Please sign and join us: Scientist Rebellion Australia Open Letter

Past Actions:
Scientist Rebellion Facebook Action 22nd of January, 2023.
Scientist Rebellion Facebook Action 9:00 am, 19th of January, 2023.
Scientist Rebellion Facebook Action 12:00 am, 14th of February, 2023.

Contact:
email: SRAustralia@protonmail.com

Scientists share a commitment to the knowability of nature and to the dependence of truth, replication and logical coherence. This allows us to identify as members of a coherent group. This way of thinking utilises collecting empirical evidence, forming and testing a hypothesis, analysing results, reporting and peer review but, most importantly, embraces the ongoing evolution of ideas and knowledge.

How do we define a scientist:
We acknowledge that the first scientists of this continent and its many islands, are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They are the original custodians of these lands and their sovereignty was never ceded.

Scientist Rebellion recognises the invaluable contribution of science teachers, nurses, and citizen scientists. They engage in science, educate the community whilst applying scientific methods and processes enabling us to expand our knowledge and understanding of the world.

Scientist Rebellion emphasises the collective responsibility for scientists to speak out about the evidence that human activity is having adverse effect on the climate. When necessary, scientists will also use non-violent civil disobedience to emphasise the urgency of that message.

NOTE: Wearing a white lab coat in action identifies you as a scientist. Those wearing a lab coat in action will normally hold a bachelor’s degree. Their bachelor’s degree extends across disciplines such as the natural sciences, engineering, social sciences, education, health and philosophy.

Important values we agree on: 

• The definition of scientist is kept as broad as possible to avoid excluding scientists from the full range of fields. Elitism will not serve us well, whereas inclusion will help grow the movement. Personal preoccupation with power has often led humans and groups astray. 
• Our goal is to always have broad inclusion. Many people often work across a range of disciplines with science and do not have a Bachelor degree, however their qualifications are equivalent to a Bachelor degree in Australia and other countries. One example is nurses, who often use the scientific method to inform the treatment and care of patients. Another example is teachers, who regularly apply the scientific method to improve teaching. Those with a year or two of academic training and who recognise the scientific method are also very welcome to join with or without lab coats. 
• We seek and espouse cooperation, mutual aid and solidarity, whilst seeking to find the dynamic balance between cooperation and competition. SR Australia supports research that values the role science plays in our lives, upholding the freedom of expression and the sharing of ideas. Scientists must be free to speak out about the dangers posed by the climate emergency and stand in solidarity with colleagues who are unfairly targeted when they choose to speak out. 
• We respect the need to recognise the full diversity of scientific endeavours and aim not to exclude or remove some people, even if the group evolves or changes.  

Early Signatures:
Janine O’Keeffe, Bachelor of Engineering, Master of Business Administration,
Brenda Tait, Master of Philosophy- Education,
Jane Morton, Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology,
Anthony Gleeson, Diploma of Education
Kyle Topfer,
Karin Xuereb, Diploma in Meteorology, Bachelor of Science (Physics), Master of Science (Atmospheric Science)
Coralie Boulet, PhD in Microbiology
Rosie Ganino, Bachelor of Arts
Nick Abel, PhD rangeland ecology and management, MSc Rural and Regional Planning, BSc(Hons) Biology

Version 2 Final, agreed in SR Australia meeting 2023-06-28 and prior meeting.

Version 1 Final, 8th February, 2023: after feedback from SR Australia signal group and 5 signatures and open for signature on e.g. Action Network. Finalized at meeting February, 8, with minutes.
Version draft: Janine O'Keeffe, Brenda Tait et al, December, 2022.
First Scientist Rebellion Australian actions taken in July, 2022 and October, 2022.

References:

• This document: Learn more about Scientist Rebellion Australia
• Please sign to join Scientist Rebellion Australia Open Letter
• Scientist Rebellion Nordic
• Scientist Rebellion Australian Definition
• Outreach other Movements
  • Klimataktion Sverige
  • Litigation 4 Mitigation (connecting to UN recommends disruption of traffic)
  • FridayforFuture Workgroups, Manuals and Documents