RT @reNEW_Global
@reNEW_Global research was well represented to members of the Australian #Parliament, with Ritika Saxena @RitikaSxn, Dr Beth Stout @ethbey and Dr Adam Piers from @MCRI_for_kids attending #SMP2023 through reNEW's training and capacity building program.

https://renew.science/stories/renew-melbourne-research-highlighted-to-politicians-and-policy-makers/

Some pics from our Science meets Parliament event over last few days. Was really good to hear our Parliamentarians passionately talk about astronomy, and really great to have the privilege to spend time chatting with Senator Peter Whish-Wilson about pulsars and science in general.

Got to meet lots of cool people, like Prof. Brian Schmidt and CSIRO CEO Dr Larry Marshall.

Got dressed up for the Gala and spent time with many astro colleagues from around our country.

Thanks to the Astronomical Society of Australia for the opportunity to be one of our community's delegates!

#SmP2023

Feeling super grateful to be selected as one of the
Astronomical Society of Australia delegates to head to our nation’s capital on 22/3, for this year’s Science meets Parliament event - where we get to meet our elected officials, talk science, and experience our legislative houses.

Honoured to have been selected by Astro. Society of Australia actually - I never thought little ol' me, who is very new to science, would get such a fantastic opportunity to do something like this. Even more so that I will be heading in with two other wonderful astronomers from Swinburne Uni (my old Uni) - Dr Sara Webb and Prof. Karl Grazebrook.

Super excited to share my research, and my experiences on coming into academia later in life, rather than following the traditional pathway. And of course the vitally important role of science communication in our communities.

The funniest coincidence is that our Prime Minister is my local member, so it would be kinda hilarious if I got to speak to him - though, I think I'd have a better chance at having a casual chat with him at one of our local pubs in our suburb!

#SmP2023

Fascinating session with parliamentarians at Science Meets Parliament #SmP2023 Online today. Not only were the matters discussed interesting, but most of the panel were called away after the "bells" started to ring for votes in the House/Senate.

It was a vivid demonstration of our #democracy in action and reminder that our representatives do take their responsibilities very seriously.

Our MPs are fellow people and perhaps the public personas we see in the media make us lose sight of that.

An honour to hear from Dr Katalin Karikó at the keynote for Day 2 of Science Meets Parliament #SmP2023.

I was really struck by both her modesty and resilience as she recounted her journey as a scientist working on #mRNA. For her it was always about the science and clinical outcomes; rather than promotions and papers.

I hope to emulate her optimism and grit, and find those collaborators and colleagues that help you through the lean times.

https://sta.eventsair.com/science-meets-parliament-2023/agenda

Really thoughtprovoking panel session at #SmP2023 on #FirstNation Knowledges.

It's moving to hear directly from #indigenous people about their deep connection to country, complemented by their willingness to share knowledge and practice with us late comers.

I was reminded that no matter what I'm working on I'll be impacting both people and country; and these aren't separate entities to be addressed independently but linked.

How might my research bring mutual benefit to First Nations people?

Panelists from Session 3 of Day 1 of #SmP2023 provided some great guidance about how to effectively engage with policymakers.

- Tell a story: don't only convey technical information.

- Be quick to your point: your first words need to catch attention. Followup is forthcoming if you secure interest quickly.

- Answer the question, making sure it is a question that is meaningful to the asker.

- Give MPs the benefit of the doubt and be ready to listen too. They are curious and want to engage.

Nice summary of #Australia government structure during the #Civics101 session at #SmP2023.

I knew about the green (House of Representatives) and the red (Senate) carpet in #parliament but missed the blue carpet (Executive). It's important for scientists to also engage the relevant public servants who brief ministers on policy.

Protip for finding out whom in parliament shares interest in your area: check the #Hansard and #FriendshipGroups

https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Hansard

https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Friendship

A really rich and insightful #FiresideChat with @tao on Day 1 of #SmP2023.

Here's a few ideas that I found helpful as a new HDR student: