Science Program
The Wentworth Group has established a science leaders program to enhance the ability of students, scientists and economists to engage in public policy on the future of our land, water and marine resources. Participants in the program are given the opportunity to work one-on-one with members of the Wentworth Group in order to apply their knowledge to public policy outcomes. It is a two-way process, where Wentworth Group members get the chance to learn from participants about the latest cutting edge research and on-the-ground issues. Run by Professor Bruce Thom and Dr Ronnie Harding, the science program has two core components:
- Mentoring Program
- Master Classes
Wentworth Group Scholarships
To bridge the gap between science and public policy, scientists must learn to navigate the divide. This is the intention of the Wentworth Group Scholarships. They seek to enable recipients to become active contributors at the interface of good decision making and world class science. Launched in February 2007, this is the second year that scholarships have been offered. The scholarships are awarded to post-graduate students. Each scholarship may be used over a 12 month period. Students must be an Australian citizen or have permanent residency status to be eligible. Students are given access to Master Classes and mentoring by some of Australia’s best scientists. Above all, we hope that recipients will be encouraged, inspired and motivated.
The science program is made possible by the generous support of the Purves Environmental Fund.
2008 Master Class
A two day master class was held in Sydney on 28-29 April 2008. The aim of the class was to help participants bridge the gap between science, business and public policy. Participants included the 2008 scholars, the Wentworth Group and six young professionals. The latter were chosen from the fields of banking, business, economics and NGO’s.
In addition we were fortunate to have a special guest speaker, Dr Gene Likens, from the Institute of Ecosystem Studies, New York. Gene is an ecosystem ecologist, a Member of the National Academy of Sciences, the American Academy of Arts and Scientists and the American Philosophical Society. He was awarded the 2001 National Medal of Science and the 2003 Blueprint Planet Prize. Discussions over two days involved science, public policy, politics, media and the making of a blueprint.
2008 Scholarship Participants
Victoria
University of Melbourne - Julie Arblaster
Deakin University - Dale Nimmo
New South Wales
University of Sydney - Gareth Edwards
University of Newcastle - Ben Henley
Charles Sturt University - Emily Mendham
Queensland
Griffith University - Rowan Gray
University of Queensland - Rachael Middlebrook
University of Queensland - Kathy Witt
James Cook University - Liz Pryde
Western Australia
Murdoch University - Brad Evans
Tasmania
University of Tasmania - Krystyna Saunders
Please note that applications for the 2009 Wentworth Group Scholarships have now closed.