FASTS has a Name Change and Launches "Respect the Science". (June 25, 2011)

The Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies (FASTS) have rebadged to become Science & Technology Australia and had developed its new website: www.sta.org.au.

In announcing the changes the president of Science & Technology Australia, Cathy Foley, said: "The role and value of science in all our lives must not be underestimated, so it is critical that as scientists we better communicate the credibility of our work. It is this rigorous peer review science process that provides decision makers with the confidence they need to make important decisions about our nation’s future. Across the board, scientific and technological research provides the foundation on which much of the current and future wealth and health of Australia is built. It’s vital science is given long-term support so new innovations can continue to improve our world, and it's important that the nation's key decision makers understand the importance of the work Australian scientists do and respect it."

Science & Technology Australia's CEO, Anna-Maria Arabia said that the body represents an array of professional interests within the field across Australia, with members including organisations such as the Australian Neuroscience Society, Australian Society for Biophysics, the Royal Australian Chemical Institute, the Australian Council of Deans of Science and the Women in Science Enquiry Network, amongst others, and she noted that 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.

This week, on the occasion of Science Meets Parliament 2011, Science & Technology Australia launched its "Respect the Science" Campaign, which asks Australians "to take some
time to understand how scientific evidence is generated so they can place the appropriate weight on the information they receive and use it to inform the decisions they make". By clicking on "What makes science so credible?" you'll be able to watch the "Respect the Science" video.