Editorial
Happy 20th birthday WISENET! A little
history… WISENET was formed in 1984 as the outcome of a successful Women’s
Studies Section at the ANZAAS Congress in Canberra in the same year. The idea
of WISENET was proposed by Margarita Bowen of Canberra and Irene Irvine of
Melbourne. The organisation grew as a national linking network and was
incorporated in 1987. The foundation link team was in Canberra with
representatives in other cities: Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide, Brisbane, Perth
and Hobart. The Sydney group took over responsibility for the administration
of the network and production of the journal in 1991; responsibility returned
to Canberra in 2002.
Much has changed over these twenty years in terms of women’s achievements, recognition and participation in all the sciences. The embodiment of those changes is evident in this ‘National’ edition of the WISENET Journal which reflects our transition into the 21st century. Changes include
an amended Constitution reflecting more contemporary aims and objectives
a truly national AGM in 2004 using teleconference and ‘virtual’ e-communication for a trans-Australian meeting
new external membership/subscription service with direct, telephone, internet and credit card payment options
new LISTSERVER email link with all WISENET for readier networking
re-activated Link Groups throughout Australia and the imminent formation of an International Link Group
strong membership of over 150 individual members (with increasing numbers of student and early career members) and contacts to many more through organizational memberships (arrangements for a a new reciprocal membership with Women in Maths, USA also in progress)
journal publication now rotating to each Link Group, facilitating focus on women scientists in different regions of Australia once every three years
inclusion of the WISENET website in PANDORA, the electronic archive of The National Library, Canberra.
continued pro-activity in FASTS including attendance at Board and Council meetings.
These achievements reflect our dynamic, very relevant and increasingly high
profile organization – what next?
Multi/inter/trans-disciplinary seem to be the new words for the 21st century, seemingly emanating from fears of scientists working on their own without regular consultation with the community and without perspective. Of increasing concern is the cry for help from the community to make science more relevant – as this is one of our aims and objectives, WISENET is poised to lead the way.
Anna Robinson