Media Releases

Postgraduates join the March for Science not Silence

10 Apr 17

20170224_180835April 10 – The Council of Australian Postgraduate Associations (CAPA) has chosen to endorse and participate in the Science Marches that are occurring around the world on April 22nd. With over 80,000 full time equivalent science postgraduate students in Australia CAPA recognizes the importance of stable funding and education in science.

CAPA encourages all postgraduates to join the scientists and science enthusiasts on April 22nd at their nearest capital city to stand for the importance of science.

March for Science Australia is advocating for stable investment, informed policy, open communication, and universal education in science both in Australia and globally. With scientists being silenced internationally or denied travel preventing international collaboration, it is time for the scientists of the world to leave the labs and stand together on this day.

Closer to home the Australian Federal Government is focusing on innovation and industry while at the same time neglecting the blue sky research that generates the ideas of the future. When we do not adequately invest in schools and universities to provide the science training our country needs we get anti-vaccination and climate change denial.

“As a scientist and student representative I understand the concerns of postgraduate students when it comes to science in Australia,” Said National President Peter Derbyshire. “So many students have great innovative ideas but are worried that an uncertain career path will put an end to all that.”

“If we are serious about the importance of science and innovation in the Australian economy we need to start with the scientists of the future through education and stable funding,” said Mr Derbyshire.

CAPA stands with March for Science Australia and encourages all students that value the role of science in society to take part.

For the locations of your nearest march head to https://marchforscienceaustralia.org/cities/

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For comment: Peter Derbyshire CAPA National President M: 0435 047 817 president@capa.edu.au