Science leaders thanked and congratulated former Science Minister Karen Andrews MP, and four eminent Australian scientists explored the STEM research, ideas and innovation to drive Australia's future economy at the year's final Parliamentary Friends of Science event at Parliament House today.
The event heard from multi-award-winning electronics engineer and innovator Professor Madhu Bhaskaran, pharmaceutical industry leader Anne Harris of Pfizer, electrical engineer and founding director of Alinga Energy Consulting Ruby Heard of the Jaru people of the Kimberley, and Chief Defence Scientist Professor Tanya Monro.
This event also marked the final Parliamentary Friends of Science the Hon Karen Andrews MP will attend as co-chair and as a sitting member of Parliament, as she will not contest the next election.
This longstanding Friendship group was launched in September 2012, not long after a decision to start the group was made by Karen Andrews MP and Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles at a Science Meets Parliament event of the same year. The two of them have co-chaired the group for the last 12 years.
On behalf of the 235,000 STEM professionals Science & Technology Australia represents, we thank the Hon Karen Andrews MP for her deep commitment and solid support of science and innovation through the years. Her work has helped to ensure scientific evidence and expertise is known and heard in the halls of power and shared with Parliamentarians through this non-partisan group.
We also thank her for her lifelong efforts to champion STEM, including as an engineer, in her participation at STA's Science Meets Parliament events, in her role as a former Minister for Science, and as a mentor for STA's Superstars of STEM program.
Science & Technology Australia President Professor Sharath Sriram welcomed guests to the event and introduced Ngunnawal custodian Serena Williams. Serena and her daughter Maggie warmly Welcomed us to Country.
Deputy Prime Minister Richard Marles spoke about how he and the Hon Karen Andrews MP made the decision to start the group at a Science Meets Parliament event in 2012. Since then, the group have covered a wide range of topics - starting with stargazing on the roof of Parliament on an overcast night led by Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt. The events have covered everything from quantum to immunisation and climate change to gene tech, and more recently Australia's STEM workforce, AI, and synthetic biology.
Minister for Industry and Science Ed Husic MP praised Karen Andrews' work, particularly around the Modern Manufacturing Strategy.
"We might have different views, but I've always respected the work you do," said Minister Husic.
"It's important we respect and regard those who have come before us and the contributions they've made, and I wish you the very best."
We then heard from our panel of superb scientists.
Professor Madhu Bhaskaran talked about developing wearable sensors for early diagnosis of diseases and how these could be used in everything from monitoring skin health to hormone levels for those undertaking IVF.
Anne Harris of Pfizer discussed how the Future Made in Australia agenda is a critical ambition that could benefit the medical science ecoystem, and the importance of 'bench-to-bedside' – making sure there's a joined-up path from medical research to patient access.
Ruby Heard talked about how Australia has the highest uptake of solar in the world, but how the benefits of that are not being shared equally, and First Nations peoples in particular are the least likely to benefit. She warned we are at a crossroads where we could be complacent, or choose to pursue innovation and invest in clean energy products with equitable outcomes.
Tanya Monro talked about the extraordinary contribution of Australian science to defence and the need to be relentlessly focused on solving specific problems - bringing in the scientific community to co-create solutions.
Finally, we heard from four former STA CEOs and one former STA President who all paid tribute to Karen Andrews.
Australia's Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley thanked Karen Andrews for her leadership, particularly around women in STEM.
"You have a vision for making Australia use its best ideas to have an outcome that's for the best for all of us," said Dr Foley.
"You've got an amazing legacy - you've led a transformation of the way Australians see science."
Anna-Maria Arabia of the Australian Academy of Science talked about Karen Andrews' integrity after the Black Summer bushfires in highlighting the very real threat from climate change.
"That took integrity and courage," she said.
"We need many more like you, and you'll be missed. Thank you for your support of science and the integrity with which you've discharged your duties. The parliament will be poorer for your absence."
Former STA CEO Catriona Jackson praised Karen Andrews' strong backing of science.
"[You have shown] passion, patience, persistence, pluck and poise," she said.
"As well as courage and grace under extraordinary pressure."
Kylie Walker of ATSE talked about a Parliamentary Friends of Science event that was deeply influential in starting the Australian space industry and how Karen Andrews has never shied away from the big conversations that can start meaningful change.
"Your collegiality and commitment has shone through from the very start," she said.
Another former STA CEO Misha Schubert said STEM needs champions in parliament, and that Karen Andrews has been a steadfast champion for science. She praised Karen Andrews' work putting climate change at the centre of national discussion, framing science as the economic driver it is, and driving diversity in the STEM workforce.
"How generous you've been to the science community - always making time and bringing that clarity of purpose," she said.
"We thank you for your courage, clarity, and conviction."
Finally, STA CEO Ryan Winn offered deep thanks to Karen Andrews and invited Nobel Laureate Professor Brian Schmidt to present a gift on behalf of all the organisations involved in supporting the work of the Parliamentary Friends of Science group.
The event was organised for the co-chairs by Science & Technology Australia in partnership with the Academy of Technological Science and Engineering and the Australian Academy of Science.
