Spotlight on science
by Michčle Nardelli
Continued
closer research collaboration between the state’s three universities;
incentives for women in science and engineering; supporting the
development of more science teachers; developing clusters of research
acumen – these are all part of a strategy for the future of science in
South Australia.
The report, Getting to the Future First released this month by Baroness Professor Susan Greenfield, flows from the highly successful Thinkers in Residence program and is already making an impact in the state.
The Baroness is the head of the Royal Institute of Great Britain and
spent a total of 15 weeks in SA in 2004 and 2005 as a Thinker in Residence.
Launched by Premier Mike Rann in the new research facilities at UniSA’s City
East campus this month, the report contains a strong focus on collaboration,
partnerships and valuing and harnessing local talent.
UniSA Pro Vice Chancellor: Research and Innovation, Professor Caroline
McMillen, believes the plan will provide an invaluable blueprint for science
in SA.
Prof McMillen has been nominated as one of 10 “champions” who will lead
specific projects in SA.
As champion for the area of Women in Science and Engineering, Prof
McMillen said there was much to gain by supporting women in science.
“The economic and social cost of the low participation rate of women in
leadership roles in science and engineering is an issue of major worldwide
concern,” she said.
“I am keen to develop solutions within this state that may be able to be implemented internationally.
“I’m also looking forward to working with the other champions to realise the range of opportunities highlighted in this important report.”
The 10 projects include the Bragg Initiative, which will work towards the foundation of a Royal Institution or “Ri Down Under” in collaboration with the UK Royal Institution; a focus on research collaboration in the neurosciences through the development of the Oxford Centre for the Science of the Mind; an international partnership with the James Martin 21st Century School; Science outside the Square, a program of community focused science events; continuing specialist training for teachers and a twinning program that promotes collaboration between scientists and science teachers; a special program to link neurosciences with community health care; a program to build a stronger support base for science research in the state; and the foundation of the Australian Science Media Centre in Adelaide.
The media centre is already operating in Adelaide, proactively promoting
important Australian scientific research and breakthroughs in the mainstream
media globally.