Monthly Archives: November 2022

Volunteer opportunity at PNG Institute for Medical Research

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An opportunity has been shared with the network for those looking for a 9-month overseas volunteer opportunity (paid stipend). More details have been provided by Ann Larson below. Reach out to her directly if you want to find out more.

The Papua New Guinea Institute of Medical Research is over 50 years old. Right now it has strong and stable national leadership, a large and growing cohort of Papua New Guinean scientists returning with PhDs conducting groundbreaking research in HIV/AIDS, malaria, lymphatic filariasis, pneumonia and more.

The institute has a small Facebook presence, a basic website, a good internal e-newsletter and a big strategic commitment to improving our communication with the PNG government and communities (with whom we have excellent relations), our extensive number of international research funders and partners and relevant research communities.

We want to build up our own capacity in science communication and to do that we need help. We are recruiting for an Australian volunteer to support us through an established volunteer program funded by Australia’s aid program for up to nine months. The program pays a living stipend, travel, accommodation, etc. The person is based at our headquarters in Goroka, which is a lovely highlands town with good weather and outstanding fruit and vegetables among other charms and have the opportunity to get firsthand experience in a developing country, work with local and international scientists, build an extensive portfolio and contribute to improving health in Papua New Guinea and globally.

More information about PNGIMR is available on our websiteand YouTube channel

More information about the assignment, including a description of the assignment and application process, can be found at https://www.australianvolunteers.com/assignments/science-communication-specialist-in-papua-new-guinea/

Contact me at ann.larson at pngimr.org.pg with specific questions about the assignment.

2023 conference tickets now available

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Tickets for the 2023 February conference are now available on the membership website. Now’s the time to grab that early bird ticket – they automatically run out on 31 December.

Keep an eye out for the abstract submission form in the coming days. There will a range of talk, panel, workshop and other engagement options. Note that for an abstract to be considered for the program, the presenters will need to have a valid, full program conference ticket.

For more details, head to the event page.

The ASC is now an STA Member

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As part of our strategic review, we have been seeking opportunities to increase the public value and relevance for ASC membership.

Over several conferences and meetings across the past 3 years, the ASC has considered becoming a member of Science Technology Australia (STA). Earlier this year we again discussed this at a National Council meeting, where we considered the benefits and sought to identify the costs associated.

This process has been finalised and we can now announce that the Australian Science Communicators is now a full member of STA.

This brings with it benefits to our members in terms of having access to expert briefings on government budget and legislation implications for the sector, further connection to the STEM network in Australia, and, importantly, representation at the table to raise communications issues that we as an organisation feel are important.

There are also direct member benefits, such as having access to Science Meets Parliament or other STA-run programs.

One such program is available now to members – but expires Monday 7 so if you wish to engage, hurry and put in an application.

We will provide more update on the STA membership at the AGM.

STEP UP AS A STEM AMBASSADOR

Want to serve Australia’s scientific community and deepen your knowledge of how science can engage effectively with policymakers? Get your application in to STA now for the prestigious STEM Ambassadors program.

Applications close 9am AEDT Monday 7 November 2022.

This innovative program was created by STA in 2019, and has since trained 41 STEM Ambassadors matched with MPs and Senators.

In this new program intake, another 25 MPs and Senators from across the breadth of the Parliament have asked for a STEM Ambassador for 2023-24.

The STEM Ambassadors are drawn from Science & Technology Australia’s member organisations and come from a diverse range of academic backgrounds and interests.

STEM sector professionals who are members of STA member organisations are encouraged to apply for the program directly via the application link above.

ASC Co-Presidents’ Message, Jirana Boontanjai and Tom Carruthers

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We took a double take when we went to write this month’s edition as it’s been one year since we were elected – how time flies!

This month we are looking forward to what has become ASC Day, Wednesday 16 November. First we will be holding the AGM – please RSVP as soon as possible.

Following the AGM, we have the Honours & Masters Research Symposium featuring students from across the country as they share their work over the past year. To conclude the symposium, we are holding the annual ASC careers event online. Make sure to register now to access this exciting event. The same link gives access to both events as part of the symposium.

Looking forward, we’re frantically doing the behind-the-scenes work to make sure we have an exciting, thought provoking and educational program for the conference. Check out the conference page and keep an eye out for early-bird registrations and abstracts opening this month.

See you all at the AGM and symposium!