Industry encouraged to promote science

A new publication designed to encourage businesses to promote the benefits of science and innovation has been published. Inspiring industry to inspire Australia aims to improve the way Australians perceive and value science.

The publication outlines 15 industry initiatives that are working to foster the appreciation of science in schools, communities and the workforce, and its potential to improve our world. It features BHP Billiton, Rio Tinto, GlaxoSmithKline, Shell and the Queensland Seafood Industry Association.

“This report highlights some of the new and diverse ways in which industry is inspiring Australia to think about science: not as an activity that just takes place in a lab, but a collaborative effort by industry, research and communities to solve the complex challenges facing us all,” the introduction states.

According to Senator Don Farrell, Minister for Science and Research, spreading the word about science has led to commercial opportunities for several companies featured in the report.

“There is clear evidence that science pays dividends for businesses,” Farrell said. “It raises the profile of the company, boosts employee satisfaction and forges relations with the local community.

“The companies and organisations featured in this publication are making a big contribution by taking science to the people.”

The report was developed by the Council for Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) with funding from the Australian Government as part of its national science engagement strategy, Inspiring Australia.

The publication is available here.