Science Meets Parliament (SMP)

Science meets Parliament (SMP) is an annual event that brings together over 200 scientists from all over the country for face-to-face meetings and forums with Parliamentarians in Canberra. SMP is a fantastic opportunity for scientists to experience the buzz of Capital Hill and to inform political leaders about their individual research and future projects. Each year the ASA sends representatives to this event. This page summarises some information of use to the Socitey’s representatives at the meeting.

About SMP

SMP is a science communication event that is coordinated by Science & Technology Australia (STA). More information about SmP is available on the STA website.

One of the aims and objectives of SMP is “To provide scientists with a unique professional development opportunity to get a clear sense of the competing rationalities of science, politics and public policy.”

The event takes place over multiple days (usually in person, but online or hybrid in days of Covid). Scientists attend briefings and will hear from experienced lobbyists, parliamentary staffers and politicians themselves about how they can engage politicians successfully. Attendees will explore behind the scenes at Parliament House where well over 100 formal meetings between the scientists and Parliamentarians take place.

There is also a series of ancillary events that are held over the multiple days including breakfast briefs, forums and a National Press Club address. There is usually a formal Parliament House dinner held in the Great Hall. SMP is an event that assists science advocacy because it addresses the important question of “What does Australia gain from public investment in science”.

 

Attending SMP

As a Science & Technology Australia member society the ASA is assured of at least two places. However, there may be spaces available for additional nominees particularly in areas of high demand from Parliamentarians. Limited funds are available to support ASA members to attend SMP.

The SmP registration process begins early in the calendar year. The ASA Council consider the nominees who can register to attend this event. Nominees must be ASA members. STA ask that people who have already attended two or more SmPs do not register so as to provide opportunities for newcomers. STA also request that member societies explicitly target early and mid-career researchers.

Attending SMP

As a Science & Technology Australia member society the ASA is assured of at least two places. However, there may be spaces available for additional nominees particularly in areas of high demand from Parliamentarians. Limited funds are available to support ASA members to attend SMP.

The SMP registration process begins early in the calendar year. The ASA Council consider the nominees who can register to attend this event. Nominees must be ASA members. STA ask that people who have already attended two or more SmPs do not register so as to provide opportunities for newcomers. STA also request that member societies explicitly target early and mid-career researchers.

Preparation

Before the event ASA attendees should organise the following:

  • Information Packs to hand out to Parliamentarians.
  • Personalised Business Cards to hand out to each person they meet.
  • Suitable Attire – “Business Attire” for both days and “Lounge Suit” or “Day Dress” for the Parliament Dinner (i.e. nice but not overly formal).
  • One upbeat, clear and concise sentence that describes their research (in case they cross paths with the Prime Minister).
  • Early registration and request to be included in the Breakfast Forums (limited availability).
  • Contact past SMP attendees for their advice.

The ASA Council will assist by providing a Briefing Sheet. More information can be found on the Science & Technology Australia site.

Attendees should provide a written report to the ASA council describing their SMP experience. Any ASA member who is interested in attending SmP should contact the ASA President.

Astronomers who have attended SMP

Note: sometimes nominated by other paths rather than officially representing the ASA

SMP2023

  • Karl Glazebrook (Swin)
  • Sara Webb (Swin)
  • Rami Mandow (MQ/CSIRO)
  • Vanessa Moss (CSIRO)
  • Stas Shabala (UTas – as part of his Chief Scientist secondment role)

SMP2022

  • Themiya Nanayakkara (Swin)
  • Jonathan Bland-Hawthorn (USYD – ASA VP)
  • Rossana Ruggeri (UQ)

SMP2021 – online only and not considered a very effective meeting

  • Katie Auchettl (UMelb)
  • Jackie Blondell (Swin)
  • Katie Jameson (CSIRO)
  • Ilya Mandel (Monash)
  • Dan Zucker (MQ)
  • Stuart Ryder (AAL-Supported)

SMP2020 – Event not held due to COVID

SMP2019 – postponed to later in the year due to the election

  • Cath Trott (Curtin – attended as Board Member for the Physical Sciences Cluster)
  • Sabine Bellsted (Curtin)
  • Richard McDermid (MQ)
  • Science meets Business – Cath Trott

SMP2018

  • Krzysztof Bolejko (UTas)
  • Elisabete da Cunha (UWA)
  • Science meets Business – Stuart Wyithe and Lisa Kewley

SMP2017

  • Gemma Anderson (ICRAR Curtin)
  • Sarah Reeves (Museum of Applied Arts and Science, incorporates Sydney Observatory)
  • Andrew Casey (Monash)

SMP2016

  • Vanessa Moss (CSIRO)
  • Brent Groves (RSAA)
  • Minh Huynh (CSIRO) Registration only

SMP2015

  • Ivy Wong (UWA)
  • Alan Duffy (Swin – as an Exec member of STA and attended in that capacity)
  • Science meets Policymakers – Anne Green (USYD) and John O’Byrne (USYD)

SMP2014

  • Julie Banfield (CASS/RSAA)
  • Caroline Foster (AAO)
  • Chris Lidman (AAO)
  • Michael Murphy (Swin)
  • David Parkinson (UQ)

SMP2013 – scheduled later in the year and then postponed due to an election

SMP2012

  • Amanda Bauer
  • Sarah Martel
  • Gayandhi de Silva (AAO)
  • Shari Breen (CASS)
  • Cathryn Trott (Curtin) as Council member
  • Stas Shabala (UTas)

SMP2011

  • Daniel Bayliss (RSAA) representing ‘Fresh Science”
  • Sarah Brough (AAO)
  • Marc Duldig (UTas) as the Physical Sciences Board Memberber, AIP President, ASA Secretary
  • George Hobbs (CSIRO)
  • John O’Byrne (USYD) as ASA Secretary

SMP2010

  • Amanda Karakas (RSAA)
  • Lisa Harvey-Smith (USYD)
  • Daniel Price (Monash)
  • Simon O’Toole (AAO) as a Union rep rather than as an ASA member

SMP2009

  • Darren Croton (Swinburne)
  • Geraint Lewis (USYD)

SMP2008

  • Warwick Couch (Swin) as ASA President
  • Mary Mulcahy (ATNF)
  • Scott Croom (USYD)
  • Harvey Butcher (RSAA Director) at own cost

SMP2007 – none

SMP2006

  • Brian Schmidt (ANU)
  • Andrew Hopkins (USYD)

SMP2005 – Moved to early in the year from late in previous years

  • 8 members attended – 6 funded by the ASA – Peter Price was one.

SMP2004 – Not held – see comment for 2005.

SMP2003

  • Anne Green (USYD) ASA President
  • Burton (UNSW)
  • Mardling (Monash)
  • Davis (UNSW)
  • Travouillon (UNSW)

SMP2002

  • John Storey (UNSW)
  • Michael Burton (UNSW)

SMP2001

  • Brian Schmidt (RSAA) Own cost
  • John Storey (UNSW)
  • Mike Bessell (RSAA)

SMP2000

  • Michael Burton (UNSW)

SMP1999

  • Maurizio Toscano (Melb) student member (about to Submit PhD thesis)
  • Carole Jackson (RSAA)