Ensuring support for the next generation of applied scientists and engineers
We need to do everything we can to ensure our future Academy Fellows are even better than the current generation.
An opinion piece from ATSE Fellow and recipient of the 2023 ATSE President's Medal, Peter Laver AM FTSE.
Every living entity has, as a primary function, the need to reproduce, to safeguard the future of the species.
ATSE is no different – we need to ensure, as a priority, that the next generation of applied scientists and engineers are as smart and skilled as our generation, ideally more so.
We need to ensure, as a priority, that the next generation of applied scientists and engineers are as smart and skilled as our generation, ideally more so.
This sounds trite but if you think about it, such an objective implies a multitude of actions from Fellows today.
Firstly, on the demand side, we need to ensure future technology jobs are there by promoting profitable investment in developing and applying technology, rather than relying on importing everything and spending our money on real estate, crypto currencies and giving each other haircuts. We need to convince governments, industry and the community that economic, social and environmental progress is inextricably linked to the wise use of technology.
On the supply side, we need to ensure the best and brightest are encouraged and supported to pursue technology and engineering studies and careers.
Neither the demand nor the supply sides are working as well as they should and this is where Australia’s leading applied scientists and engineers, the Fellows of ATSE, have a responsibility. We were left a legacy from the previous generation which has allowed us to pursue our chosen careers and lifestyle. The least we can do is to support our Academy in doing everything possible to ensure our successors are given even better opportunities.
Our Academy does well on the advocacy and communication that fosters the demand side, influencing decision makers setting policy and making investment decisions. We are an efficient organisation with an impressive output. Any improvement needs to be aiming for even better quality, not quantity. Here is the need for Fellows to invest their time, bringing their knowledge, experience and ideas to ensure our reports, submissions and other outputs are compelling and effective.
We could on the other hand do more on the supply side, doing more to get STEM education improved, to attract more of the best and brightest school leavers (especially girls) to pursue STEM studies and careers, and to ensure those who do (especially women) are adequately supported to stay in their chosen field.
It is initiatives in this area, such as the STELR educational kits program, that would greatly benefit from financial support. We need to do everything we can to ensure our future Academy Fellows are even better than the current generation.
AM FTSE
Peter has been an integral part of ATSE’s progress as a modern Academy. A previous Vice President, Peter played a leading role in developing the agile and future-focused Board and Assembly structure that exist today, which pays respect to the Academy’s origins and traditions. After his tenure as Vice President, he became a Senior Advisor to the Academy and has contributed to several Strategic Plans, policy documents, submissions and Government Inquiries.
Peter was elected in 1992 in recognition of his dedication to fostering industry and academic collaboration through his various managerial roles at BHP over 40 years. He has held many positions as chair and advisor. In 2005, he received a Member of the Order of Australia for service to Industry, Tertiary education and training, and Science and Technology.
Peter was elected in 1992 in recognition of his dedication to fostering industry and academic collaboration through his various managerial roles at BHP over 40 years. He has held many positions as chair and advisor. In 2005, he received a Member of the Order of Australia for service to Industry, Tertiary education and training, and Science and Technology.
