I recently had a useful discussion with key people of the Inspiring Australia (IA) team in Canberra. IA is moving in several directions in line with the IA Report and it seems clear that the ASC has many shared interests in this initiative.
One of the main points of discussion was about the upcoming ASC National Conference in February 2012 and potential ways for IA to be involved. We enthusiastically explored several topics covering common ground. I hope we can make some of the suggestions happen as this collaboration would have substantial mutual benefit.
As foreshadowed in the IA Report, the Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research (DIISR) plans to organise discussions and a review of the science prizes it supports. I will collate and forward to the IA team the comments many of you contributed to our ASC-list discussion about science prizes.
To find out which expert working groups IA has underway, check out the Inspiring Australia newsletter. The July issue came out last week. If you want to subscribe send an email to inspiring.australia@innovation.gov.au.
For further information about the newsletter and IA call (02) 6270 2868 or view www.innovation.gov.au/InspiringAustralia.
Jesse Shore
National President