Science Meets Parliament featured a comprehensive training program designed to strengthen relationships between federal Parliamentarians and professionals in science and technology. Participants gain valuable insights into effective engagement strategies with policymakers, while federal Parliamentarians have the opportunity to connect with leading experts in science and technology.
Helena and Adyya shared insights into their experience and how they were able to make the most of this opportunity.
Helena Rodi
“If you are a researcher, I highly encourage you to take part in SMP- it’s an invaluable opportunity to connect, learn, and make a real impact.”
To read more on Helena’s research, download her Science Meets Parliament infographic on Transforming Cancer care in Australia.
Read more about Helena Rodi.
Adyya Gupta
This year Science Meets Parliament (SMP) completed its 25th year. It was attended by over 400 STEM professionals from Australia and 100 parliamentarians. Over the two days, I had the opportunity to learn from many parliamentarians and STEM leaders their insights on policy making process and on how science can support and shape policies and decisions. Learning the craft of using science communication strategies effectively to pitch key messages to parliamentarians was a big focus of the event. My two of the most particular highlights of the event were to attend the National Press Club Address by Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic MP and observe question time in the House of Representatives. Minister Huse’s announcement of the release of the Government’s discussion paper for its Strategic Examination of R&D to promote the significance of scientific research was well received.
The overall support offered by Deakin University in the lead up to our visit to Canberra to attend SMP was exceptional. This included hearing from a past attendee on their experience, receiving excellent tips on how to prepare our pitch to initiate conversations with policymakers and, advice on finding out about policymakers’ work/interest areas prior to our meetings to help tailor the pitch. We were also supported with developing infographics of our work that we could provide to the parliamentarian after our individual meetings. Advice on following-up with the parliamentarian few days after the SMP was a great one as this has led me to receive an in-person invite from a parliamentarian to discuss my work in more detail with them, which I am very excited about and looking forward to it.
“My key takeaway from the event is to always remember that science isn’t finished until its communicated. As a health researcher trying to make a real-world impact, I highly recommend attending this event to learn how we as health experts can inform evidence-based policy decisions.”
Overall, it was incredible experience. Thank you, Institute for Health Transformation and Health of Social Development, for the support.
To read more on Adyya’s research, download her Science Meets Parliament infographic on Online Food Delivery (OFD) services.
Read more about Adyya Gupta.
