The Federation of Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS), the peak body that brings together nearly 60 member groups in the science and technology sector,  has been rebadged to become Science & Technology Australia.

 

FASTS was formed in 1984, when the then Minister for Science, Barry Jones, responded to criticism of cuts to science in the Federal Budget by describing the science and technology community as  ‘wimpish’ in it’s lobbying.

 

Announcing the name change, President Dr Cathy Foley said new name was chosen following feedback from scientists and stakeholders, and reflects a challenge for the sector to better communicate the nation building work of scientists.

 

Science & Technology Australia, has three formal objectives:
• To encourage scientific dialogue between industry, government, and the science and technology community,
• To promote public understanding of science, and
• To foster close relations between member societies.

 

It will stage a Science meets Policymakers conference in October, and is planning an inaugural State of Science Report for release in the first quarter of 2012. The annual Science meets Parliament was held earlier this week.

 

The organisation’s new website is http://scienceandtechnologyaustralia.org.au/