WOMEN’S CONFERENCE
Putting science and women in the political spotlight Sara Beavis ANU
A
t the 2010 National Women’s Conference, a perspective on the political context of science in Australia was presented by Anna-Maria Arabia, CEO of the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS). Anna-Maria identified the core importance of science due to its role in driving the economy. This is because it is central to the building of knowledge and innovation in areas such as health, natural resources development, communication and national security. Science is crucial to informing the big issues facing Australia, our region, and beyond. This is particularly evident with climate change. However, using this issue as an example, Anna-Maria Arabia noted that conflicting political views and unbalanced debates can pitch peer reviewed science against opinion and anecdotal evidence. The politicisation of the climate debate has impacted on the reputation of science, with consequences for the influence that scientists may have with governments. Within this setting it has become apparent that we need to increase awareness of the value of science knowledge. Responsibility for this starts with improving scientific literacy, and extends to: • The media asking sources whether information has been tested or not, and presenting the consensus scientific view. • Expecting politicians and decision makers to value scientists. • Fostering open discussion. At the same time, scientists need to be rigorous in their investigations, contribute to public debate and improve the processes by which their work is communicated. Importantly, politicians need to be transparent. They should accept the consensus scientific view, placing it within broader socio-economic and political contexts, or openly declare beliefs which may be in conflict with existing scientific knowledge (such as creationism, anti-nuclear absolutism, etc). In this presentation, the role of FASTS in science advocacy was identified, and included their involvement in public forums, Science meets Parliament and the Climate Change Summit. These activities and relevant publications can be accessed at www.fasts. org. Of specific interest to participants of the 2010 Women’s Conference was the FASTS report on Women in Science in Australia. Anna-Maria noted the ‘glacial rates of change’ in the involvement of women in science since a benchmark report was presented to the Australian Government in 1995 , with the most significant increases occurring in those areas traditionally identified as female dominated. Although Australia was a leader in this area of policy in 1995, this is no longer the case. Women barely rate a mention in the Australia 2020 Summit Report (2008); the Bradley Review of Higher Education (2008) and the Cutler Review of Innovation (Venturous Australia, 2008). Interestingly, female participation and achievement in science 10
frontline
vol.18, September 2010
FASTS CEO Anna-Maria Arabia talking at the NTEU Women’s Conference 2010. Photo by Terri MacDonald