ASC2018 - 11-15 Nov, Sydney

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Evidence-based scicom: Research exploring new and social media

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

Science communication has evolved with the prevalence of new media, bringing opportunities for scientists and communicators to interact with their audiences in new ways. But what is the value of investing time, money and effort into these new and innovative ways of communicating science? What are the impacts and what works best?

This session will feature research exploring new media and social media and provide insights to improve science communication practice and impact evaluation.

The session is structured into five 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

Isabelle Kingsley, PhD candidate, Science Communication, University of New South Wales

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How should we communicate science on social media? A machine learning approach to science communication research.

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

There is concern that a crisis of trust may be looming between society and scientists, as evidenced by the display of considerable public distrust in important issues such as climate change and childhood vaccinations. This perceived erosion of public confidence in science is one of the impetuses behind the public engagement with science movement, whereby scientists are called upon to engage in dialogues with the public to help improve public trust in science and scientists. Thanks to their built-in architecture for participation, social media have been hailed as useful tools that scientists can use to engage directly with the public. Despite the growing interest in social media to communicate science, evidence for the effectiveness of social media in influencing public attitudes towards science is scant. This study addresses two overarching research questions: (1) does communicating with scientists on social media have any effects on public trust in science and scientists? and (2) what are the factors that affect audience engagement and trust in science?

More than 500,000 space science-related social media messages were collected. The main method used is machine learning, demonstrating the feasibility of automated methods in science communication research. Results indicate that communicating with space scientists on social media causes a boost in trust in science and scientists. Further, results also suggest that the factors associated with audience engagement (e.g., retweets, likes) and trust in science are very different: visual elements stimulate audience engagement, while similarity is the biggest determinant of trust. Authenticity is the only feature that impacts both engagement and trust. This suggests that science audiences like and trust messages that are personal, honest, and genuine. The world increasingly needs scientists to also be advocates of science. The findings of this study represent concrete evidence that could help guide social media science communication efforts.

Session

Evidence-based scicom: Research exploring new and social media

Presenter

Yi-Ling Hwong, Post-doctoral research associate, Climate Change Research Centre, UNSW

Co-Author
Dr Carol Oliver, Senior Research Fellow, University of New South Wales

 

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The art of science communication

When: All conference
Where: Foyer, Level 2, the conference registration/foyer area
Turbine Hall, Level 1 next to the Experimentations exhibit (Tuesday 13th November, 6:00pm – 9:00pm only)
Hashtag: #SciArt

Science communicators often turn to the creative arts in their visual science communication projects. Whether many of these works would be called art is highly contested. On the other hand, many could easily be called works of design. So how do these different fields interact in their science-related visual displays? This exhibition explores works that range across visual communication, design, and art, teasing at the boundaries of these fields and considering how they play into the field of science communication.

To be mounted in the public space throughout the ASC 2018 conference, the exhibition will invite inspection, reflection, and comparison of works that are aesthetically interesting and intellectually challenging. Static visual works will be shown as physical prints in the conference foyer while video and screen based works will show in the Turbine Hall during the main evening event.

Curator

David Harris, Lecturer (sessional), Queensland College of Art, Griffith University

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Developing a breadth of skills by Learning through Play: the Six Bricks program

When: Wednesday 14th November, 3:45pm – 4:15pm
Where: Theatre, Level 2 down the stairs to the right of the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #W18

Six Bricks is a simple yet powerful program for learning using just six LEGO® DUPLO® bricks. It was developed in South Africa in 2013 as a means of providing children and their educators from less advantaged backgrounds with daily physical activities with which to improve their perceptual, pre-numeracy and pre-literacy development.

Six Bricks is a concept owned by the LEGO Foundation, used in some of their projects, and while it is not commercially available, there are great lessons to be learned.

There are well over 250 short exercises that can affect reasoning, literacy, numeracy and perceptual skills, and not just in children, but anyone at any age and from any background. From schools to corporate team-building, from playful learning to serious science communication, the Six Bricks program is demonstrably effective.

During the ASC2018 conference I will lead a ‘hands-on’ Six Bricks demonstration that involves curiosity, collaboration, communication, creativity, critical thinking and a can-do attitude, the “6Cs” of 21st century STEM skills.

Six Bricks is an example of a cost-effective program that is readily understood and simple to train others to implement. Delegates should come away with fresh ideas and the confidence to apply Learning Through Play methodology in their own work.

This session is supported by PlayFutures www.playfutures.net

Further information:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/725765130822588/

https://www.legofoundation.com/en/learn-how/knowledge-base/six-bricks/

Session Producer/Presenter

Adam Selinger, Executive Director, Children’s Discovery Museum Ltd

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Little Bang – Bright Sparks: Delivering a national priority through local collaboration

Little Bang Discovery ClubWhen: Wednesday 14th November, 8:45am – 9:45am
Where: L3, Level 2 to the left of the registration/foyer area, down the hallway and through the doors on the right
Hashtag: #W5

In an era of ‘false news’, a growing mistrust of ‘the expert’ and almost universal access to unfiltered advice from the internet of all things, the need for a science-literate community has never been more important.

The ability to critically assess information starts early and needs to become one of the pillars of education: reading, writing, arithmetic and CRITICAL THINKING.

Science communicators and educators can work smarter to better engage and sustain community understanding of how science works in producing evidence-based knowledge. The resulting democratising of knowledge, and the ability to discern trusted sources, enables better decision making for individuals, and the community as a whole.

This case study involves a series of science engagement initiatives that utilise the exisiting trusted and nationally distributed network of public and school libraries. By working in concert with this ‘third space’ we have a unique opportunity to influence a generation of children, their families and whole community outside the status quo of home, school and the workplace.

The overwhelmingly positive and enthusiastic response from librarians and participating families is evidence of the scalability and sustainability of these low-cost programs, with measurable impact on attitudes and understating of science.

Session

Case studies: Education

Presenter

Adam Selinger, Executive Director, Children’s Discovery Museum Ltd

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Scientists, Journalists and Science Communicators: a three-way partnership to build a social heavyweight

When: Tuesday 13th November, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Where: Theatrette, Level 2 behind the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #T9

It is hard to go to a science communication conference without seeing the phrase ‘fake news’ or ‘post-truth’, with many keynotes calling for scientists and science communicators to find a voice to be heard in the echo chambers of social media.

Twelve months ago, the Australian Academy of Science embarked on an ambitious project to do just that: to deliver a social engagement initiative of science communication content that was engaging, informative and—most importantly—increased the quality of verified science content in social media feeds.

Bringing in experience from commercial media to partner with skilled science communicators and backed up by the reputation and expertise of the Academy’s Fellowship, the communications team has evolved into a high-performing media house that produces videos, articles and image content specifically for social media on a broad range of topics and breaking news items.

But how, in the fast-paced environment of breaking news and the constraints of a 60-second video, can we ensure we do not misrepresent complex science and risk damaging the Academy’s reputation for excellence?

In this presentation, I will discuss our rigorous verification processes that ensure that we publish only fact-checked and consensus-view content. I will also touch on how this verification process builds trust both within the science sector and with mainstream media outlets.

https://www.facebook.com/AustralianAcademyofScience/

Session

Case studies: Lessons from the experts

Presenter

Dr Tom Carruthers, Senior Content Producer, Australian Academy of Science and National Director, Pint of Science Australia

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Beyond Panels: Better Events for Controversial Science

When: Monday 12th November, 1:55pm – 3:25pm
Where: L1, Level 2 to the left of the registration/foyer area, down the hallway and through the doors on the right
Hashtag: #M11

Real-life events are a golden opportunity where interested, diverse groups of people gather around an issue or idea. As science communicators in a time of divisive rhetoric and online filter bubbles, how can we curate events that are rich, engaging and able to examine the nuances of complex subjects like climate change, health science, and more?

Right now, panel discussions are a go-to format for science events, especially on controversial topics. The format, despite its popularity, is structurally flawed: rarely do panels achieve depth of dialogue, enable true audience input, or change hearts and minds. Many alternative formats exist, and this session will include two micro-events to showcase more interactive approaches, leaving participants with practical know-how they can use right away.

Session Producer/Workshop Facilitator

David Robertson, Lecturer, Monash University

Presenters

Djuke Veldhuis, Director of the Bachelors of Science Advanced, Monash University

Eleanor Reynolds, Education Officer, ANSTO

 

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The breathtaking circus of photosynthesis: communicating the most important biological process on Earth

When: Wednesday 14th November, 2:40pm – 3:40pm
Where: L2, Level 2 to the left of the registration/foyer area, down the hallway and through the doors on the right
Hashtag: #W17

Photosynthesis is probably one of the most misunderstood and undervalued of the biological processes by the public. Perhaps this misunderstanding is due to the difficulty to show and engage the public with an imperceptible process that takes place within microscopic structures inside leaves.
This poster will show a group of displays focused on photosynthesis that we have been developing in the past two years, as part of the Australian Research Council (ARC) Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis. This small exhibition of photosynthesis has been used in public events to engage the public with a topic that, despite its importance in our lives (we will either asphyxiate or die of hunger if it stops), is rarely presented in the form of interactive, visually appealing displays.

Session

Case studies: Visualising science

Presenter

Natalia Bateman, Communications officer, ARC Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis

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Tell me a Story

When: Wednesday 14th November, 8:45am – 9:45am
Where: L1, Level 2 to the left of the registration/foyer area, down the hallway and through the doors on the right
Hashtag: #W3

Storytelling is an intrinsic part of human societies and cultures. Whether through the many and varied art forms, religion, architecture or media, the influence of storytelling is everywhere. Stories reflect and reveal values, dreams, desires, fears, prejudices, knowledge and wisdom. Stories capture our pasts and envision our futures. Storytelling is often said to define and bind our humanity; it is possible that humans are the only animals that create and tell stories.

In essence storytelling is about making sense of the world, which is probably why stories so fascinate humankind. If you tell your audience a story with integrity, the chances are you’ll gain their support, create a following and inspire them to believe and act. A story gives people a reason to care about what you have to say.

Our team is using a ‘show and tell’ format to explore storytelling in just some of its wondrous diversity, selecting genres and technologies highly relevant to science communication. Between us we explore the power of the narrative and performance to engage and inspire, and the development and use of technology (including artificial intelligence) to turn scientists into expert communicators. We demonstrate and discuss why good story telling matters and is essential to effective science communication.

We are not only interested in more effectively engaging with the audiences we have, but also in connecting with new audiences including the ‘less science-engaged’. We are all experimenting and innovating in this space and have some great stories to tell!

Session Producer/Presenter

Sheryn Pitman, Programme Manager Inspiring South Australia, South Australian Museum

Presenters

Michael Mills, Creative Director, HeapsGood Productions

Andy Stapleton, CEO and Founder, verbalize.science

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The making of AMOSS – a living science style resource

When: Tuesday 13th November, 2:00pm – 3:30pm
Where: Theatrette, Level 2 behind the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #T9

‘Sulfur’ versus ‘sulphur’, ‘prevalence’ versus ‘incidence’ – before the Australian manual of scientific style (AMOSS) came along, science and technical writing was a Wild West of duelling styles and lone rangers…

This presentation takes you behind the scenes of Biotext’s quest to bring together scientific conventions from a wide range of disciplines and aspects of science communication in one style manual. Its team’s considerable experience with the limited science-specific content in other Australian style resources helped Biotext see the huge potential benefit of an interactive, online style manual for an Australian audience.

Learn about the 3-year journey undertaken by Biotext’s experienced writers, editors and designers to develop AMOSS, and its publication as an online resource, in partnership with Macquarie University. Explore the structure and main features of AMOSS, and its accessibility as an online resource. This presentation is ideal for the same groups identified as potential users of AMOSS: academics, researchers, students, government employees, science communicators, editors and journalists.

Session

Case studies: Lessons from the experts

Presenter

Dr Julie Irish, Principal Health Writer and Editor, Biotext

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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