ASC2018 - 11-15 Nov, Sydney

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

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

When we look around, science communication is everywhere. You see it in museums, in television documentaries, in newspapers, on the radio, in science magazines, social media and the growth in citizen science. But how do we know whether any given effort in communicating science among public audiences is effective? And by which aims and objectives are those efforts measured?

This session will feature research case studies exploring knowledge, beliefs and perceptions 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

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

Session Chair

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

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Unlocking curious minds: Promoting climate change knowledge and efficacy beliefs among students from lower decile schools

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

Currently, we know little if youth are aware of climate change, understand its scientific causes or consequences, and potential solutions. In addition, science teachers’ needs assessment is largely lacking in developing science communication efforts. Based on a collaboration with head of science teachers in five lower decile schools, short and simple animations were developed based on best science communication practises. In particular, social cognitive theory (e.g., Bandura, 1995, 2000) was applied, to focus not only on climate impacts but also to increase self- and collective efficacy beliefs of students that they can individually and collectively act to mitigate and adapt to climate change. The five short videos featured animations on (1) how do we know climate change is happening, (2) how do we determine the impacts of climate change locally, and (3) what solutions will best help mitigate and adapt to climate change. Further, two local climate scientists were featured in separate videos as they are considered the most trusted source of information for the public, aligning with deference to authority theory (e.g., Brossard & Nisbet, 2007; Brossard, 2013). These videos were developed as a resource to local science teachers to adapt in various classes. Based on pre-post survey of 150 high school students following exposure to the videos, we found that the intervention increased students’ knowledge about anthropogenic climate change, belief in scientific consensus, and in particular, their individual and collective efficacies to come together and act on climate change. The science teachers also mentioned using the videos in other classes. The intervention indicates the potential for a collaborative effort between science communication experts, climate scientists, and local science teachers to be able to engage and elevate students’ knowledge and efficacy beliefs about climate change. This research also found the dwindling resources for science teachers needs to be met such local interventions to help teachers better address current science issues. The success of the intervention indicates the effectiveness of localised campaigns in affecting change.

Session

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

Presenter

Jagadish Thaker, Lecturer at the School of Communication, Journalism and Marketing, Massey University

Co-Author
Daniel Rimmer

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Impact and Engagement: What can Australia and the UK Learn from Each Other?

When: Monday 12th November, 11:55am – 12:55pm
Where: L1, Level 2 to the left of the registration/foyer area, down the hallway and through the doors on the right
Hashtag: #M8

The landscape of science communication and public engagement (PE) in the UK has changed dramatically in the last decade; many people now speak of an increasing ‘impact agenda’ in the higher education sector, which has led to many considering science communication and PE as being integral to the research process. The introduction of the Research Excellence Framework (REF), and subsequently the inclusion of Impact Case Studies, has had a significant influence on this by enabling academics to demonstrate both the social and economic impacts of their research. These changing attitudes has seen higher education institutions develop the infrastructure for delivering PE activities, such as professional staff responsible for coordinating and delivering PE, and many UK bodies awarding funding provided impact can be shown. With the introduction the Excellence in Research for Australia and now the Engagement and Impact Assessment will there be a similar shift in attitude towards PE in Australia? This interactive session will compare and contrast the approaches of both countries and harness collective knowledge to make an action plan that science communicators can use to help further integration of PE into academia. Participants are strongly encouraged to share their own experiences and bring along examples of successful case studies.

Session Producers/Workshop Facilitators

Lizzie Crouch, Senior Coordinator of Engagement, SensiLab, Monash University

Djuke Veldhuis, Course Director, Global Challenges, Monash University

Workshop Facilitator

David Robertson, Lecturer, Monash University

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Community Perceptions of Coastal Hazards in New South Wales

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

Much is known about the physical nature of coastal hazards in New South Wales (NSW) and management interventions available to mitigate their impacts. However, much less is known about social dimensions of communities and coastal users who are, or may be, affected by these hazards. This project aims to assess existing understanding and perceptions of coastal hazards by the NSW ‘coastal community’, specifically relating to inundation and erosion caused by coastal storms and sea level rise, by analysing sources of information and the level of trust regarding these sources.

A multi-tiered survey instrument was disseminated between November 2017 and April 2018 in order to gain information on a cross-section of the NSW coastal community. A total of 1065 survey responses were obtained from teachers (n=355); surf life saving club members (n=307), coastal accommodation visitors (n=237) and managers (n=61), indigenous communities (n=22), ‘frontline’ coastal residents (n=23), and coastal management professionals (n=60).

Results show that most NSW coastal users have a good understanding of coastal erosion and inundation, their associated consequences, and the various hard and soft solutions available to manage their impacts. However, some confusion exists regarding the future rate and impacts of sea level rise on the NSW coast and a significant number of respondents indicated they would still buy, and live in, a house at risk of coastal erosion and inundation.

This study highlights several important differences in perceptions and opinions of coastal hazards between coastal users and coastal management professionals in relation to different coastal environments and the best methods to communicate and educate the coastal community. The results from this study will be freely available through an online resource pack of information targeting various types of end users.

This project is funded by the NSW Department of Justice and supported by the Sydney Coastal Councils Group, Office of Environment and Heritage and Surf Life Saving New South Wales.

Session

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

Presenter

Anna Attard, Research Assistant and Masters Student, University of New South Wales

Co-Author
Robert Brander

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The missing link for STEM diversity

When: Tuesday 13th November, 4:00pm – 5:30pm
Where: L1, Level 2 to the left of the registration/foyer area, down the hallway and through the doors on the right
Hashtag: #T14

A diverse science, technology, engineering and mathematics skilled workforce is critical for innovation, entrepreneurism and a competitive national economy. Not everyone from multifarious backgrounds who have passion for STEM and scientific research remain in the workforce. They also don’t consider STEM research and occupations as an employment choice. In a substantial number of cases one of the many reasons for this trend is the ability to communicate their concepts and also the ability to understand scientific concepts. The wider research community in the STEM sector has emphasised that the reasons for ‘brain drain’ need to be better understood. But more importantly, we need to bring back the tide of highly specialised, highly trained individuals leaving research by providing them with some valuable tools, mentoring and networking opportunities in the wider successful STEM network base.

The line-up of successful researchers from well represented multicultural and diverse backgrounds in this session will talk about the strength of diversity and discuss how to fill the missing links.

Session Producer, MC

Dr Astha Singh, Vice President | ASC NSW, ASC

Presenter

Associate Professor Devanshi Seth, Principal Scientist, RPA Hospital and Clinical Associate Professor, Centenary Institute, University of Sydney

Dr Noushin Nasiri, Lecturer at School of Engineering, Macquarie University

Alfonso Ballestas-Barrientos, PhD Candidate, Laboratory of Advanced Catalysis for Sustainability, School of Chemistry, The University of Sydney

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STEMpunk Podcast: Live at ASC

STEMPUNKWhen: Tuesday 13th November, 12:45pm – 2:00pm
Hashtag: #T7

STEMpunk podcast investigates what STEM is, who does it, and why.

The format of the show is like a panel show where we ask Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths questions, as well as a question from our previous guests. STEMpunk has also run a number of successful live quiz and trivia events.

STEMpunk is not like most other Science podcasts, choosing to interview not only people people involved in STEM, but others outside as well. And for those involved in STEM, we ask them questions about things outside of STEM. We have interviewed some fantastic guests like Dr Katie Mack, Dr Karl, Dr Margaret Wertheim and Professor Brian Schmidt.

This session will be an informal chat with the STEMpunk hosts interviewing expert practitioners at the ASC conference about what STEM is, and who does it. The hosts will encourage audience participation and questions to make the podcast as interesting and conversational as possible.

This session will be released as an episode for the STEMpunk podcast.

http://stempunkpodcast.blogspot.com.au/

Session Producer/Session Chair/Presenter

Tom Gordon, Producer/Host, STEMpunk

Presenters

Christie Mcmonigal, Host, STEMpunk

Shane Hengst, Host, STEMpunk

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Comparing science communication models with a long-term participatory case study: The Climate Champion Program

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

Over the last 20 years, scholars and policymakers have called for science communication to move beyond linear engagement to participatory engagement, especially with publically contested science. However, there has been little scholarly reflection on long-term participatory science communication practice. My study compared the theorised science communication models with a seven-year case study: the Australian Climate Champion Program, where scientists and farmers jointly addressed the problem of climate risk. I investigated scientists and farmers’ objectives for participating, the nature of their interactions, and the relationships between them. I analysed how they valued different sources of knowledge and acknowledged risk. Respectful, open and trusting relationships developed between most of the farmers and scientists participating in the program resulting in upstream engagement and co-learning. This case study demonstrates that a long-term participatory program can enhance co-existing linear forms of communication (deficit and dialogue) to help achieve participatory outcomes.

Session

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

Presenter

Jennifer Metcalfe, Director, Econnect Communication

 

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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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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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Podcasting. Behind the microphone.

When: Thursday 15th November, 12:00pm – 4:45pm (including lunch)
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
Room: L2, Level 2 to the left of the registration/foyer area, down the hallway and through the doors on the right

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

Register now!

Love to listen? Enjoy your podcasts? Thinking about/starting one of your own? This practical workshop by audio producer Lea Redfern (formerly of ABC RN, currently University of Sydney) is an opportunity to go to the next level in audio production.

Tailored to the participants, Lea will take you through the elements of audio from interviewing to music, to why and how you should edit, and how to plan, produce and distribute a podcast with an audience in mind.

Format
This session will be a combination of listening, discussion, practical exercises and planning/feedback.
Listening.
Discussion
Pitching
Practical exercises
Planning to podcast

Audience
Confirmed participants will be contacted to gauge experience with audio, interviewing and podcasting and areas of interest.

The class will be tailored according to participants’ experience.

Participants will gain practical experience in scripting and presenting, interviewing, handling recording equipment, knowledge of hosting options and an outline/pitch for their podcast.

Workshop Facilitator

Lea Redfern, Audio educator and podcasting consultant, The University of Sydney

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

Register now!

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

Share on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/176034206615465/

Australian Science Communicators

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

Acknowledgements

© 2018 Australian Science Communicators

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