Science in Government: then, now and what next?

Dr Louise Goldie Divko has always had an interest in science and sought to initially pursue these through teaching. After some experience in teaching, industry, and further studies in earth sciences, she realised the study of surface and sub-surface Victoria was for her.

Louise's PhD in geology provided the foundations to her career in the Victorian Government, working at the 160-year-old Geological Survey of Victoria. GSV is responsible for understanding the State's geological framework through regional geoscientific investigations, particularly to enable the informed and responsible management of State-owned resources.

Louise and her team are pivotal to understanding State mineral resources from gold through to metals, minerals and hydrocarbons. Her work can range from 3D mapping and remote sensing data, to taking and analysing core samples at her cob lab in Werribee. Louise provides the science and evidence base to inform government decisions, the community and industry about the resources beneath our feet.

Further information

Dr Louise Goldie Divko is the Manager of Energy Geoscience at the Geological Survey of Victoria.

Resources from Dr Goldie-Divko's podcast can be found online via the following links:

Earth resources Victoria https://earthresources.vic.gov.au/

Geological Survey of Victoria https://earthresources.vic.gov.au/geology-exploration/geological-survey-victoria

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Barry

Barry Byrne is a Scientific Adviser with Fire Rescue Victoria, an organisation that does everything from fighting fires, to hazardous materials, urban search and rescue, rope rescue and marine firefighting.

As a Science Adviser, Barry supports fires involving hazardous materials by providing advice to the operational group, as well as considering community impacts from exposure.

Barry graduated from Applied Chemistry at RMIT before starting his career in petrochemicals. He moved into pharmaceuticals and then completed a Post Graduate Diploma in Forensic Science.

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Dr Jane Melville is a specialist in terrestrial vertebrates at Museums Victoria and draws upon on research and field-based studies of reptiles and amphibians across areas of conservation, genetics, ecology, taxonomy and evolution.

Her journey to working in government started with a PhD in Zoology at the University of Tasmania, on the evolution of ecology, morphology and behaviour in Tasmanian snow skinks. This was followed by a postdoctoral research position at Washington University. Dr Melville commenced a role with Museums Victoria, as Curator of Herpetology, prior to becoming the Senior Curator of Terrestrial Vertebrates in 2008.

Jane's research on dragon lizards is extensive, and she has co-authored the only book on the species available in the world. Dr Melville's genetic and morphological research has been key to informing the correct taxonomy of lizards. Jane also looks at the impacts of habitat disturbance on other animals including frogs and woodland birds.

Through her role with Museums Victoria, Jane and her team share their knowledge with the wider community to help inform everyone about the diversity of species and nature and how we can best look after them.

Further information

Dr Jane Melville is a Senior Curator of Terrestrial Vertebrates at Museums Victoria.

Resources from Jane's podcast can be found online via the following links:

Dragon Lizards of Victoria: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/books/science/dragon-lizards-of-australia/

Museums Victoria: https://museumsvictoria.com.au/museum-at-home

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Kim is the Research Director at the Arthur Rylah Institute. Kim first encountered ecology on a field trip at university. After completing a PhD in ecology focusing on the feeding, breeding and social systems of water birds, he started working for the Federal National Parks Service.

The Arthur Rylah Institute was established in 1970 to conduct biodiversity research to benefit conservation. Kim's role is to manage his department which includes regulators, policy developers and researchers.

Kim talks about the impact of the Victorian Bushfires on biodiversity and the role that technology can play in recovery.

Further information

Resources from Kim's podcast can be found online via the following links:

Arthur Rylah Institute: www.ari.vic.gov.au

Frog citizen science project: https://www.ari.vic.gov.au/research/people-and-nature/the-frogs-are-calling-you

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Multidisciplinary expertise and experience provide the foundations to role of Manager, Climate and Health at the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

For the past 16 years at the DHHS, Vanora has worked across a variety of disciplines including drinking water regulation, recycled water scheme, guidelines for bushfire smoke and responding to major emergencies such as the black Saturday bushfires and thunderstorm asthma.

Since primary school, Ms Vanora Mulvenna has pursued her interests in science and maths. Her journey to government started by studying biology and catchment management and work across a variety of consulting, non-government and volunteering work. Her knowledge and experience provided foundations for a varied science career in the Victorian Public Service.

Vanora is currently undertaking comprehensive climate change planning and strategy work, together with her team of environmental health officers, engineers, toxicologists, biologists and environmental scientists. Vanora' s interest in science and experience has enabled her to inform and influence positive action in health and climate change.

Further information

Ms Vanora Mulvenna is the Manager of Climate and Health at the Department of Health and Human Services.

Resources from Ms Mulvenna's podcast can be found online via the following links:

•Climate change and health: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/climate-change-and-health

•Better health channel: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

•Department of Health and Human Services: https://www.dhhs.vic.gov.au/

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Alison works for the Environment Protection Authority which works to prevent and reduce harm from pollution and waste. Alison provides technical advice about aquatic systems and marine waters. Her group is responsible for water monitoring of Port Philip Bay, Western Port Bay and the Gippsland Lakes. They are also conducting research into microplastics. Alison speaks about the diversity of her role and how she applies science to the real world in the Victorian Context.

Alison grew up on the water sailing and swimming on the coast. A close encounter with the Tasmanian wilderness cemented her interest in Environmental Science. Alison started her career after completing a Bachelor of Science at a regional water authority, and then moved to Government. She's used the flexibility provided by the public service while starting a family.

Further information

Resources from Alison's podcast can be found online via the following links:

Integrated Marine Observing System - http://imos.org.au/

Australia's Ocean Odyssey: A Journey Down the East Australian Current - https://iview.abc.net.au/show/australia-s-ocean-odyssey-a-journey-down-the-east-australian-current

Ellen Macarthur Foundation and the circular economy - https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/

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