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:

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 and to honours 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

 

2007 Scholarship Holders

 

2009 Wentworth Group Scholarship Applications will be available from October 2008. Please contact Dinah Johanson for an application form and more information.

 

Dinah Johanson
Science Program Co-ordinator
Ph: 02 8667 3113
djohanson@wentworthgroup.org