DCFP’s Carly Tozer attends Science Meets Parliament

In the last week of November, I attended Science Meets Parliament in Canberra, swapping out my usual jeans and sneakers attire for business shirts and fancy shoes. The event brings together science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) professionals each year, offering them the opportunity to meet with parliamentarians at Parliament House.

While meeting a parliamentarian was an obvious highlight, I also relished the opportunity to hear from experienced STEM professionals including Winthrop Professor Fiona Wood who discussed the importance of science communication, because ‘there is no point being a world-class violin player in a sound-proof room’. In addition, I partook in panel sessions with parliamentarians from all sides of politics, listened to an inspiring speech from Professor Lisa Harvey-Smith on gender equity in STEM at the National Press Club, witnessed the theatrics of Question Time and attended some interactive sessions  that focused on learning tools to better communicate my research.

The event was a whirlwind of meetings, discussions, presentations and panels – perhaps to match the hectic pace of parliament life – and something I won’t easily forget. Thanks to the DCFP and CSIRO for supporting my attendance at Science Meets Parliament.

Carly Tozer