Taking geoscience to Australian parliament
Celebrating science at the 2021 Science Meets Parliament Gala Dinner in Melbourne (left to right): Dr. Samuel Boone, Dr. Rebecca Farrington and Rohan Byrne with science communicator Tanya Ha. Image: Niall Byrne
Across the month of March, five geoscientists from AuScope’s community attended Science Meets Parliament (SmP), an event designed by organiser Science and Technology Australia (STA) to connect scientists with politicians and help raise awareness of why science is so important for Australia’s future. Here, we ask our representatives to share their reflections on SmP, namely how best to communicate the importance of our science for the challenges that Australia now faces.
First, meet the AuScope team
We were pleased to send a team of five along to SmP on our behalf this year, three more than last year since the online format allowed it, including seismologist Prof. Meghan Miller from The ANU (MM), sedimentologist Dr Sara Morón (SM); and from The University of Melbourne, planet builder Rohan Byrne (RB), geochemist Dr Samuel Boone (SB), and geodynamicist Dr Rebecca Farrington (RF).
The AuScope team (clockwise from top-centre): Sara, Rebecca, Sam, Rohan and Meghan. Images: supplied.
AuScope team, how did you feel going into SmP?
MM — I was nervous to be in an environment of politicians and politically active individuals, which is far from my usual working environment. I was looking forward to learning more about policy and Australian Parliament.
SM — I felt excited to have the opportunity to exchange ideas with both policymakers and the Australian scientific community. I was also thrilled to have a forum to showcase the importance of geosciences.
SB — Attending SmP was challenging, and thus exciting, taking me out of my comfort zone by providing me the opportunity to communicate my work with scientists and policy makers outside of my field.
“It was pretty unreal! SmP was something I’d aspired to do for years, so it was giddying to finally be going as a representative of an organisation I really believe in - and with an important message to boot.” — Rohan Byrne
And what about heading out?
MM — The meeting with the parliamentarian was excellent and I wish we had an additional opportunity to speak with others during SmP. It was fascinating to talk to and hear from other scientists far beyond my own field.
SM — Meeting with Dr. Anne Webster MP and the other SMP delegates to discuss the importance of diversifying energy sources and investment on technologies to improve water security was a great experience.
SB — My SmP experience has left me with greater confidence communicating my scientific opinion to a wider audience.
RB — All I could think was “I have to go back!” We got such a good reception, but there’s still so much we need to do to give Australian geoscience the platform it deserves.
What were your highlights?
MM — Speaking with Daniel Mulino MP and the other SmP delegates during that meeting. He was clearly interested in what each of the delegates did and it was fantastic that all of the delegates had linked, although very diverse scientific fields, so we could build the conversation based upon others’ work.
WATCH: Daniel Mulino MP addresses parliament to report his experience at SmP 2021, including meeting Professor Meghan Miller from The ANU / AuScope Earth Imaging to learn about Australian seismology research.
“Today, I met a woman working at the cutting edge of seismology, physics and geology, helping us to gain a better understanding of tectonics and greater warnings of earthquakes.” — Daniel Mulino MP
SM — Dr Cathy Foley’s first major address as Australia’s Chief Scientist. She talked about several topics that are directly aligned with geosciences, such as climate change, clean energy future and food security. Lithium and the energy transition were mentioned during question time, showcasing the importance of geosciences. The session I enjoyed the most was ‘How to be a great ambassador for the stem sector’ and it was great to see that there was a Parliament House Geology Tour.
On 17 March 2021 Dr Cathy Foley delivered her inaugural National Press Club Address as part of SmP. Cathy’s priorities are developing Australia’s digital capability, STEM education, diversity in the research community, and open access to research data and tools for national benefit. Image: National Press Club. Image: Getty Images
“History tells us that science works best when there is a sense of urgency… Now it’s time to bring those lessons to the challenges that come next.” — Dr Cathy Foley
SB — Speaking with Josh Wilson MP about the need for greater government investment in geoscience research capacity and capability was very rewarding, as he seemed genuinely sympathetic to the idea that greater strategic investment in science is critically important for national prosperity.
RB — Asking tough questions and getting them answered - then getting my tweets about those questions retweeted by the people who answered them! It was a small but addicting taste of agenda-setting.
Check out Rohan’s most engaging Twitter discussion from SmP. Image: supplied
What advice would you give to geoscientists about raising the profile of geoscience?
MM — Speak to everyone about what you do! And explain that geoscience is incredibly interdisciplinary and is much more broad than most people realise. It blends and uses most of the fundamental sciences to understand our diverse, complex Earth.
SM — ‘The silence of the wise hurts more than the noise of the ill-informed’. Educate people about the importance of understanding the planet we live on! There is no planet B! Without understanding how the Earth works we cannot efficiently manage the Earth. Use every available medium and platform to communicate your message.
“Through discussions with other Australian scientists and policy makers, I came to realise that geoscience is of real national importance, with wide implications for climate, environmental, economic and social prosperity. So, share your experience and knowledge as a geoscientist to others because they may have wider significance than you think.” — Dr Samuel Boone
RB — Engage anywhere you can, and with as diverse an audience as you can find. Geoscience really can cut through with people - but you have to reach out to them first.
CONTRIBUTORS
Prof. Meghan Miller, Dr Sara Morón, Rohan Byrne, Dr Samuel Boone and
Dr Rebecca Farrington
LEARN MORE ABOUT SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY AUSTRALIA (STA)
STA is Australia’s peak body in science and technology. We 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.