For over twenty years, Science meets Parliament – presented by Science and Technology Australia – has provided researchers and science workers both the space to better understand policymaking and an opportunity to connect directly with elected representatives in Canberra.
Due to Covid restrictions, this year’s Science meets Parliament (SmP) will be structured differently with most of the content delivered online over an expanded, more flexible schedule.
However, the key attractions unique to this conference remain, including inside advice from government and media professionals, meetings with federal parliamentarians and the gala dinner.
The Staff Association supports the attendance of up to four participants from the union’s membership. These attendees also form part of a larger cohort from CSIRO, which is a major sponsor of the event.
Staff Association members interested in attending the event should email a brief expression of interest (EOI) to csstaff@cpsu.org.au by 17 February 2021.
The EOI should describe the work performed at CSIRO and reasons for the interest in attending SmP.
Science and Technology Australia (STA) is also providing a limited number of scholarships to attend the event, across several categories, for members or employees of a STA member organisation.
Meetings with Parliamentarians will be scheduled from 18 March to 1 April, at various times arranged by the conference organisers.
| Date | Description | Duration |
| Tuesday 2 March | Understanding Machinery of Government | 1 hour |
| Thursday 4 March | Preparing your pitch: convey your STEM work with impact | 1 hour |
| Tuesday 9 March | How to ‘Marie Kondo’ Your Writing | 1 hour |
| Thursday 11 March | Science: essential expertise in uncertain times | 1 hour |
| Monday 15 March | Welcome reception | 90 minutes |
| Tuesday 16 March | Keynote address, sessions on public service and policymaking, communicating science expertly, preparing to meet a Parliamentarian, writing persuasive submissions and briefs, Capital Hill success stories. | All day |
| Wednesday 17 March | National Press Club address, sessions on how to engage with advisors, mentor meetings, Meet the Chiefs. | All day |
| Friday 19 March | ZoomBar networking event | 1 hour |
| Monday 22 March | Indigenous STEM, Parliamentary Forum | Half day |
| Friday 26 March | ZoomBar networking event | 1 hour |
| Monday 29 March | National Gala Dinner | Evening |
| Tuesday 30 March | STEM and the news cycle | 1 hour |
For more information email csstaff@cpsu.org.au or visit the event website.
