The Tasmanian Department of Economic Development, Tourism and the Arts is developing a Science and Research Sector Strategy as part of the state’s Economic Development Plan.

 

The Minister for Innovation, Science and Technology, David O’Byrne said the strategy will identify key objectives that will help sustain and grow the science and research sector and organisations.

 

The strategy is being developed by the Tasmanian Science and Research Sector Industry Advisory Committee, appointed in February this year under the chairmanship of Dr Graham Mitchell, Joint Chief Scientist for the Department of Natural Resources and Environment in Victoria.

 

“One important area of the strategy will be to address the attraction and retention of skilled researchers,” Mr O’Byrne said.

 

“It is important that we ensure young Tasmanians are aware of the career opportunities in the sciences and encourage them to pursue higher education.”

 

Mr O’Byrne was launching the government’s Tall Poppy of the Year Award for 2011 which will provide the winner with  $5,000 to be spent on furthering his or her research.

The Science and Research Sector Strategy will follow the release last August of the Tasmanian Innovation Strategy.

 

Further information is at www.development.tas.gov.au.