Released February 2010 was the Inspiring Australia report, a national strategy for engagement with the sciences.
This Inspiring Australia report is a national strategic initiative that will help realise the goals articulated in the Australian Government’s policy Powering Ideas: An Innovation Agenda for the 21st Century.
After consultation with over 200 people around the country, the Questacon Division through a Departmental Steering Committee developed a national strategy for presentation to the Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research. This steering committee, chaired by a Deputy Secretary of the Department, included Australia's Chief Scientist and representatives from the ABC, CSIRO, and Questacon.
This national strategy is now being implemented with support from stakeholders around the country. People are thinking, coordinating, and collaborating together to generate quality science communication events for all sorts of audiences. Mechanisms for developing and implementing the strategy have included a national conference, expert working groups on media and developing an evidence base, and dedicated officers working across federal and state government and partnership organisations.
A component of the strategy is the Inspiring Australia program which has been funded through the 2011-12 Federal budget. This program will support key initiatives such as National Science Week and the Prime Minister's Prizes for Science.
You can download a copy of the Inspiring Australia report and read more about aspects of the National Strategy.
The Inspiring Australia initiative is continuing to build momentum and interest. To stay in touch with the latest activity you can now subscribe to an e-newsletter.
Past editions are available on the report web site.