ASC2018 - 11-15 Nov, Sydney

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The Poet’s Guide to Science – A Sceptic Think Tank

Poet's Guide to ScienceWhen: Wednesday 14th November, 1:40pm – 3:40pm
Where: Theatrette, Level 2 behind the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #W14

A cutting edge approach to science communication blending fiction and fact to address today’s scientific dilemmas. A hilarious and thought provoking piece featuring cameos from working scientists, answering real questions.

Cy is facing a major crisis in his life. He’s thinking twice about genetic modification, immunisation and that old chestnut, how crazy the weather is these days. Who can he turn to? His family doctor? His local poet? He visits both but remains sceptical, and draws them into a quest to resolve the questions they can’t answer.

On their journey, they run headlong into scientific controversies of many kinds and encounter real live scientists who cast light on age-old questions of facts and data, truths and untruths, and the difference between uncertainty and doubt. Even the audience get a chance to discuss questions with geneticist Miguel Hernandez, immunologist (TBA) and climate scientist Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick as they try to help Cy, his doctor and his poet find the answers they’re looking for.

A show born of a surprising collaboration between dastardly director Michele Conyngham, concerned communicator, Phil “PhD” Dooley, and thelf-thentred thespian Patrick Davies Trumper, The Poet’s Guide to Science is a truly original, thought-provoking and entertaining piece of communication.

Session Producer/Performer

Dr Phil Dooley, Galactic Commander, Phil Up On Science

Performer/Director

Michele Conyngham, Director/Writer, Wordplay Drama

Performer

Patrick Davies Trumper, Actor/Teacher, Wordplay Drama

Guest Scientists

Miguel Hernandez,  Centre of Excellence for Translational Photosynthesis, University of Sydney

Sarah Perkins Kirkpatrick, Centre of Excellence for Climate Extremes, UNSW

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Citizen Storytelling – How the Small Stories can Combat the Global Warming Hyperobject

When: Monday 12th November, 10:25am – 11:25am
Where: Theatrette, Level 2 behind the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #M4

The stories around us regarding climate change are shocking and both the concerned public and scientists are exhausted. Every day there is a new petition to sign, a plea for a donation for campaigning and another set of terrible statistics. Talk to lay people and their eyes glaze over, talk to friends within environmental communications they can finish the story for you. So how can we re-engage ourselves and those around us? Does art and storytelling have a further role to play in reconnecting a fatigued public who want to act but can’t bear the tidal wave of bad news? This discussion with science and activist communicators will look at how new formats might help us include and engage those who are running out of steam. We’ll discuss new digital and social trends including podcasting and citizen storytelling and how broadcasting is remaking itself, alongside the use of performance and installation arts to help us colour in shades of grey and provoke emotive responses. And we will consider how to break through the exhaustion to positively engage others and encourage actions both large and small.

Robyn Williams AM has presented and produced the science show on ABC RN every week for over 40 years and knows just how to find a new angle.

Paul Brown is an academic professor in environment studies at UNSW, was campaign manager for Greenpeace and is also a verbatim playwright.

Gretchen Miller is a former radio documentary maker from ABC RN currently doing a PhD in her specialist arena of citizen storytelling, podcasting and environmental communications.

James Link manages the corporate partnerships program at Landcare Australia and is accustomed to telling great stories of the work of everyday Australians to attract new funding.

Tessa Fluence is public narrative coordinator leading the Changing the Story work at the Australian Conservation Foundation.

Session Chair

Gretchen Miller, Podcast producer, lecturer and media consultant, Gretchen Miller Media

Presenters

Robyn Williams AM, Presenter, The Science Show, ABC RN

Paul Brown, Associate Professor Environment Studies, UNSW Faculty Arts and Social Sciences

James Link, Head of Corporate Partnerships, Landcare Australia

Tessa Fluence, Public Narrative Coordinator, Australian Conservation Foundation

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The power of podcast

When: Sunday 11th November, 10:30am – 2:30pm
Where: Ultimo Community Centre, 40 William Henry Street (Corner Bulwara Road), Ultimo
Room: Seminar Room 1, Level 1, enter off Bulwara Road.
Up the stairs, the library is on the right and the seminar room is down the corridor on the left.
Hashtag: #S1

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

Register now!

Using lots of hands-on exercises we explore the power of podcasting. What is podcasting? Why is the spoken word so effective? Who can podcast? (clue – anyone!)
We look at genres and formats, planning your podcast, working with talent, the art of the interview, scripting/presenting, how to handle audio equipment, and an understanding of the ‘back end’ – editing choices, hosting and social media.

Format
This session will alternate instruction in the elements of podcasting you need to consider and a number of practical exercises to help you come away with a plan for your first (second or third) ideal podcast.

Audience
The class will be tailored according to participants’ experience.
We will contact confirmed participants to ask you to indicate your experience level with audio interviewing/podcasting and what you’d like to get from the course.
Participants will come away with hands on experience in interviewing, handling recording equipment and working with talent, scripting and presenting, knowledge of hosting options and a plan for their ideal podcast.

Workshop Facilitator

Gretchen Miller, Podcast producer, lecturer and media consultant with 20 years experience at ABC RN, Gretchen Miller Media

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

Register now!

**Numbers strictly limited. Register to save your seat!**

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

Acknowledgements

© 2018 Australian Science Communicators

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