‘Inspiring industry to inspire Australia’ science appreciation report released

Friday, 28 June, 2013

The report ‘Inspiring industry to inspire Australia’ has been released, highlighting 15 industry initiatives that are fostering an appreciation of science in schools, communities and the workforce, and its potential to improve our world.

The publication was developed by Council for Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) with funding from the Australian Government as part of its ‘Inspiring Australia’ initiative to deliver a more scientifically engaged Australia. It was launched by Minister for Science and Research Senator Don Farrell at the recent CHASS National Forum.

Designed to encourage businesses to promote the benefits of science and innovation, it features stories of business and science outreach from the following organisations:

Gladstone Industry Leadership Group
SAGE Automation
Queensland Seafood Industry Association
Shell Australia
Jasco
Dow AgroSciences
Google
BHP Billiton Mitsui Coal
Australian Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association
University of New South Wales Science Advisory Council
Rio Tinto
Alcatel-Lucent
3M
Power and Water Corporation
GlaxoSmithKline

As stated in the report, Australia will be inspired to think about science “not as an activity that just takes places in a lab, but a collaborative effort by industry, research and communities to solve the complex challenges facing us all”.

Minister for Higher Education and Skills Sharon Bird said the report would contribute to how Australians perceive and value science, saying it “offers an insight into the breadth of projects already underway and adds a human dimension to Australia’s science story”.

The report also outlines the benefits for business, showcasing several companies for whom “involvement in science communication has led to commercial opportunities that would not have happened with other types of community engagement”.

“There is clear evidence that science pays dividends for businesses,” said Senator Farrell.

“It raises the profile of the company, boosts employee satisfaction and forges relations with the local community. The companies and organisations featured in this publication are making a big contribution by taking science to the people.”

The publication is available at http://www.innovation.gov.au/InspiringAustralia.