The Coordination Committee on Science and Technology (CCST) comprises the heads of Commonwealth Science Agencies, deputy secretaries or equivalents of departments with major interests in research, science, technology and innovation, and the Chief Scientist. The CCST is chaired by the federal Department Innovation, Industry, Science and Research.
CCST provides a whole-of-government coordination mechanism and also complements the work of the Prime Minister's Science, Engineering and Innovation Council (PMSEIC). It provides input, where appropriate, to the PMSEIC standing committee to advise on matters of concern which may require a whole of government response.
CCST may establish working groups to undertake more detailed work as agreed by its members.
Terms of Reference
1. Where appropriate, to provide coordinated advice to the Government on cross-portfolio research, science, technology and innovation issues through the various Ministers whose portfolios are represented on CCST, or in cooperation with the PMSEIC Standing Committee.
2. To improve coordination and complimentarily of government research, science, technology and innovation policy and programmes.
3. To explore in depth major research, science, technology and innovation issues of concern to member departments and agencies.
4. To exchange information on Australian and international research, science, technology and innovation issues and to help coordinate cross-portfolio input to international forums and programs.
Membership
Chief Scientist of Australia
Departments
Agencies
Research Funding Agencies, Committees
Research Performing Agencies
Review and Evaluation
The composition, purpose, terms of reference and achievements of CCST will be evaluated on a triennial basis, or more frequently if necessary.
Reports
CCST Guidelines for Impact Evaluation of Science and Innovation Programmes and Expenditure - As part of its work program from 2006-07, members agreed it would be useful to develop a paper to provide guidance on impact evaluation of science and innovation programs. The following guidelines paper has been developed as a result of discussion at CCST meetings and a workshop involving representatives of most CCST members and several consultants working in this field.
CCST Working Group on Metrics of Commercialisation - The objective of the Working Group was to develop a set of metrics of commercialisation to position each member agency/department to provide a consistent approach to measuring the benefits from investment in science and technology. The Report provides a detailed analysis of the issues related to research commercialisation in publicly funded research institutions
Contact
For further details about CCST contact:
Cathy McKay
Manager, Collaborative Policy and Coordination Section
Science and Research Division
Level 3, 17 Mort St
Canberra ACT 2601
Department of Innovation, Industry, Science and Research
GPO Box 9839
CANBERRA ACT 2601
Email: cathy.mckay@dest.gov.au
Phone: (02) 6240 5365
Fax: (02) 6123 6100