From the President, April 2010: Survey winners, making friends and IY

I am happy to announce that Tesse Hoekstra and Annie Harris were selected from the respondents to the ASC post-conference survey as the winners of copies of Julian Cribb’s ‘Open Science’ book. I expect they will find it as a good a read as I did. Julian’s book contains a range of useful and sometimes surprising tips.

The responses to the survey also made a good read. Many of the 70 respondents made constructive suggestions about how to make the conference better as well as mentioning numerous aspects they found as highlights. In general respondents rated the conference highly, finding it informative and useful for networking. We now have to consider when to hold the next conference. Expect to be asked for input.

Since the conference ASC National Council and Executive have been working on numerous matters relating to medium and long-term planning, and considering the implications of the Inspiring Australia report. I have had preliminary discussions with DIISR personnel and will continue the process. I am optimistic that ASC will play a significant role in helping to fulfil the aims of the report. Actions we are taking now include seeking new or closer relationships with professional scientific and educational bodies and government scientific organisations. In general we will act to place us in a beneficial position when government funding eventually becomes available to implement the recommendations of the report.

We are currently considering members’ responses to Rob Morrison’s request for feedback about the Inspiring Australia report. We are still awaiting responses from a member and branch or two but we already have plenty to chew over. Your feedback will help guide our actions.

Next year is the International Year of Chemistry. IYC offers opportunities for chemical-inclined ASC members (think laterally here) and our branches to engage with a wide range of professional chemistry, educational, industry, government and environmental groups. To find out the contact person in your region view http://www.chemistry2011.org/connect/the-iyc-network?show_node=1241. Get in touch with these people now because some groups have started their planning for next year’s events.

Jesse Shore

National President

This entry was posted in National, People and tagged , , , , , by Jesse Shore. Bookmark the permalink.

About Jesse Shore

Jesse Shore is passionate about engaging the community with science and in looking for ways to weave together the arts and sciences. He has been developing science based exhibitions and events since 1984, and was President of the Australian Science Communicators from 2010-2012. His business, Prismatic Sciences, produced five travelling exhibitions for the Royal Australian Chemical Institute for the 2011 International Year of Chemistry and he manages the ongoing national tour. He previously worked at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney as an exhibition project leader and Senior Curator of sciences. While at the museum he was one of the founders of the Ultimo Science Festival, a major National Science Week activity. He is currently collaborating with an artist to create artworks which have a science slant.

Leave a Reply