Welcome to FASTS.

We represent the interests of some 60,000 Australian scientists and technologists.FASTS works to influence science and technology policy for the economic, environmental and social benefit of Australia.

What's New

FASTS Policy Statement: Statement on Climate Change (4 September 2008)

Global Climate change is real and measurable. However there is real concern in the scientific community that argy-bargy over an Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) is diverting attention from the real challenge of becoming a low carbon economy. An ETS is a means not an end especially when it is not connected to any targets.

Download media release and the Statement on Climate Change 

 Media Release: New laureate Scheme is a real capacity-building opportunity (3 September)

FASTS have welcomed the Laureate Fellowships as they will allow universities to attract and retain the core of good research teams as distinct from one individual researcher. 

download release 

Media Release: FASTS welcomes appointment of Dr Megan Clark as CEO of CSIRO

Dr Clark is an excellent appointment who understands the need to maintain the strength and quality of public sector science to support private sector innovation.

Download statement 

Media Release: CRC Review welcome - better approach to handling risks and opportunities (5 August)

The review recognises Australia needs big, risk-focused, collaborative research. The recommendations will lead to a more flexible, demand-driven program that will also improve demand-side capabilities to identify problems and adopt and absorb the knowledge and ideas generated by research. The review is available here and FASTS media release is available here. 

Submission: FASTS Submission to the ARC on Future Fellowships (27 June)

FASTS welcomes the new Future Fellowships program. We call for clarity as to how 'National Priorities' are established;  a three-tier not two-tier Fellowship structure and recommend provision for part-time Fellowships to take account of family, teaching or other commitments.

download submission 

Forum outcomes statement: FASTS Forum on the Rights and Responsibilities of scientists (10 June)

This paper summarises key issues arising from the FASTS forum and subsequent discussions on rights and responsibilities (obligations) of scientists and the independence of science and research agencies.

download paper