In a first for regional WA, local scientists have called for expressions of interest in membership of a regional science council. They believe that a Great Southern Science Council could promote the benefits of science and technology to the region and advocate for more funding for innovative research in the Great Southern.

The Albany-based UWA Centre of Excellence in Natural Resource Management is leading the process of establishing the Science Council. The Centre announced at the recent Great Southern Great Science symposium, attended by the WA Chief Scientist, Prof Lyn Beazley, that there would be a call for expressions of interest from scientists to be involved in the new Council.

The Great Southern is considered unique in Western Australia with its well-established and regionally-based research capacity covering many science and technology disciplines.

Prof Peter Davies, Director of CENRM, believes that the Council could provide leadership, mentoring and encouragement for young people and the community to participate in science.

He would also like the council to give pro-active advice to government on regional issues from a strong science perspective and identify gaps in our knowledge of regional issues.

The Council will be hosted from Albany and be able to be involved in any issues of science, technology or innovation throughout the Great Southern region of Western Australia.

Potential members of the Council need to contact Randall Jasper at CENRM on 98420848 to find out more.

Media references

Randall Jasper   98420848    randall.jasper@uwa.edu.au