ASC2018 - 11-15 Nov, Sydney

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Case studies: Environment and community engagement

When: Wednesday 14th November, 10:20am – 11:20am
Where: Theatrette, Level 2 behind the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #W6

The environment + community = community engagement! Getting the community involved in environmental science is a rewarding venture. Hear from the speakers about their experiences in engaging the community in their work – both the rewarding and challenging.

The session is structured into three 15-minute talks and will wrap-up with a 15-minute Q&A for delegates questions and comments.

The session will include the following talks:

Session Producer

 

Session Chair

 

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Public Perceptions of Science and Opportunities for Informal Learning

When: Tuesday 13th November, 9:15am – 11:15am
Where: Theatrette, Level 2 behind the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #T3

Alice E Williamson1, Chiara O’Reilly2, Tom Gordon3, Chiara Neto1

1School of Chemistry and Sydney Nano Institute, The University of Sydney
2Museum and Heritage Studies Program, The University of Sydney
3School of Physics, The University of Sydney alice.williamson@sydney.edu.au

Abstract

Science education is frequently singled out as a priority goal for Australia (Office of the Chief Scientist, 2014). To date, much of the focus has been on formal education – expanding capacity and strengths in schools and higher education to ensure that Australia is prepared for the future of employment and research (Tytler, 2009).

In recent years, science festivals and special public events focused on science have rapidly grown around the world (Bultitude, McDonald, and Custead, 2011). These events engage diverse audiences and seek to make science accessible (Council et al., 2009). They can play an important role in breaking down traditional resistance to topics by opening up discussions and expanding community awareness and supporting lifelong learning (McCallie, et al., n.d.)

This study seeks to explore the role of informal learning environments for science in Australia. Through the participation in, and surveying of science festivals and one-off science programming outside of traditional learning environments, we seek to better understand the ways that these events succeed or fail in engaging the community with science. By examining why people attend and what they gain we aim to explore the role that these events can play in shaping and developing contemporary attitudes to science.

In this paper we will share insights from the pilot stages of our project, findings from our surveys at three informal events and our future goals.

Session

Case studies: Cultural Institutions and Festivals

Presenter

Dr Alice Williamson, Lecturer in Chemical Education and Outreach, The University of Sydney

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I’ll see it when I believe it: motivated numeracy in Australians’ perceptions of climate change risk

When: Tuesday 13th November, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Where: Theatre, Level 2 down the stairs to the right of the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #T8

People don’t form attitudes about Anthropogenic Climate Change (ACC) risks just by empirically considering the likelihood of harm, the consequences of failing to act, and the costs and benefits of mitigation. If that was the case, there should be little disagreement about these quantifiable outputs of scientific research. However, when people consider controversial topics of decision-relevant science like ACC they often defer to their political beliefs, rather than using their cognitive abilities alone, leading to polarised groups. Counterintuitively, Kahan et al. (2017) found that more numerate people, who have the cognitive ability to interpret scientific data, were more polarised than others about the effectiveness of gun control laws on crime in the United States of America.

In our conceptual replication of this important study we investigated whether the motivated numeracy effect found in Kahan et al. (2017) also applies to people when assessing ACC risks. This randomised controlled experiment (N = 504) of Australian adults, extends the motivated reasoning thesis by finding evidence that some people who consider topics of ACC risk use motivated numeracy to rationalise their interpretations of scientific data in line with their beliefs.

Session

Evidence-based scicom: Research exploring knowledge, beliefs and perceptions

Presenter

Matt Nurse, Masters degree candidate, CPAS, Australian National University

Co-Author
Will Grant

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Designing methodologies with impact: A critical view on research

When: Tuesday, 13th November 9:15-11:15am
Where: L2, Level 2 to the left of the registration/foyer area, down the hallway and through the doors on the right
Hashtag: #T5

Different approaches and processes can be implemented as part of a research project – but the best approach is the one that will get you the most accurate assessment! Even using the right approach does not guarantee valid findings – It has to be the right question!
This workshop will address best practice approaches to designing research programs that combine scientific rigour with practical efficiency. We will look at the philosophy underpinning different approaches and how and when different techniques should be used. We will conclude with a discussion on how published research should be evaluated.

Presenter

Clifford Lewis, Lecturer, Charles Sturt University

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Planning science communication

When: Thursday 15th November, 8:00am – 4:45pm (including lunch)
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
Room: Theatrette, Level 2 behind the registration/foyer area

Purchase separately or free for conference+workshop delegates (RSVP during registration).

Register now!

Do you need to plan science communication for a project, an event, or even your whole organisation?

Have you been asked to develop a communication plan?

Not sure how to structure it?

How do you prioritise who to communicate with?

How do you design clear messages that won’t be misunderstood?

What indicators will tell you if you’re successful?

How do you choose the most effective communication methods?

If you need answers to any of these questions, then Econnect Communication’s one-day science communication workshop, specially designed for ASC conference delegates, is for you.

Good science deserves a good communication plan, and good communication takes careful planning.

This practical and lively 1-day workshop takes you through a 7-step process of planning your communication.

The workshop program will include case studies, discussion, presentations and planning exercises.

Participants have the opportunity to develop a skeleton communication plan for their project, event or organisation.

The 7-step process is a comprehensive approach to communication, based on our experience as science communicators for almost three decades. It covers target groups, messages, delivery and evaluation, and ends with an action plan to translate the day’s work into a workable program.

Each participant will be given a copy of our Planning Science Communication handbook.

Topics covered

  • When should you communicate about a research project?
  • With whom should you communicate?
  • What do your target groups want from communication?
  • How do you choose the most effective communication activities?
  • How can you monitor and evaluate communication?
  • How can you overcome some of the barriers to effective communication?
  • What’s the best way to develop and implement an action plan?
Facilitators

Jennifer Metcalfe, Director, Econnect Communication

Toss Gascoigne, Visiting Fellow, Australian National University

Purchase separately or free for conference+workshop delegates (RSVP during registration).

Register now!

**Register to save your seat!**

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Trust Me, I’m a Scientist: A Case Study about Science Communication, Co-design and Community

When: Wednesday 14th November, 10:20am – 11:20am
Where: Theatrette, Level 2 behind the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #W6

As most science communicators and scientists know, even the most engaging and carefully-crafted communication will be ineffective if your audience doesn’t trust you. As Victoria’s environmental regulator, the Environment Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) is acutely aware of the importance of trust, particularly when it communicates and engages with communities.

In early 2014, a fire at Hazelwood Mine burnt for 45 days, covering much of the Latrobe Valley region in smoke. As a result, community confidence in EPA and the Victorian government was low both during and immediately after the fire.

Since then, EPA has worked closely with Latrobe Valley communities to strengthen relationships and improve how it communicates its science. This work cumulated in the roll out of a ground-breaking co-design process in 2016, which relied on extensive input from community, scientists, engagement experts and a science communicator. The primary task of a community panel was to design an air monitoring network to complement EPA’s existing air monitors in the Latrobe Valley.

In this session you will hear how a co-design process helped build community trust from the point of view of a science communicator. I will:
• show you how science communication improved the community’s understanding of air pollution and helped build community trust
• share my challenges and triumphs of working side-by-side with scientists and community
• explain how lessons learnt through a co-design process have made me a better science communicator.

Session

Case studies: Environment and community engagement

Presenter

Catherine Healy, Science Communication Advisor, Environment Protection Authority Victoria

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What would a national framework to coordinate STEM outreach/engagement look like?

When: Monday 12th November, 1:55pm – 3:25pm
Where: L3, Level 2 to the left of the registration/foyer area, down the hallway and through the doors on the right
Hashtag: #M13

STEM outreach/engagement in Australia has changed dramatically over the last decade. All of a sudden it seems that STEM (and ‘innovation’) has become a hot topic. There are now numerous organisations that provide STEM outreach/engagement, especially in the schools context.
There have been some great initiatives over the years to collate and coordinate outreach/engagement but, overall, with limited impact.
This session will reflect briefly on where we have been, provide opportunity to share where we are at the moment, and be focused on proposing a path into the future for STEM outreach/engagement efforts.

Session Producer, Session Chair

Terry Burns, Science Communicator, University of Newcastle

Presenter

Christina Chun, CEO, iScope

Regina Crameri, AIR4

Janine McIntosh, Australian Mathematical Sciences Institute

Bruce Ritchie, Senior Manager Communications and Events, Office of the NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer

Justine Romanis, Engineers Australia Directory

Sally-Ann Williams, Engineering Community and Outreach Manager, Google Australia

Jackie Randles, Manager Inspiring Australia NSW, Inspiring Australia

John Philllips, Manager, Education Projects, The Warren Centre for Advanced Engineering

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Extended Play Session – Making The Most of Social Media For Business in a Modern World With LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook

When: Thursday 15th November, 8:00am – 12:45pm (including lunch)
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
Room: Theatre, Level 2 down the stairs to the right of the registration/foyer area

Purchase separately or free for conference+workshop delegates (RSVP during registration).

Register now!

In this extended post-conference workshop session Mark will delve deeper into 3 of the biggest and most powerful social media platforms around today LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook. Learn How to create an amazing presence and dominate your field using LinkedIn, YouTube and Facebook

LinkedIn
– How to complete your profile 100% so its eye catching, position you as an expert in your field and gets found
– How to write your 1st LinkedIn Blog article and the winning formula to use over and over again.
– How and what to do every day on LinkedIn, with posting, sharing, liking and commenting.
– How to use LinkedIn to generate an endless supply of new opportunities.

YouTube

– How to setup and optimise multiple YouTube accounts
– How to record and upload interesting and engaging videos quickly and easily
– How to get your videos ranking on page 1 of YouTube by following a simple formula
– Learn the No 1 Ranking factor YouTube and Google are using to determine Page 1 ranking of videos

Facebook
– How to create a wow looking Facebook fan page that people will want to follow
– How, When and What to post to grow your page likes,  increase engagement and benefit your cause,
– How to record and upload video content that Facebook likes while avoiding the mistakes that most people make.
– How to piggy back on the success of other Facebook pages to grow your audience even more

Workshop Facilitator

Mark Warncken, Social Media Trainer | Speaker | Expert – Helping Businesses Generate Leads & Sales Using Social Media. LinkedIn – YouTube – Facebook – Instagram – Twitter

Purchase separately or free for conference+workshop delegates (RSVP during registration).

Register now!

**This is a public event. Register to save your seat!**

** Minimum numbers apply for this workshop to go ahead so please share with friends & register early! **

** Save $ if registering for 2 half day workshops –> all available workshops are online here: http://2018conf.asc.asn.au/workshops/ **

Share on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/1880945591989534/

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Mapping the science writing and communication landscape in Canada using new media and traditional survey research tools

When: Tuesday 13th November, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Where: Theatre, Level 2 down the stairs to the right of the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #T12

The social media landscape presents new challenges for science communication that have not yet been fully understood. This Canadian government-funded project, conducted by researchers in partnership with ASC’s sister organizations in Canada (the Science Writers and Communicators of Canada, SWCC, and the Association des communicateurs scientifiques du Québec, ACS), aimed to identify who is currently communicating about science in Canada and how they are doing it. Using emerging new media research tools (Altmetrics and Netlytics) and commonly-used hashtags (i.e. #scicomm; #commsci, and #sciart) we identified 256 dedicated social media science communicators (197 Twitter and 59 Instagram) located in Canada. We surveyed these social media communicators about their communication practices and compared their survey responses to survey responses gathered from association members (254 SWCC members and 309 ACS members). Findings show that, compared to association members, the social media communicators we identified through new media mapping were younger (26-36 years of age), paid less (or not at all) for their science communication activities, and had been communicating science for fewer years (2-5 years compared to 10 years or more). More members of the social media group had a science background (rather than communication, journalism or education background). Fewer of the social media communicators were members of related professional associations, however, more were members of informal science writing/communication networks. The social media communicators used a greater diversity of media tools to communicate when compared to association members. We will discuss how the findings from this research project are being used to inform professional member association policies, training and outreach activities to improve the quality of public engagement with science in Canada.

Session

Evidence-based scicom: Research exploring new and social media

Presenter

Dr Michelle Riedlinger, Associate Professor, University of Fraser Valley, Canada

Co-Author
Germana Barata
Alexandre Schiele

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In conversation: why does science need style?

When: Monday 12th November, 10:25am – 11:25am
Where: Theatre, Level 2 down the stairs to the right of the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #M3

Consistent and inconsistent style has had fascinating impacts in many fields of communication. Arguably, some of the highest stakes exist in science communication, where complexity meets diverse audiences, and matters of health, innovation and safety depend on technical texts being understood down to the letter. Join our panel in conversation, as we delve into the applications and implications of style in technical writing. Journey back as we look at some of the historic styles in science communication, and the way linguistics has influenced the often highly emotional attachment we have to certain style conventions. We’ll unpack style preconceptions, how we determine what’s ‘right’ and what’s ‘wrong’ in matters of science style, and go through some interesting examples of the good, the bad and the ugly. Add a dash of technology as we learn about Macquarie University’s research into what eye tracking technology can tell us about the ways we digest information. We’ll also touch on the science style resources available to science communicators.

This 45 minute session includes 15 minutes of Q&A at the end. We look forward to sharing a thoroughly engaging science style conversation with you!

Join panellists Dr Janet Salisbury, founder and Director of Biotext; Emeritus Professor Pam Peters, Macquarie University Department of Linguistics, Gab Lhuede, National Publications Manager for St John Ambulance; and panel Chair, Toss Gascoigne, a founding member of Australian Science Communicators, and a veteran science communicator.

Session Producer, Presenter

Dr Janet Salisbury, Founder and Director, Biotext

Session Chair

Toss Gascoigne, Visiting Fellow, Australian National University

Presenter

Emeritus Professor Pam Peters, Emeritus Professor, Department of Linguistics, Macquarie University

Gabrielle Lhuede, National Publications Manager, St John Ambulance Australia

Australian Science Communicators

About ASC.

@auscicomm

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Questions? Please contact Kali on asc2018@asc.asn.au.

Acknowledgements

© 2018 Australian Science Communicators

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