Welcome to FASTS.

This year FASTS celebrates 25 years of science advocacy in Australia

FASTS is the peak body for science and technology in Australia.  We represent the interests of some 60,000 Australian scientists and technologists. FASTS works to influence science and technology policy for the economic, environmental and social benefit of Australia.

What's New

Strictly embargoed until 7:30am Friday 30 July 2010

Australia the clever country?

One in three believe humans

and dinosaurs coexisted.

Science literacy falls short of expectations

and the future needs of our economy.

The press release and results of the nationwide poll conducted for

FASTS and the Australian Academy of Science can be downloaded here.

The survey questions can be downloaded here. 

FASTS welcomes ALP Climate Change Announcement

Consesus is an essential precursor to action: ALP Moving in the Right direction on Climate Change

Download the FASTS Media Release here.

23 July 2010

Climate Change Summit - 15 June 2010

Download the FASTS Media Release here.

On 15 June 2010 FASTS united Australia’s leading climate change science advocates and organisations for the first time by convening a one-day national Climate Change Summit.

Professor Penny Sackett provided the opening address and experts such as Dr Carmen Lawrence, Director, Centre for Social Change, University of WA, shared their research and experience with Summit delegates.

For the first time the Summit brought representatives from across scientific, government and academic fields, together with key communication practitioners, to share research and knowledge about what works best to shift public attitudes in support of climate change action. The outcomes of the Summit are being used to identify a climate change communication approach that is consistent and effective and can be adopted by the Australian science sector.  The outcomes will also be provided to governments to inform their policy development in this important area.

Why was the FASTS Climate Change Summit necessary?

Presently, public perception and support for climate change is drifting due to the volume, frequency and strength of anti-climate change messages across the media. Consequently, peer-reviewed research conducted by well-regarded Australian scientists is being dismissed or discredited.

Recent research has revealed concerning trends that have occurred in the lead up to, and following, the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Copenhagen. For example research shows there is a growing ‘churn’ factor among Australians who once supported action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but have changed their position. People are increasingly confused by the mixed messages from politicians, scientists and other commentators on climate change. Research also revealed that these people are also very receptive to messages from anti-climate change advocates who propose no behaviour change.

FASTS welcomes appointment of CSIRO Chairman, Mr Simon Mckeon.

Download FASTS Media Release here.

22 June 2010

Federal Budget 2010/11

Download the FASTS Budget Media Release here

Science meets Parliament

Bringing Australia’s scientific community to the heart of government

Scientists from across the country met in Canberra on 9 & 10 March to participate in

the 11th annual Science meets Parliament.

160 women and men working across all scientific disciplines met face-to-face with Ministers, Members and Senators; interacted with key figures in the scientific community; participated in professional development activities; and participated in a range of forums.

Download the Program and Media release here

Download the SmP 2010 newsletter here

HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:

Tuesday 9 March

Meet the Press - a day in the life of a journalist- what they need to turn your science into news.
MC: Niall Byrne, Science in Public
Presentations from:
•    Alison Carabine, ABC Radio National Presenter
•    James Massola, Canberra Times Political Reporter
•    Mark Riley, Channel 7 Reporter

Policy in the making.  Working with Government Departments
•    Participants were directly involved in shaping the Federal Governement's Research Workforce Strategy

Gala Dinner in the Great Hall (Parliament House) – hosted by Robyn Williams AM  

Wednesday 10 March  

Breakfast Briefing 1:  International Year of Biodiversity:  So what’s biodiversity done for me? Why biodiversity matters: the economic, social and environmental perspectives. Welcome by the Hon Peter Garrett, Minister for Environment, Heritage and the Arts; and facilitated by Tom Arup, Journalist, The Age.

Breakfast Briefing 2:  Open access: Australian research for whom?

Nationally televised Nation Press Club Lunchtime Address

Chris Mooney, author of The Republican War on Science and Unscientific America

flew in from the USA to address SmP delegates at the National Press Club.

Public Forum – hosted by Dr Norman Swan, ABC Radio National
Innovative health solutions using nuclear techniques – why isn’t Australia keeping up with the world? Panel: 

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FASTS response to the release of the Inspiring Australia Report (8 February 2010)

The Inspiring Australia Report proposes a National Strategy for public engagement in science

download FASTS media release

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FASTS announces new President and new Board Members

Dr Cathy Foley, an Australian leader in Applied Physics, commenced her two-year term as President at the FASTS AGM on 24 November, the third woman to be elected to this role in FASTS 24 year history.  Dr Foley was recently awarded the National Telstra Women’s Business Award fro Innovation and has been appointed to the Questacon Advisory Board. Dr Foley’s brief biography is available here .

FASTS had been further strengthened with the election of several new executive members:

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Statement by FASTS Great Barrier Reef Climate Change Alliance on the impact of climate change on the GBR and implication for emissions reduction targets (17 November 2009)

download Alliance's statement

download media release

download audio recording of National Media Briefing

download FASTS climate change position statement

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Discussion note: Ken Baldwin, When is Science Valid: A Short Guide on How Science Works and When to Believe It (October 2009)

A brief outline of how scientific ideas are tested and validated                                                       download paper

This paper was recently cited by Margo O’Neill from ABC’s Lateline:  “Conspiracies and the IPCC”:

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FASTS Report: Women in Science in Australia: Maximising Productivity, Diversity and Innovation by Sharon Bell (19 October)

This new report shows the progress of women in senior positions has stalled over the past 15 years despite encouraging improvements in participation at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. There are strong arguments for renewed focus on women in science in terms of productivity, innovation and social equity.

download report or download media release