ASC2018 - 11-15 Nov, Sydney

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Elevating science communication through social science

When: Wednesday 14th November, 11:55am – 1:25pm
Where: Theatre, Level 2 down the stairs to the right of the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #W10

Effective communication and engagement is key to achieving impact from science. This session highlights how harnessing social science research can improve science communication. Three case studies from Australia’s lead science agency, CSIRO, will demonstrate how social scientists are collaborating with science communication practitioners to elevate science communication and engagement with target audiences. Strategies include formulating engaging key messages, identifying appropriate channels/platforms, and using language and tone to meet communication objectives.

Session Producer/Presenter

Dr Tsuey Cham, Communication & Stakeholder Manager, CSIRO GISERA

Melina Gillespie, Communication Advisor, CSIRO Energy

Session Producer/Chair

Helen Beringen, Communication Manager, CSIRO Land and Water

Presenters

Dr Nadine Marshall, Environmental Social Scientist, CSIRO Land & Water

Dr Andrea Walton, Social Scientist, CSIRO Land & Water

Dr Elisha Frederiks, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO Land & Water

Amy Edwards, Communication Advisor, CSIRO Land & Water

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The risky business of communication risk (or what to do when normal communications no longer work)

When: Thursday 15th November, 12:00pm – 4:45pm (including lunch)
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
Room: L3, Level 2 to the left of the registration/foyer area, down the hallway and through the doors on the right

In this workshop you will examine the theory behind risk communication, and learn how to apply it in practice. We will use case studies and shared learnings to develop risk communication frameworks for people’s own professional situations that you can then apply in your workplace.

Workshop presenter

Craig Cormick, Science Communicator and Writer

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

Register now!

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

Share on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/events/242782939725080/

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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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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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Permission to be Bold: Art-Science Engagement

When: Tuesday 13th November, 9:15am – 11:15am
Where: L1, Level 2 to the left of the registration/foyer area, down the hallway and through the doors on the right
Hashtag: #T4

Communicating science and technology research that has societal impacts can be challenging. Individuals engage with research from diverse points of view, and some communication, event and activity formats do not incorporate or acknowledge these different personal and cultural narratives. This can exclude or discourage audiences, or miss opportunities to reach new ones.

This interactive workshop will explore how art science collaborations can offer a different way to engage audiences with such research. With a ground-up introduction, selected examples from world practice, collaborative activities, and take-home tips from experienced facilitators, participants can dip a toe into the excitement, challenge and rigour involved in facilitating, producing or participating in art-science collaborations.

Session Producers/Workshop Facilitators/Presenters

David Robertson, Lecturer, Monash University

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

Presenter

Nathan Harrison, Performer and Writer, Applespiel

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Who to believe? How epistemic cognition can inform science communication

When: Wednesday 13th November, 8:40am – 9:10am
Where: Theatre, Level 2 down the stairs to the right of the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #T1

Two patients with the same condition decide to research possible treatments. They encounter multiple sources, from experts and others, each with different – sometimes contradictory – information. Depending on whom they believe and how they integrate these claims, the patients may make radically different decisions. These situations are commonplace in everyday life, from medical choices, to our voting decisions. How do we understand these differences, and support people in making the best decisions?

Epistemic cognition provides one lens onto this problem. Epistemic cognition is the study of how people think about the justification, source, complexity, and certainty of knowledge. When we evaluate evidence, think about where and when it applies, and connect claims to build models, we engage our epistemic cognition. Understanding how people navigate their own, and others’ knowledge is one of the most pressing social issues of our time in order to develop a sustainable society. I’ll draw on research in epistemic cognition, and my own research on how people search for and talk about evidence, to flag key implications of epistemic cognition research for science communication.

Session Producer

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

Invited Speaker

Dr Simon Knight, Lecturer, Faculty of Transdisciplinary Innovation, University of Technology Sydney

 

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Pint of Science – the evolution of the Australian festival

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

What better way is there to learn about cutting-edge research than over a brew?

Well, it’s nothing new … it’s science in the pub. It’s been done before, and we’d almost be brave enough to guess that almost all the science communicators at the 2018 ASC conference are pub-science veterans. So how is Pint of Science anything more than just another pub event? What makes us different? And why do volunteers, speakers and venues want to get involved?

In this talk, we’ll pull apart what makes Pint of Science unique by looking at the ways the festival engages its audience, speakers, volunteers and sponsors. In doing so, we will outline the recent evolution of the Australian festival and conclude with some forward thinking about how Pint of Science will continue to contribute to the broader Australian science communication landscape.

https://www.pintofscience.com.au

Session

Case studies: Cultural Institutions and Festivals

Presenter

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

Jirana Boontanjai, National Director, Pint of Science Australia

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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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Solving your tricky problems: the power of crowds

When: Monday 12th November, 3:55pm – 4:40pm
Where: Theatre, Level 2 down the stairs to the right of the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #M14

This session will be a participatory crowd sourcing event in which conference attendees will nominate a problem, and the conference will crowd source a solution, using the combined knowledge and experience of participants.

Workshop Presenter

Craig Cormick, Science Communicator and writer

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What’s Design Got to Do With It? Designerly Approaches to Science Communication

When: Wednesday 14th November, 8:45am – 11:20am
Where: Theatre, Level 2 down the stairs to the right of the registration/foyer area
Hashtag: #W1

Design is not about prettifying information. Design is not a final step in production after the “real work” is done. But what is design, especially in the context of scicomm?

Designer Horst Rittel introduced and defined the term “wicked problems” to denote problems that are resistant to resolution, especially due to issues of social complexity. He contrasted these to the “tame” problems that science has effectively developed techniques to deal with. Many scicomm scenarios are wicked problems (they all deal with people in social contexts) and experienced designers can bring a different set of perspectives and skills to these problems.

Although design perspectives are relevant to all branches of scicomm, they have particular resonance in countries like Australia and New Zealand where scicomm projects regularly intersect with indigenous communities. Commonly employed scientific frameworks and methodologies, from which much scicomm derives, are ill-equipped to deal with the needs of such communities.

In this session, design professionals who engage with scicomm will provide case studies, advice, processes, and frameworks for thinking that offer alternatives to the techniques often employed by those who come to scicomm from science. They will demonstrate how designers can successfully play a significant role in scicomm conception, development, and implementation using their unique skills and approaches.

Session Producer/Session Chair/Presenter

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

Presenters

Jo Bailey, Lecturer, Massey University

Tristam Sparks, Senior Lecturer, Massey University

Jacqueline Gothe, Associate Professor, University of Technology Sydney

 

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

Acknowledgements

© 2018 Australian Science Communicators

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