Celebrating STEM innovation and entrepreneurship at inaugural Innovation Week 2015
Announcement posted by Peak15 Meetup and Genera Biosystems 24 Nov 2015
In one week Melbourne will host the inaugural Innovation Week 2015 www.innovationweek2015.org which runs Monday 30 Nov to Friday 4 Dec 2015 and is a timely, exciting new initiative led by the Australian Science and Innovation Forum in partnership with the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.
Science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) are pegged to drive Australia’s economy and job growth well into the 21st century. Australia ranks high for scientific discoveries and publications, yet we are amongst the lowest of the OECD countries when it comes to innovation.
Australia can become more innovative by fostering a culture of entrepreneurial thinking at every level - from the school years well into professional life. The STEM disciplines will be central to ensuring the global success of Australian businesses so it is essential to have a scientifically-literate workforce with experience in core STEM skills.
Bringing together people from the science and business sectors in an array of public talks, debates and discussions around STEM innovation are set to take place. As well as science and business leaders, events throughout the week will include Dr Alan Finkel, the President of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, Dr Leonie Walsh, the Lead Scientist of Victoria, and supported by Mr Tim Fischer, Former Australian Deputy Prime Minister.
Dr. Finkel says “Innovation is easy to define but difficult to do. But there is no doubt that our individual and collective efforts can be inspired by learning from the successes of others. Innovation Week will be an opportunity to learn from the achievements of science and business high fliers.”
Innovation Week 2015 will foster an innovation culture, network researchers in academia and industry, and recognise our emerging innovators of influence who will be integral to driving Australia’s innovation future.
Innovation Week is a national initiative which aims to encourage collaborations and become an Australasia-Pacific celebration of “out-of-the-box”thinking and innovation to product, practice and policy.