In March, four of our members travelled to Canberra to take part in Science Meets Parliament 2026, a flagship professional development opportunity delivered by Science & Technology Australia at Parliament House. Held on 25–26 March, the program brought together STEM researchers from across the country to build skills in policy engagement and connect directly with parliamentarians and advisors shaping Australia’s future.
Over two intensive days, participants gained behind‑the‑scenes insights into Australia’s democratic and policy‑making systems, heard from ministers and senior policymakers, and observed parliamentary proceedings in action. Importantly, the program emphasised how clear, timely and purposeful communication can help ensure research evidence is visible, relevant and influential in decision‑making.
Our representatives – Ramas McRae (Deakin Advancing Health and Social Justice), Dr Stephanie Cowdery (Deakin Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research), Dr Grace Arnot (Deakin Advancing Health and Social Justice), and Dr Edith Holloway (The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes) – returned with renewed confidence and practical insights into building meaningful relationships between research, policy and community impact. Below, they share their reflections on what they learned and why experiences like Science Meets Parliament matter.
Ramas McRae, Deakin Advancing Health and Social Justice
I recently had the opportunity to attend Science Meets Parliament, and it was both a highly valuable and enjoyable experience. Throughout the program, I gained a stronger understanding of how the policy-making process works in Australia and how research can contribute to informing political decisions.
One of the key takeaways for me was learning how to communicate research more effectively to policymakers and understanding the importance of presenting evidence in clear, accessible ways. I also appreciated the opportunity to engage directly with politicians and other researchers, which provided useful insights into how relationships between research and policy can be strengthened.
Personally, I found the experience both motivating and encouraging. It reinforced the importance of ensuring that research, particularly in areas such as Deaf communities, language access, and mental health, is visible and considered in policy discussions.
It was a rewarding experience that has strengthened my confidence in engaging with policy and advocating for research impact beyond academia.
Download Ramas’ research summary on best practice mental health provision for deaf Australians.
Image: Meeting with Ms Zaneta Mascarenhas MP
Dr Stephanie Cowdery, Deakin Centre for Quality and Patient Safety Research
I was honoured to take part in Science Meets Parliament 2026. The first day was a whirlwind of activity and incredibly inspiring. Key take home messages for me included the importance of working with community in timely and meaningful ways, and of scientists and parliamentarians not being wary of one another, but instead learning about our respective strengths, priorities, and ways of working. By doing so, we can better understand how to mutually support one another to create meaningful impacts for community.
As something of a democratic systems novice, I particularly enjoyed the Civics 101 sessions, which demystified parliamentary processes and highlighted how research interacts with policy and decision making. Hearing from a fast paced policy advisor reinforced the value of short, sharp, and clear communication—and the importance of framing our messages not around what we want to ask for, but how we can benefit one another.
Visiting the National Press Club and observing House of Representatives Question Time was both entertaining and thought provoking, especially seeing live events unfold and then be interpreted through the media. There were also many opportunities to connect with a diverse range of scientists and meet parliamentarians committed to making real world impact. My own meeting was particularly fruitful. Though my parliamentarian was unavailable, we met with their advisor and have plans to continue the conversation into the future.
Download Stephanie’s research summary on driving better outcomes for cancer carers.
Dr Grace Arnot, Deakin Advancing Health and Social Justice
Science Meets Parliament 2026 was a top highlight of my early research career. The two-day meeting of STEM researchers and scientists was jam-packed with sessions on a range of topics including the foundations of Australia’s democratic system, fronting an inquiry, truth telling and cultural capability, the operation of Government Departments, and applying STEM skills.
Between sessions, each conversation with attendees was an opportunity to learn and break down silos as we discussed our research, the intersections, and the common challenges and barriers we face. This year also saw increased engagement from parliamentarians, with 40% attending across the two days. This could be felt through the event with senators and ministers speaking from stages and passing by in the halls, and at the evening gala dinner. If you weren’t able to get to close to a representative at the gala, you were guaranteed to be seated next to interesting colleagues – maybe the Vice-Chancellor of a large university, the Chief Scientist for the Australian Antarctic Program, or international experts in education.
A key lesson from SMP is, of course, preparation. This includes knowing your assigned member’s background and priorities, and knowing your pitch inside and out as the conversation with your assigned member may not organically lead you to begin your pitch from the very start. Relatedly, you may not meet with your assigned member on the day, and you and the staffer may not know this is the case until the meeting has passed and your member simply wasn’t able to make it – sitting week in parliament is hectic! Aim to speak with the staffer as you would the member, leave them with a clear message and have your infographic ready to hand over with your contact information.
An enormous thank you to the IHT and Faculty of Health for this opportunity, to the facilitators and speakers of the preparation sessions leading up to the event, to graphic design team for assembling the infographics, and to the other attendees from Deakin – many of which it was a pleasure to meet for the first time!
Dr Edith Holloway, The Australian Centre for Behavioural Research in Diabetes
Attending Science Meets Parliament was an incredibly valuable opportunity to translate research into real-world impact and engage directly with policymakers. Highlights included observing Senate Question Time with Minister for Foreign Affairs, Senator Penny Wong, attending the National Press Club, and pitching my research to Senator Josh Dolega, where we discussed the importance of addressing mental health in diabetes care. A key learning was the importance of tailoring your message, understanding the priorities and personal interests of the MP or Senator you are meeting with can significantly enhance connection and relevance. For example, identifying a shared interest, in my case, a family connection to diabetes, helped to make the research more meaningful. Other practical tips include focusing on the policy relevance and tangible outcomes of your work and being ready to suggest specific, actionable “asks” of Parliamentarians. Finally, approach the experience as the start of an ongoing relationship rather than a one-off interaction, follow-up is critical to sustaining impact.
Image: Meeting with Senator Josh Dolega to discuss the LISTEN program
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