The Western Australian Government’s new 10 Year Science and Technology Plan for Western Australia launched last week, with aims to enhance WA as a global leader in science and technology.
A small team within the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation began work on the plan in 2023, and tapped into the skill, knowledge and enthusiasm of seven UWA student interns through the McCusker Centre for Citizenship’s internship program to help deliver a thoroughly researched plan based on broad consultation.
Selina Metternick-Jones, Director Science & Technology Plan with the Department, said that the interns had brought new ideas and different perspectives, and had been an integral part of the team.
“The Plan will be the first time there has been a comprehensive, whole-of-government approach to science and technology. This strategic approach should help to transform WA’s research and development capabilities and position us as to utilise our science and technology to support great outcomes for the WA community,” Ms Metternick-Jone said.
“Our UWA interns came to the team with different backgrounds, providing invaluable insights. They all brought a curiosity about how government functions, and asked questions that helped our team to think about the status quo and further improve our work,” she said.
Studying degrees in Arts, Biomedical Science, Commerce, Marketing, Psychology and Science at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, the interns took on internship roles focused on communications, project management and stakeholder engagement.
“Early in the process, our interns researched a range of existing science and technology-related strategies and plans across government – this mapping and analysis directly informed the development of our research priorities,” Ms Metternick-Jones said.
“Later, the interns assisted with extensive research into various science and technology programs across Australia and the world to inform the actions that appear in the Plan. This foundational work on things like biobanking, grant programs and communications helped form the basis for how the team addressed the design of new programs to support science and technology in WA.
“Recently we had our interns help develop our digital content to celebrate National Science Week at the Department by creating numerous posts highlighting some amazing science collaborations happening across the State.”
Marc Loxley, a Bachelor of Commerce student, took on a Stakeholder Engagement Intern role with the Project team, contributing to policy analysis, writing briefing notes for the Minister for Science, and assisting with roundtable and advisory group meetings.
“For my first real experience in an office-setting, I was lucky to join a very welcoming group of co-workers that immediately made me feel part of the team. My favourite experiences were the professional outings we undertook, visiting the Western Australian Museum Collection and the Perth Core Library. These visits were a great opportunity to understand the impact of Science and Technology on various stakeholders throughout the state,” Marc said.
“The Plan focuses on a multitude of fields, from clean energy, environmental sustainability and emerging technologies to health and food security. It was a privilege working on a project which is crucial to the future of Western Australians, it gave me a strong sense of responsibility, and drove me to do my utmost everyday.”
Ms Metternick-Jones has been convinced of the value of internships since her own internship with the Department of Health during her time studying at UWA.
“The support of the interns allowed the team to explore a wide range of issues and bring new perspectives to the analysis and ultimate development of the Plan.
“Having them in our team improved team culture and made the workplace more vibrant, and it was also rewarding to provide mentorship and support to young professionals while they work on a meaningful project, I hope that some of the interns we have had will consider futures working the public sector.
“There can be a misconception that there is an additional ‘burden’ having interns in a team, but I would encourage a change of mindset. Investing in young people is so important to the future of the workforce, and it gives public sector professionals the opportunity to inspire young people to utilise their skills in the public service.”
Image: WA Chief Scientist, Professor Peter Klinken AC (third from left) with Internship supervisor and Director Science & Technology Plan with the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation, Selina Metternick-Jone (Centre) and team, including UWA student intern Marc Loxley (third from right) at the launch of the 10 Year Science and Technology Plan for Western Australia on 4 December 2024.