This years’ Science Meets Parliament 2021 transitioned to a mostly virtual event and I must admit, I enjoyed this format thoroughly. The format involved shorter sessions scheduled throughout March, which made it much easier to attend amongst other work and family commitments. This extended program was in conjunction with 2 full days of focused sessions with seminars on topics such as “How to speak to a Parliamentarian” and “How to be a great ambassador for the STEM sector”. There was a lot of great advice given by both the panellists and in the chat board from attendees.
There were plenty of opportunities to socialise and network with evening sessions that involved some fantastic speakers and Zoom break-out rooms. We were frequently sorted into a Zoom room with around 5-10 other attendees to learn a little about what they were doing. Certainly everyone I met through these Zoom rooms were highly engaging and enthusiastic – and like most scientists, curious about the science that everyone else was working on.
I think I most benefited from the discussions revolving around how (and when) to present your science to the media – and how best to present high level scientific achievements in terms that the general public will understand and be interested in (training that I have put to good use just recently).
The absolute highlight for me however, was the National Press Club address by Cathy Foley. I always love to hear Cathy speak and her words for progressing science in Australia were inspirational.
—by Kirrily Rule (ANSTO)
A new type of Meet-and-Greet opportunity with Federal Member Dr. Anne Webster discussing the Energy needs of Australia and the Mallee district. Thanks also to fellow Science Meets Parliament attendees Caitlyn Broberg and Sara Moron-Polanco for their insight into this engaging conversation.