In 2026 Science & Technology Australia (STA) will pilot a new generational change program to fundamentally reset leadership in science and technology industries and transform our nation’s economy. Science Meets the Economy will equip STEM professionals with an understanding of the business world and the economy, enabling them to translate science and evidence in meaningful ways for businesses.
About Science Meets the Economy
The Science Meets the Economy program will be a 3-day in-person intensive for cohorts of approximately 30 leaders. The program will cover the fundamentals of business-focussed governance, economics and regulation.
Participants will learn to translate and communicate scientific concepts into business value propositions that resonate with non-technical stakeholders. They will understand business drivers and constraints and be able to identify where scientific expertise can add strategic value to businesses.
To receive updates about the program and how you can participate please register your interest.
Who is Science Meets the Economy for?
Science meets the Economy is for STEM sector leaders currently in or aspiring to executive, or strategic leadership roles. The program will help accelerate people who are focused on developing their capacity to execute organisational vision.
After completing the program participants will understand the full ecosystem they are operating in and have the skills to navigate it successfully.
When will the program run?
The pilot program will run in late 2026. You can register your interest using the link above to receive updates.
What will you learn?
Participants in Science Meets the Economy will learn how to:
- Translate complex scientific concepts into business value propositions that resonate with non-technical stakeholders.
- Assess business drivers and constraints to identify where scientific expertise can add strategic value.
- Articulate the value of what scientists and technical professionals bring to corporate, business and strategic decision-making processes.
Australia is facing unprecedented science and technology challenges from climate adaptation to AI disruption. We have exceptional science and tech leaders with deep expertise in their discipline but their training doesn't always include an understanding of how science interacts with the economy and how to help Australian businesses navigate these modern challenges.
Science Meets the Economy addresses this gap by developing leaders who can engage confidently with business and lead strategically within their organisations and the broader economy.
Jas Chambers - STA President
Partnership opportunities
Science Meets the Economy will build a stronger R&D and evidence-based environment in Australia where STEM professionals contribute to strengthening the economy as board members, partners in strategy and investment planning, and trusted advisers. If you share our vision, partner with STA to support Science Meets the Economy and build this generational change.
Benefits of partnership
By partnering with Science Meets the Economy your organisation will secure strong visibility as a leader in a diverse audience of agenda-setters, key decision-makers, and industry influencers.
Powerful brand exposure: Your organisation's logo and branding will be prominently displayed on Science Meets the Economy 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 contribute to discussions, share expertise, showcase innovative projects, position yourselves as a leader in the field and enhance your reputation.
Networking opportunities: The Science Meets the Economy dinner will bring together a diverse group of participants, including STEM professionals, business leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders. Partnership comes with networking opportunities, allowing you to connect with key stakeholders, explore collaborations, and expand your professional networks.
Access to insights and professional development: Your organisation and program participants will gain access to world class professional development. As a partner you will have networking opportunities with program participants enabling you to identify talent for your future workforce.
Enquiries:
If you have any enquiries about the program please contact:
Dr Sandra Gardam info@sta.org.au ph: (02) 6257 2891
Partnership levels
Functions
- One ticket to attend the Science Meets the Economy dinner.
Participation
- One registration in the pilot program for a member of your staff.
Acknowledgement and logo
- Acknowledgement as a Partner pre-event & during event.
- STA will amplify your partnership announcement on social media.
- Logo prominently displayed on the program website.
- Verbal acknowledgment of your organisation’s support throughout the program.
Functions:
- Two tickets to attend the Science Meets the Economy dinner
Speaking opportunities:
- Opportunity to deliver an address during Science Meets the Economy.
Acknowledgement and logo
- Acknowledgement as a Partner pre-event & during event.
- STA will amplify your partnership announcement on social media.
- Logo prominently displayed on the program website.
- Verbal acknowledgment of your organisation’s support throughout the program.
- Advertisement in the program materials.
Functions
- One ticket to attend the Science Meets the Economy dinner.
Acknowledgement and logo
- Acknowledgement as a Partner pre-event & during event.
- STA will amplify your partnership announcement on social media.
- Logo prominently displayed on the program website.
- Verbal acknowledgment of your organisation’s support throughout the program.
Participation
- One registration in the pilot program for a participant from an under-represented group,
- Travel, accommodation and transfers to enable the scholarship recipient's attendance.
- Opportunity to assist STA staff with assessing scholarship applications.
- Opportunity for in-person or virtual meet & greet with recipient of scholarships.
Acknowledgement and logo
- Acknowledgement as a Partner pre-event & during event.
- Logo recognition in media release announcement of scholarship winners.
- STA will amplify your partnership announcement on social media.
- Logo prominently displayed on the program website.
- Verbal acknowledgment of your organisation’s support throughout the program.
- Logo in the program materials.