The conference called Our Lands, Our Waters, Our Peoples attracted 140 participants from China , Japan , the Pacific Islands , Australia , Taiwan , Aotearoa New Zealand, Singapore and Indonesia . They arrived at Brisbane for critical discussions about regional S&T developments concerning environment, culture, indigenous knowledges/perspectives, techno-life sciences, citizenship and governance. Our strong focus on environment and Indigenous themes was considered by many as a valuable ‘point of difference' from other more formal US and European organisations. An essential part of setting up the conference's success was gaining good sponsorship of which CEESP sponsorship for Indigenous participation was particularly valued.

How does STS relate to your work? Many current issues involve tensions between scientific innovations and technological development and community values, and raise complex policy challenges. There are science, technology and society features in many public debates such as: the use and development of natural resources, the adoption of public health measures, information and communication options, competing health and nutrition claims for food; the installation and nature of infrastructure, road and energy projects; selecting appropriate options for reducing greenhouse gas emissions; and appropriate technologies for development and sustainability. These issues are often driven by the differing risk and assessment perceptions of experts and others, amplified by the news media.

Increasingly, attention is being paid to the relationship between science, technology and society regarding decision-making, regulation, governance, citizenship and public policy about social change, planning, communication, national development and environmental sustainability. STS has been practiced internationally for over forty years and is growing field of scholarship.

That said, to address these issues and areas in regional context, the APSTSN focuses its activities though an annual conference/meeting, forums and workshops, a regular newsletter, and a dedicated website. This years meeting is in Toyko in late August and next years conference in late July is at Northeastern University , China . There are no formal membership conditions or fees. Networking is the key!

Currently, the Convenor is Richard Hindmarsh ( Griffith University , Brisbane ) and the Co-convenor is Tomiko Yamaguchi ( International Christian University , Toyko). They are supported by a Steering Committee involving representatives from STS communities around the Asia-Pacific, and an International Advisory Board of senior and eminent scholars all involved in some way with the Asia-Pacific STS. In the latter we are fortunate to have Aroha Mead amongst our members.

Please browse our website for more information, our conference report and latest newsletter of activities, our memberships of the Steering Committee and IAB. To join our membership list for newsletters and other relevant information and networking an online membership form is available. We welcome and look forward to your participation!

Best! Richard Hindmarsh [APSTSN Convenor]