The goal of this program is to build on the success of Science meets Parliament to help forge even stronger ties between Members of Parliament and science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) professionals.
A further 27 MPs and Senators wish to participate next year, building on the 24 MPs involved in the first two years of the program.
Science & Technology Australia’s (STA) STEM Ambassador Program seeks to:
We offer our Ambassadors advanced skills training to deepen their understanding of how to engage effectively with MPs, Senators and Governments – and how policy is made.
Parliamentarians deepen their understanding of STEM fields, develop closer ties with the STEM community in their constituency, and see even more closely the benefits of evidence-informed policy and stable and long-term support for science.
The STEM Ambassadors program is exclusive to STA members. Successful applicants will be chosen based on the locations of the Parliamentarians who have expressed interest in joining the program. Ambassadors will have to either live or work in the electorate of the participating Parliamentarians and will be selected through a competitive application process. The following will also be taken into consideration when selecting ambassadors:
Science & Technology Australia STEM Ambassadors represent electorates across Australia and have been matched with their local MPs from the political spectrum who have expressed a desire to build stronger scientific networks.
The program encourages the involvement of science in Australian politics and aims to put science and evidence-based policy on the national agenda.
Each Ambassador will meet regularly with their local MP to build associations between Parliament and the broader STEM sector. It enables federal politicians to gain a deeper understanding of the potential impact of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in Australia.
STA advocates for evidence-based, science-informed policy. The STEM Ambassador Program helps to connect our national decision-makers with scientific experts who can give them direct access to research, data and evidence.
STA supports and empowers STEM professionals to become effective advocates for their sector, to make positive change, and to use their work to help build better policy and shape Australia’s future.
Our 24 STEM Ambassadors come from a wide range of science, technology, and engineering mathematics professions, representing a range of sectors.
Applications close midnight 7 February 2021. For more information email csstaff@cpsu.org.au, visit the STA website or apply online.
