Federation_of_Australian_Scientific_and_Technological_Societies
Science & Technology Australia (STA), formerly known as the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS), is an organisation representing the interests of more than 90,000 Australian scientists and technologists, and promoting their views on a wide range of policy issues to the Australian Government, Australian industry, and the Australian community.[1]
Science & Technology Australia is Australia’s peak body in science and technology[2] and represents more than 90,000 Australian scientists and technologists working across all scientific disciplines. STA is a regular contributor to debate on public policy, with a mission to bring together scientists, governments, industry and the broader community to advance the role, reputation and impact of science and technology across the nation.
The organisation was known as the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS) until June 2011. The Federation was formed in late 1985, as a reaction to the 1984 Australian Federal Budget, which made substantial cuts to funding for science; its formation followed the statements of the then Minister for Science, (Barry Jones), that the Australian science and technology community did not provide him with sufficient support in his dealings with cabinet. STA provides comment on Treasury and Australian federal budget submissions.[3]
The organisation is best known for the annual Science Meets Parliament event,[4] the Superstars of STEM program[5][6] and the STEM Ambassadors program.[7][8] Superstars of STEM, of the 2023-2024 cohort, include Australian Innovator, Cori Stewart, marine biologist Kirsten Benkendorff,[9] and Tiahni Adamson, Young South Australian of the Year, 2023.[10][11]
STA's CEO is Misha Schubert[12] and its current President is Professor Mark Hutchinson, who began his term in November 2021.[13]