IPAS at Science Meets Parliement

Interim Director of the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS), Mark Hutchinson, recently attended Science meets Parliament 2025 (SmP2025), where discussions focused on the critical intersection of research and effective communication.

Reflecting on the event, Professor Hutchinson highlighted key takeaways relevant to IPAS’s mission of developing advanced sensing technologies with real-world impact. These insights included:

Emphasising Impact Over Activity: Beyond generating innovative research, there is a need to consistently communicate success stories to maintain engagement and momentum.

Clear Messaging and Early Engagement: Effective communication is essential in educating emerging talent and fostering early partnerships with industry to support technology commercialisation.

Building Engaged Communities: Targeted communication strategies can enhance collaborations with industry and government, leading to greater opportunities for growth and application of research.

Research Translation: Discussions at SmP2025 focused on integrating fundamental and applied science to maximise research impact, rather than debating its necessity.

Incorporating Diverse Knowledge Systems: Recognising the value of Indigenous Knowledge and Knowledge Systems reinforces the importance of trust and diverse perspectives in scientific innovation.

These reflections will guide IPAS’s ongoing efforts to bridge research and application, ensuring that photonics and sensing technologies continue to contribute to society. The institute remains committed to fostering collaboration and advancing research translation to deliver meaningful outcomes.