When research enters Parliament

Science Meets Parliament gives researchers direct access to the people and processes that influence national decision-making. This year, ARMI postdoctoral researchers Elizabeth Reisman and Benoit Haerlingen attended the national program in Canberra, meeting policymakers, advisors and science leaders while observing how evidence is integrated into policy discussions. 

ARMI postdoctoral researchers Dr Elizabeth Reisman and Dr Benoit Haerlingen attended this year’s Science Meets Parliament program in Canberra, joining scientists from across Australia for meetings with policymakers, advisors and senior science leaders inside Parliament House. 

The two-day program combined policy and communication training with direct engagement opportunities, including meetings with parliamentarians and ministerial staff, attendance at Question Time, and discussions on science communication, advocacy and media engagement. 

Science communication and policy engagement 

For Dr Reisman, whose research focuses on biological ageing and preventative health, the experience highlighted how research needs to be framed within broader policy priorities. 

“A key takeaway from the program was the importance of communicating research clearly and concisely,” she said. 

“Policymakers are not looking for detailed methodology, but rather a clear understanding of what the research shows, why it matters, and how it can inform decisions.” 

During the program, Dr Reisman met with Sharyn Broomhead, Chief of Staff to the Hon. Sam Rae MP, Minister for Aged Care and Seniors, where discussions focused on ageing, prevention and health system priorities. 

Reflecting on the experience, Dr Reisman enjoyed presenting her research focused on biological ageing, preventative strategies, exercise and emerging therapeutics, and how these approaches could help delay functional decline and reduce future demand on the aged care system. 

Why evidence alone does not shape policy 

The experience also highlighted the broader realities of policymaking. “Policy is not driven by evidence alone,” Dr Reisman said. “Timing, political priorities, and framing play a critical role in determining whether research is taken up.” 

Dr Haerlingen said it was insightful to learn about the multiple opportunities the STEM sector had to engage and influence decisions as a new policy made its way into legislation.  

Researchers could apply pressure for policymakers to take action but could also assist in writing policy propositions or even a first draft of a policy, he said. 

“In addition, the STEM sector can contribute by publishing recommendations, offering its expertise, or directly engaging with parliamentarians involved in the process.”  

Research impact beyond academia 

Dr Haerlingen described the program’s communication training as particularly valuable because of how quickly it could be applied in real conversations with policymakers and advisors. 

“There were many decision-makers, MPs, senators and ministers present so whatever we learned during a session we could apply straight away,” he said. “MPs, senators, and ministers are sensitive to storytelling, to how clear – or unclear – our message is, and to how much it conveys emotion, just like everyone else.” 

Notable decision makers the researchers engaged with included Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Senator Tim Ayres, Shadow Minister for Science Aaron Violi, Western Australian Chief Scientist Professor Sharath Sriram and former Australian Chief Scientist Dr Cathy Foley, now President and Chair of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering. 

ARMI Deputy Director, Strategy and Planning Dr Marguerite Evans-Galea said the opportunity for researchers and decision-makers to connect made the Science Meets Parliament event a highlight of the scientific calendar. “Importantly, attendees establish connections and engage meaningfully to ensure science is at the forefront of public policy and decision-making at the national level,” she said. 

As a national leader in regenerative medicine and advanced therapies, ARMI works to elevate the voice of its researchers and innovators into strategic national conversations. Its advocacy approach includes participating in events such as Science Meets Parliament as well as regular engagement with MPs and policymakers.  

Dr Reisman said the experience reinforced the importance of engaging beyond academia to maximise research impact. “I would strongly encourage others to participate in similar initiatives to develop skills in science communication and policy engagement, and to ensure their research contributes to real-world outcomes,” she said. 

Science Meets Parliament is organised annually by Science and Technology Australia to strengthen connections between the STEM sector and federal Parliament. 

About ARMI
The Australian Regenerative Medicine Institute (ARMI), based at Monash University in Melbourne, is a world leader in regenerative biology and stem cell research. ARMI works at the frontier of science, translating discovery into hope for people living with conditions like cancer, arthritis, dementia, neurodegenerative disease, rare disease and injury.

Media Contact:
Penny Fannin, Communications Consultant, ARMI
M: +61 (0) 417125700
E: penny.fannin@monash.edu