From left Hareem Khan (RMIT), Oliver Stockdale (UQ) and Semonti Bhattacharyya (Monash).
FLEET had a team of three researchers at Science meets Parliament (SMP) in November, talking to parliamentarians and other scientists from around the country, and perfecting the art of pitching to politicians.
FLEET’s gun team were: Hareem Khan (RMIT), Oliver Stockdale (UQ) and Semonti Bhattacharyya (Monash).
Science Meets Parliament is an annual meeting of Australia’s policy-makers with leading and emerging science leaders. This year, 246 scientists and 76 politicians took part in the event, which is organised by Science and Technology Australia (STA).
Meeting policymakers FLEET’s three representatives met personally with five parliamentarians and advisors, using the opportunity to talk about the ICT-energy issue behind FLEET’s mission to create ultra-low energy electronics, as well as initiatives in equity, outreach and education.
Oliver Stockdale: “I spoke to an advisor of Victorian MP Dr. Katie Allen, discussing the ICT energy behind FLEET and following up with information on our Women in FLEET fellowships, and an invitation for Dr. Allen to visit the Centre.”
As well as honing essential pitching and negotiation skills via training and practise, this engagement has been the first introduction to FLEET for a number of Australian parliamentarians, raising the profile of the Centre’s work.
Inspirational science leaders A number of Australia’s leading scientists spoke at the even, lending their experiences in science policy, and demonstrating great personal persuasive skills.
Hareem Khan: “We learned the importance of scientists being able to communicate. All the leading scientists that spoke at SMP made their audience want to listen, which is imperative to get the message across. As Professor Fiona Wood said “You could be the best violinist in the world, but if you are in a sound proof room it is a waste… we need to communicate!”
Hareem and Semonti with Victorian MP Clare O’Neil
Building networks In addition our three researchers benefitted from meeting other young scientists from around Australia, building connections across diverse scientific disciplines.
All three FLEET representatives built invaluable skills and confidence from the experience.
Semonti Bhattacharyya: “After this training, and the experience of talking about my research with so many people, I have a feeling of fearlessness. I can walk into a crowded room, walk up to anyone, and start talking about my research, or start a discussion on policy change. “
FLEET was a sponsor of the 2019 Science Meets Parliament, sponsoring childcare provision at the event that allowed parents to participate fully. FLEET’s support enabled a number of delegates directly to attend who otherwise would not have been able to without childcare assistance. One delegate even brought their six- year-old son to the Gala Dinner (he made it until about 8.30PM which is a fair effort for a 6 year old!). Feedback leading up to the event reinforced the value seen in offering childcare to all delegates as part of registration.
New “toy” transistors were presented to MPs to help solidify discussions, along with brochures and invitations to visit FLEET labs
After MP Anne Stanley mentioned she trying to inculcate an independent, scientific spirit in her granddaughter, Semonti presented her with FLEET’s periodic table-based card game, hoping they might enjoy playing it together.