In late February, two of our Chiefs attended the Government Scientists Group Parliamentary Friends of Science Showcase, an event promoting scientific expertise and capability from 24 government departments to parliamentarians and leaders of academic peak bodies.
Secretary Adam Fennessy PSM, Chief Plant Protection Officer Dr Gabrielle Vivian-Smith, and Chief Environmental Biosecurity Officer Dr Bertie Hennecke represented the department at the event, co-chaired by Deputy Prime Minister the Hon Richard Marles MP and the Hon Karen Andrews MP and organised by the Office of Australia’s Chief Scientist, Dr Cathy Foley, with approximately 150 in attendance.
The government science that was on show, displayed the range of technologies and innovations in use by government including the department’s scientific capability in the area of biosecurity and innovation. ‘Spot the robotic dog’ stole the show demonstrating the department’s innovation team cutting-edge technology in detecting biosecurity risks. Our variety of biosecurity educational materials also generated enthusiastic engagement and sparked insightful conversations with parliamentarians and government scientists.
Other displays included a virtual reality experience of ANSTO’s OPAL reactor, a mini satellite from the Australian Space Agency, a coral reef display from the Australian Institute of Marine Science, and a demonstration of magnetic imaging from Geoscience Australia.
