Scientists in Reproductive Technologies (SIRT) is a professional group representing the scientific membership of The Fertility Society of Australia. As such it is bound by the constitution of The Fertility Society of Australia.
SIRT History
SIRT was founded in the early 1990’s to promote professional excellence amongst the scientists working in the field of assisted reproduction and fertility. SIRT now has in excess of 500 members.
SIRT Mission
In addition to the objectives of The Fertility Society of Australia, SIRT’s role is to promote the education and training of scientists working in reproductive technologies and to promote high standards within the profession, in particular through the promotion of research and dissemination of scientific information within the membership.
SIRT aims to act as a resource for formulating a consensus on scientific issues and guidelines for best scientific practice within The Fertility Society of Australia and other professional bodies.
SIRT Membership Fees
Membership is only open to persons who qualify and who are a current financial member of FSA. The SIRT Committee has the right to refuse membership to persons to do not uphold the aims of SIRT. Membership is ratified by the SIRT Committee following receipt of applications and is based on a calendar year with membership expiring 31st December each year.
Membership Type |
Fee |
| Full Membership - Full Membership is open to any person who is currently engaged in scientific (non-clinical) activities associated with the field of human reproduction and requires a person be nominated and seconded by a current financial member of SIRT. | $100.00 |
| Student/Concessional Membership - Student / Concessional Membership is open to any person engaged in scientific activities associated with the field of human reproduction currently enrolled in a tertiary institution as a full-time student in the field of reproductive biology or other science-related degrees. This information must be verified by the Head of the Department. Student / Concessional Membership requires a person to be nominated and seconded by a current financial member of SIRT. | $50.00 |
| Associate Membership - Associate membership is open to any persons and/or organizations that have an interest in, and support the aims and objectives of, SIRT. Associate membership does not entitle access to: CPD scheme, Full Members contact details, SIRT Mail facility, Voting rights within SIRT, Executive & non-Executive positions within SIRT. | $150.00 |
| All fees include GST | |
Benefits of SIRT Membership
Membership of the professional body established to represent the interests of scientists working in the field of reproductive technologies.
- Access to the members-only areas of the FSANZ website
- Regular emails from SIRTMail, the closed email system used as a networking resource for members. SIRTMail allows discussion of technical problems, innovations, new techniques, equipment and job advertisements.
- Regular updates through the quarterly SIRT Newsletter, including journal-based learning initiatives.
- Download the SIRT Embryology Training Manual & Logbook, a valuable resource for training and competency assessment of IVF scientists.
- Admission to the professional CPD scheme APACE (Acknowledgement of Continuing Education) run by AIMS (the Australian Institute of Medical Scientists). This scheme records and recognises continuing education, formal courses and a wide range of professional activities that contribute to professional growth.
- Journal-based learning opportunities are also included in the SIRT Newsletter, and available in the members-only section.
- Apply for professional certification as a Medical Laboratory Scientist or Technician via the Australian Council for Certification of the Medical Laboratory Scientific Workforce (CMLS), of which FSA/SIRT is a founding member.
- Attend two subsidised SIRT meetings each year. Generally SIRT Members pay around 45% of the actual cost of the meeting with SIRT Sponsorship covering the rest.
- The SIRT Two-Day meeting is usually held mid-year and is aimed at making attendance at a professional meeting available to all the membership.
- The SIRT One-Day Meeting is associated with the Fertility Society of Australia & New Zealand’s Annual Scientific Meeting.
- Free or heavily discounted access to local educational events arranged by local SIRT representatives.
- Contact the SIRT Representation Coordinator for more details.
- Opportunities for contributing to the promotion of your profession and for directing its development.
- Access to information and support through the committee members and contacts made with fellow members.
- Certification/Registration: IVF scientists can now apply for professional certification.
Committee Members
|
Role |
Person |
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Chairperson |
Jayne Mullen |
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Vice-Chairperson |
Jeanette MacKenzie |
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Honorary Secretary |
Jeanette MacKenzie |
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Honorary Treasurer |
Michael Chan |
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State Representative Coordinator |
Callum Robinson |
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Membership Registrar |
Jeanette MacKenzie |
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Newsletter Editor |
Sophie Makin |
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Rebecca Kelley |
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SIRTmail & Website Manager |
Taneeka Rutherford |
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Education Coordinators |
Simone Cooke |
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Fabrizzio Horta |
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Elina Roumian |
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Certification |
Simone Cooke |
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APACE & Social Media Coordinator |
Simone Cooke |
Representation
Various bodies, including FSA, RTAC, MTAAC, QUPP and NPAAC, decide the legislation, regulations, guidelines and Codes of Practice under which our profession functions. Formal SIRT representation is critical for us to direct, promote and enhance our profession.
SIRT Regional Representatives address the specific needs of each region (NZ, TAS, VIC, NSW, QLD, WA, SA/NT, ACT).
SIRT Representatives
- SIRT-FSA Representative: Kiri Beilby. Represents SIRT on the Board of the Fertility Society of Australia
- SIRT-RTAC Representative: Dr Yanhe Liu. Represents SIRT on the Reproductive Technology Accreditation Committee
- SIRT-MTAAC-NATA Representative: A/Prof Hassan Bakos. Represents SIRT on the Medical Testing Accreditation Advisory Committee
- CMLS: Dr Kristy Demmers. Director representing FSA and SIRT on the Board of the Australian Council for the Certification of the Medical Laboratory Scientific Workforce CMLS
- AIMS-APACE: Ms Simone Cook, represents SIRT on the APACE committee of AIMS.
- AIMS: Dr Kristy Demmers, member of the Ratification Committee for Immigration Assessment of IVF Scientists
- YourIVFSuccess Representative: Ms Jayne Mullen. Represents SIRT on the YourIVFSuccess Advisory Committee.
Regional SIRT Representatives
The SIRT Representatives Coordinator is responsible for the co-ordination and oversight of the Regional Representatives to ensure complete and accurate communication.
The role of the Regional Representatives is to:
- Represent the specific issues and needs of the SIRT members in the region
- Facilitate interaction among SIRT members in the represented region by arranging World Embryologist Day & SIRT New Years events
- Act as a point-of contact for SIRT members and the SIRT Committee in the region
Contact your Regional Representative by emailing the SIRT Representatives Coordinator - representation@sirt.org.au
Regional SIRT Representatives - Sub-Committee
- Representatives Coordinator: Callum Robinson
- Australian Capital Territory & New South Wales: Ruan de Bruin
- Northern Territory: *seat available
- Queensland: Tim Rabbit
- South Australia: Helana Shehadeh
- Tasmania: Donna Kenny
- Victoria: Kathryn Gurner
- Western Australia: Laura Barblett
- New Zealand: *seat available
If you would like to volunteer to help in your region or to apply for a vacant position, please contact the SIRT Rep Coordinator - representation@sirt.org.au. The Position Description for the SIRT Regional Reps can be downloaded here (doc file)