Geoscience in focus at Science Meets Parliament 2023
Meet the Science Meets Parliament AuScope Team 2023: Dr Sima Mousavi (ANU) and Dr Sia Ghelichkhan (ANU) Image: AuScope
At this year's Science Meets Parliament (SmP) event, Dr Sima Mousavi (SM) and Dr Sia Ghelichkhan (SG) joined forces to bring the geoscience world to the forefront of policy-making discussions. The team tackled climate conversations, dispelled urban myths and connected with the MPs who make critical policy decisions that shape Australia. We are excited to capture their insights.
AuScope team, how did you feel going into SmP?
SM — Attending Science Meets Parliament was a unique and valuable experience. One of the highlights was engaging in friendly conversations with three prominent politicians, namely Ms Joanne Ryan MP, Mr Rob Mitchell MP, and Hon Ed Husic MP. I was heartened to witness their enthusiasm for advancing STEM in Australia and learn from their insights on achieving this goal.
SG — My initial feeling going into SMP was mixed. On the one hand, it was my first experience of communicating science at such a high level. I was nervous about not saying the right word or not being able to share my message free of jargon in a way that could be accessible to a policymaker.
On the other hand, I was excited because my message might have consequences for policymakers at the highest national level.
In the end, my meetings went well. I had a very fruitful chat with Hon. Madeleine King, MP, about the need for Earth Science education and infrastructure in Australia. And I also got to have many mini-chats with researchers and science advocates about various topics. Overall, it was a day well spent.
What key themes stood out this year at SmP?
SM — Science communication and education
SG — It is hard to boil the whole experience down to a few themes. Still, I found the discussions around science and the urgency to communicate our message to policymakers very useful.
Dr Sima Mousavi catching up with the Hon Rob Mitchell MP, Federal Member for McEwen and the Hon Ed Husic MP. Earthquakes were a hot topic! Image: Dr Sima Mousavi
What were your highlights?
SM — It was particularly intriguing to discover that some politicians mentioned being taught in childhood that Australia doesn't have earthquakes.
This sparked a captivating discussion about the significance of earth science outreach and the necessity of educating Australian students about the potential earthquake hazards in their country.
SG — My highlight is related to a meeting that did not happen! I was scheduled to meet with a climate-science sceptic senator to discuss issues surrounding climate science and evidence for global warming. In preparation for that meeting, I had an hour chat with other climate researchers. I learned so much about various types of evidence that show global trends in climate change. I also learned a lot about engaging in constructive conversation and still having challenging yet respectful discussions with policymakers. The senator was unfortunately called in shortly before our meeting, so we never had the chance to have that discussion.
What advice would you give to geoscientists about raising the profile of geoscience?
SM — One piece of advice I would give geoscientists is to focus on effective communication to raise the profile of geoscience. This can involve collaborating with experts from other disciplines to promote the multidisciplinary nature of geoscience.
SG — Geosciences in Australia, especially solid-Earth geosciences, is commonly associated with coal mining. There needs to be a shift in how the Australian public sees geosciences: we should be able to communicate that the geosciences are more than that: such as modelling future sea levels and exploring for minerals necessary for a transition to green energy. They are all part of the numerous lines of research in which organisations like AuScope are active. A prosperous, stable Australia needs a lot more geosciences.
Dr. Sia Ghelichkhan captures Australia’s chief scientist Dr Cathy Foley advocating for geophysical imagining and modelling as one of the fundamental areas necessary for a prosperous future. Image: Dr Sia Ghelichkhan
What were your key takeaways from SmP?
SM — The discussions I was involved in revolved around the significance of effective communication between policymakers and scientists to bridge the gap between scientific research and policy decisions.
Furthermore, participants emphasised the need for more investment in science education, emphasising engaging and inspiring students to pursue STEM careers.
SG — The critical point for me was realising how essential science communicators are in translating scientific needs and understandings to policymakers and politicians. Understanding science, what it requires as infrastructure, and what it outputs as its findings requires institutions such as Auscope that can engage with the scientific community and policymakers.
PRODUCER/EDITOR
Philomena Manifold (AuScope)
CONTRIBUTORS
Dr Sima Mousavi (ANU)
Dr Sia Ghelichkhan (ANU)
LEARN MORE ABOUT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AUSTRALIA (STA)
STA is Australia’s peak body in science and technology. They represent more than 80,000 scientists and technologists.
Aside from Science Meets Parliament, STA offer professional development opportunities for (geo)scientists
through AuScope’s membership.
Check out STA opportunities.