Thursday, 25 August 6:00pm –7:00pm

This seminar will be delivered in Chemistry Lecture Theatre 3 and Online Zoom Please email chemistry.researchsupport@sydney.edu.au for zoom link and password.

Speaker: Dr James Howard, 2019-20 Australian Science Policy Fellow

Host: The Sydney University Chemical Society (SUCS)

Title: Alternative pathways: A research chemist’s perspective transitioning to a career in public policy

Abstract: Are you an early or mid-career researcher considering something different for the next step in your career? Do you have a desire to maximise your impact on the community through the work that you do? Have you had concerns about applying your formal training to a career outside of chemistry? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then perhaps a future in public policy could be for you.

In this career focused discussion, James will speak to his experience as a research scientist diving headfirst into the world of public policy. James currently works as a policy advisor for NSW Treasury where he uses his background as a researcher to influence decisions made by the State Government. James’ talk will cover his experiences working on higher education reform and social housing policy in both the Commonwealth and NSW governments; the opportunities that exist to transition from a background in science to a career in policy; why there is a value in research trained professionals becoming policy practitioners; and the Australian policy cycle and how decisions are made in our political system.

Biography: James completed a PhD in Synthetic Organic Chemistry in 2015 before research appointments in the UK and at Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. More recently, James has worked for both the Commonwealth and NSW governments in a variety of policy advisory roles.