Issue 68 Contents

Elizabeth Krenske holds an honours
degree in Chemistry from the University
of Queensland. She is currently completing
a PhD in synthetic inorganic chemistry at
the Research School of Chemistry, The
Australian National University. She joined
WISENET in 2002.

The first Science meets Parliament for the new parliamentary term was held on 8–9 March 2005. Scientists’ attendance this year set another new record. Amongst the 220 delegates, the diversity of disciplines, origins, and career profiles provided an excellent snapshot of contemporary Australian Science.

On Briefing Day at the National Press Club, the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS) advised us that four special topics demanded our collective affirmative stance: climate change, the National Water Initiative, research infrastructure funding, and science-based productivity. The latter two of these in particular formed key themes of a luncheon address by the Honourable Dr Brendan Nelson, Minister for Education, Science and Training, who outlined the course plotted for his department over the next few years.

"WISENET is well
placed to play an
advisory role"

The core of SmP is, of course, the personal meetings between scientists and interest-matched parliamentarians or advisors at Parliament House. My own meeting was scheduled with Dr Jade Sharples, Science Advisor to Dr Brendan Nelson. I can report that Dr Sharples is a keen advocate for the importance of flexible career frameworks in Australian science. The issues of more productive postdoctoral training opportunities, career-track security, and a higher profile for Industry in universities were raised by the three early-career scientists participating in the meeting and were noted by Dr Sharples for further action. These are matters on which WISENET is well placed to play an advisory role during the upcoming DEST policy revisions.

Aside from the personal appointments with parliamentarians, SmP also provided a forum for open discussion on current issues. A case study on stem cells by Biotechnology Australia illustrated the influence of public concern on the fate of contentious new technology. The challenges and opportunities posed in strengthening Australia’s science/ technology workforce were addressed at a round-table entitled “Mobility and Flexibility in the Global Science and Technology Labour Market”. The role of science as a foundation for decision-making was examined through a discussion of climate change. Finally, a Hypothetical on a viral pandemic event brought together a panel of experts to evaluate strategies for handling this very real threat.

WISENET was represented in particular at the forum on the labour market. This forum was attended by the Honourable Phillip Barressi, member representing the Minister for Workplace Participation, and by Senator Penny Wong, Shadow Minister for Workplace Participation.

First, a contextual orientation on Australia’s Brain Drain problem was provided by Dr Fiona Wood (University of New England), who identified the root causes and the priorities for national action.

Following this, a presentation from myself outlined how the issues confronting early-career researchers might be addressed for the national benefit. Mr Baressi

noted with interest my suggestion to lengthen the ARC Funding Agreements’ suspension-time limit. To do so would enable committed researchers to maximise the outcomes from their funding, by placing it in trust during the critical early years of their children's lives and resuming intensive research only when the demands on their productivity have stabilised. Interestingly, the perspectives that I gave on work–life balance in connection with this point were echoed by Dr Russell Barrow (Australian National University). Dr Barrow expanded on the theme by advocating for a more inclusive definition of ‘Early-Career Researcher’ in the ARC competition.

I also made a case for redirecting the funding that is currently allocated to the lowest-ranking PhD scholarships into a new initiative for establishing postdoctoral fellowships at the same institutions. This would not only redress the attrition that arises from the mismatch between PhD and postdoctoral placings, but would provide the ultimate double benefit of raising institutions’ research quality. Dr Barrow also pointed out that changes to the peer review process were needed in order to engender greater accountability amongst researchers in their stewardship of grant money.

I indicated that, compared to other countries, Australia is disadvantaged by the lack of a centralised internet portal through which industry-based scientific opportunities over the whole spectrum are advertised. The question of how to forge closer links between Universities and Industry was taken up further by Senator Wong. Prof Rob Norris (Monash University; FASTS) elaborated by reference to FASTS’ bid to create an industry postdoctoral training scheme, through which scientific expertise would both strengthen technological development and filter into organisations’ management structure.

During discussion time, comments were also made by the WISENET members, Robyn Porter (Capital Hill Consulting) and Dr Anna Robinson (ANU). The forum generated positive responses from both parliamentarians present, and I am hopeful that our suggestions will be carried through to a workplace model that is more inclusive for men and women.

In addition to the formal meetings, there were valuable opportunities for networking and further discussion. A Government–Industry–Science dinner was held in the Great Hall of Parliament House, with guest speaker Dr Caroline Kovac, General Manager of IBM Healthcare and Life Sciences. Early-career scientists were given special focus at a breakfast organised at Parliament House. At this year’s SmP, women comprised roughly one-third of participants, which is a pleasing record for our time.

My own experiences and those of the other scientists I spoke with were encouragingly productive. We await the outcomes of our contribution in the upcoming months.