clean agri-food technology
  • Industry and Science Minister Ed Husic’s Welcome speech to Science Meets Parliament 2023

Our members

  • All Members
  • Agricultural and Food Sciences
  • Aquatic Sciences
  • Biological Sciences
  • Chemical Sciences
  • General Science and Technology
  • Geographical and Geological Sciences
  • Mathematical Sciences
  • Medical and Cognitive Sciences
  • Physical Sciences
  • Plant and Ecological Sciences
  • Technological Sciences

Search for news

Most popular

  • SMP 2023 scholarships: open now
  • STA backs Voice to Parliament
  • Nine scoop a scholarship to Science Meets Parliament
  • A science future fund to supercharge economic growth: Budget 2023
  • Win up to $100,000 investment to commercialise your clean agri-food technology

Sign up to our newsletter

STA PRIVACY POLICY

OTHER STA POLICIES

Twitter feed

  • RT @sooJeeBee: Thank you Serena Williams and family for your deadly welcome to Ngunnawal country and President of @ScienceAU @prof_hutchins…
  • RT @cosmicpudding: Ready and waiting for our #smp2023 meeting with @Josh4Freo! Looking forward to discussing #science, #astronomy and the f…
  • RT @harisazizk: Meeting with Education minister @JasonClareMP, on ARC, pathways for ECRs & other issues. @tiahnijade @ScienceAU #smp2023…
  • Finding out about forging a new golden era of science at #ScienceMeetsParliament - @ScienceAU President… https://t.co/T7nfDABg3c
Follow us

Science and Technology Australia Limited (ACN 664 679 056 and ABN 71 626 822 845) (STA) is a company limited by guarantee. STA was formerly known as Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies Inc and was authorised under section 82 of the Associations Incorporation Act 1991 (ACT) to transfer its registration under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) to its new company structure on 3 January 2023.

Registered charity logo
Click here for more info
  • HOME
  • News and media releases
  • Become a member
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact

Copyright © 2023 Science & Technology Australia. All Rights Reserved