The Australian Academy of Science’s recently established Early-Mid Career Researcher Forum will hold its first national meeting today, to discuss the future of Australian science.
In recognition of the challenges faced by Australia’s emerging researchers, the Academy established the Forum to advise on key issues for younger researchers and to help inform the Academy’s policy recommendations to government.
At its two-day Science Pathways meeting at the Shine Dome in Canberra, the Forum will examine critical issues for early- and mid-career researchers, including career structure, job security, research funding, education, training and gender equity.
"Young scientists today face many challenges when they try to establish a career in research. This Forum brings them together with the politicians and scientists who determine where research funds will be spent,” said Academy Secretary for Science Policy, Professor Bob Williamson.
“It is vital that young people with vibrant and new scientific ideas play a part in determining the future shape of science in Australia.”
Forum Chair, Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea, said the Forum provides a vital link between eminent Australian scientists and tomorrow's future scientific leaders.
“We want to connect with the public and engage with our political leaders and policy makers, as well as those in education, business and industry” she said.
“At this meeting, we will lay the foundations for an evidence-based publication to be submitted to federal parliamentarians ahead of the next election that will clearly outline realistic recommendations addressing some of the current challenges facing young scientists.
“We will also devise strategies to advocate for more comprehensive professional training and examine the feasibility of developing an online ‘central hub’ that will direct early- and mid-career researchers to essential resources for establishing and maintaining a career in science.”
Science Pathways, proudly supported by Monash University and the CSIRO, is the Early-Mid Career Researcher Forum’s first biennial meeting.
View the full program.
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