Compiled by Diana Temple
An informal information-exchange liaison has been established between Australian Science Communicators (ASC) and WISENET to allow each organisation to receive newsletters and information of mutual benefit.
Each of the regional groups of WISENET has arranged or has committed to arrange a social gathering for interested local members and friends to publicise the booklet Science Futures, the product of WISENET's successful 1998 science careers project, and to raise the profile of WISENET in each centre.
On September 30th, Sarah Ashmore and Jude Westrup officially launched WISENET's recent publication, 'Science Futures', in Queensland. This was done over a glass of wine at the end of the first day of the Science Teachers of Queensland (STAQ) conference, which was held on the campus of the University of Southern Queensland in Toowomba.
The choice of venue and audience was perfect, with the conference delegates enjoying a chance to wind down after a busy day, whilst still in receptive mood. Sarah spoke briefly about the Science Futures project and the idea behind it. She also introduced WISENET as an organisation, and encouraged people to seek membership for themselves or their schools.
After these formalities the party continued for an hour or so, and Jude and Sarah were approached by many of the delegates with questions and compliments about WISENET and the Science Futures project. It was clear that many teachers have already used the booklet, and have found that it is a welcome addition to classroom discussions and careers activities. We both felft that we had made some new contacts and friends, and were also surprised at the number of familiar faces and old friends in the group. Perhaps that's just a Queensland thing, although there was a sense in which we also felt a shared commitment and interest.
On our homeward journey, after a pleasant Indian meal, we reflected on the continued need for an organisation like WISENET to support and encourage women scientists, and to provide valuable ideas and initiatives which offer an alternative to the more traditional focus which science has received.
Thanks are due to Diana Temple for having the idea of a launch of Science Futures in each State, and to the team of people who initiated and put together the project. Your hard work is certainly appreciated out in the schools. We would also like to thank STAQ for providing us with a venue and a receptive audience for the launch.
In Melbourne, Kate Hawkins organised a collaborative function with Women in Chemistry. WISENET and Science Futures were publicised at the Radford Lecture, given by Professor Suzanne Cory in Melbourne on October 22.
The Wollongong group held an event on October 14 which was addressed by local environmental consultant and business woman Dr Roslyn Muston; invitations went to many local science teachers from schools and the University.
In Perth, Barbara Goldflam of Women in Science and Engineering at the University of WA plans a social event.
Sandra Taylor in Adelaide, Sue Stocklmayer in Canberra and Kirrily Moore in Hobart have similar plans to contact local WISENET members.
The Sydney group has been much occupied with work on the production of Science Futures, which took up much of their time and energy. Sydney members arranged and supervised WISENET displays at two venues during National Science Week.
WISENET'S plans to develop means of bringing science and technology information to women in remote areas had to be shelved when the grant needed to support this project was not forthcoming.
This conference will be held at University of NSW from July 4-9. Registration is due by January 31 1999. WISENET is involved in discussions about a symposium on Women in Science which, at the instigation of Nancy Davis Lewis, Dean of Social Science at the University of Hawaii, is planned for this conference.
Members’ input is welcomed - offers of participation and help are needed.
at the Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney. The Garvan Institute has invited Wisenet's participation in its plans for National Science Week in may 1999. A poster display and possible speaker(s) are planned.
To be held in March 1999. This event, arranged in collaboration with ANZAAS NSW, will be held at North Sydney Boys' High School, where active Wisenet membership secretary Julianne Crowley is Head Science Teacher. The topic will be the Use of Memory Enhancing Drugs in School Exams.
The CSIRO employees' union has contacted Wisenet about its plans for a conference, which are being discussed. Further information will be provided in the next issue of the Journal.