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James has trained as a lawyer, animator, molecular biologist and computer programmer. So if you want to develop an animated documentary series about bioinformatics patent infringements, James is your man.

Media Skills Workshop with Geraldine Mellet and Nancy Longnecker

Posted on 20 November 2009 by ASC Webmaster

There are some spots still available:

Media Skills Workshop

The University of Western Australia, Crawley, WA

9am to 5pm on December 4 & 11, 2009

Have you ever wondered …what makes a media friendly story? …why doesnt the story look like the information I provided? …why do I feel at the medias mercy?

This two-day Media Skills Workshop will help you: * increase your confidence in working with the media, * understand factors affecting successful media outcomes and * define your message.

During this Media Skills Workshop you will: * learn how to prepare yourself for interviews, * be interviewed on your topic by an experienced journalist, * receive extensive feedback from an experienced journalist, * use the feedback in subsequent workshop interviews and * receive a record of your interviews.

Contributors to previous workshops have included Geraldine Mellet (radio and television broadcaster), Babs McHugh (ABC Rural – resources reporter), Miriam Borthwick (television news and current affairs journalist and media consultant), Janine MacDonald (print journalist and UWA media manager) and Danielle Barrass (ABC radio).

Maximum workshop size is 12 participants.

Cost for two-day workshop is $600 +GST includes tuition, materials, morning and afternoon tea, lunches and CD of interviews.

To register interest or for further information, contact: Sophia Bickford

What have previous participants said? “A really enlightening two days- informative, confronting and confidence building!” Kim Cooper, Country Services Coordinator, Western Power Corporation

“Viewing myself again reminded me of what a huge difference there was between take one and take two. So thank you for assisting me to make that positive shift.” Jacqueline McNally, Decisions and Designs Pty Ltd

“I found the course was really useful and learnt how to engage both the media and their audiences with my topic.” Jill StJohn, Research Scientist, Department of Fisheries

Associate Professor Nancy Longnecker Science Communication Program Faculty of Life and Physical Sciences (M011) The University of Western Australia 35 Stirling Highway Crawley, WA 6009 T 08 6488 3926 F 08 6488 1058 E nancy.longnecker@uwa.edu.au www.science.uwa.edu.au/science_communication

www.science.uwa.edu.au/courses/science-communication/workshops/media

Deputy Editor, COSMOS magazine

Posted on 20 November 2009 by ASC Webmaster

*Deputy Editor, COSMOS*

*COSMOS, Australia’s #1 science media brand in print and online, seeks a Deputy Edit*or.

Launched in 2005, COSMOS is a stylish magazine of breadth and ambition, covering science for a general audience. It is literary in its journalism, global in scope and visually lush.

COSMOS reaches 400,000 people every month through a bi-monthly print magazine, a daily online news service, and a weekly email newsletter. It’s the winner of 35 awards, including the 2009 Magazine of the Year at the Publishers Australia Awards.

Reporting directly to the Editor, the role will help influence the shape of COSMOS, developing story ideas, dealing with freelance writers, and maintaining the high standard of journalism for which it is renowned. The Deputy also acts as Editor of Cosmos Online, Australia’s #1 science news website, and *Cosmos Update*, the weekly email newsletter.

The right applicant will be an intelligent self-starter with a talent for writing and a passion for science. They will be a team player who is not afraid of getting his/her hands dirty. Familiar with the Internet, blogs, and social media, she/he will be confident in cyberspace. A degree in science would be an advantage.

Based in stylish offices in inner-Sydney Chippendale, the COSMOS team is friendly, enthusiastic and keen to excel. Being a small and innovative publishing house, you can contribute directly to the development and success of the magazine and the company.

*Duties* • Work closely with the Editor, developing story leads and ideas • Research, commission and edit articles • Manage day-to-day operations of the www.cosmosmagazine.com • Assist in managing workflow • Deal with freelance writers • Assist with picture research • Represent COSMOS at events • Deputise for Editor in his absence

*Requirements* • A self-starter with excellent organisational skills • Reliable, responsible, with a strong work ethic • An elegant writer who loves quality journalism and is brimming with ideas • Previous magazine, newswire or newspaper experience • Can meet multiple deadlines in a fast-paced environment • Has a passion for science and good journalism • Is familiar with the online medium • Has a friendly attitude and is a team player • Minimum of 2 years’ experience as a journalist in a magazine or other media environment

Salary range: $50,000 to $68,000 incl. super, depending on experience.

*This is not an entry-level position. You must show examples of your previous work and show that you can handle the challenge of a fast-paced newsroom.*

If you meet the above requirements, please apply in writing with … 1) a detailed cover letter explaining why you want the job 2) a CV 3) writing samples to the address below. * Applications failing to comply with the three points above will not be considered.*

*Deputy Editor position Attention: The Editor, COSMOS PO Box 302 Strawberry Hills NSW 2012*

OR email your application to jobs-at-cosmosmagazine.com

*Ad also at cosmosmagazine.com http://jobs-at-cosmosmagazine.com/jobs* * * *DEADLINE: Monday 30 December 2009*

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

COSMOS wins Magazine of the Year

Posted on 18 November 2009 by ASC Webmaster

Dear friends and colleagues: thanks to all our contributors (many of them ASC members) who helped us win the awards below. To have an Australian science magazine recognised against a field of 500 other titles from across Australia is a testament to the quality of the science writing we publish and the quality of science in Australia that we all report on. Thank you!

– Wilson da Silva

*COSMOS wins Magazine of the Year*

COSMOS, Australia’s #1 science magazine, scooped the top honours at Australia’s annual Bell Awards for Publishing Excellence, taking out the coveted Magazine of the Year trophy and six others.

The 2009 awards, given annually by the magazine industry association, Publishers Australia, were held on Friday 13 November before an audience of 500 at a gala ceremony in the harbourside Doltone House at Darling Island Wharf, in Sydney, with comedian and ABC TV host James O’Loughlin compering the event.

Judges said COSMOS “displayed a commitment to publishing excellence and innovation,” and “provided more ways for its’ readers to meaningfully interact with the content, with digital and events … embraced new ways of marketing itself to its readers, including the use of relevant social media and cause marketing … [and] was able to demonstrate success on metrics including subscriptions, readership and engagement.”

The awards, across 25 categories, acknowledge the talent, expertise and outstanding achievements over the past year of print and online publications. They’re judged by a panel of 21 independent industry specialists and academics drawn from advertising, publishing, marketing, editorial, online and audit agencies such as Nielsen and Circulations Audit Board.

*Clearly connected with its readership*

COSMOS also won Best Consumer Magazine and Best Publisher, with judges saying it “clearly demonstrated success in all that they do. Product extensions through engagement with schools and government, and the use of social media initiatives like Hello From Earth, were very clever.

“Their content and design is very friendly despite covering complex issues,” they added. “and clearly connected with its readership community, providing content that plays a meaningful role in their lives.”

Deputy Editor John Pickrell picked up the Best Analytical Writing for “Oceans of Acid”, a feature on the damage climate change is wreaking on the Great Barrier Reef. This is the third year in a row COSMOS has taken out this category.

*Hello From Earth*

Best Digital Engagement Strategy went to the magazine’s innovative Hello >From Earth website, a Science Week initiative in which people were asked to submit messages to be transmitted to Gliese 581d, the nearest Earth-like planet outside our Solar System with the potential to support life. Launched by Australian Science Minister Kim Carr, it had the support of the CSIRO and NASA, who transmitted the message from the Canberra Deep Space Communications Complex in August.

Conceived by Editor Wilson da Silva and executed by the COSMOS team, the website gathered 26,000 messages from 199 countries. In two weeks, with no advertising, it registered 1.25 million page views from 255,000 visitors. It was linked to by 10,723 other sites, written about in more than 9,000 blogs, reported in more than 1,000 newspapers.

Jacqui Hayes, Assistant Editor at COSMOS, also received a Highly Commended certificate for New Journalist of the Year. A physicist by training, she began her publishing career at COSMOS and was previously a finalist in the same category.

*Rewarding brightest minds*

The judges reported that the level of innovation and overall standard of entries had risen in 2009. “We are totally impartial and removed from commercial imperatives,” said Publishers Australia CEO, Alan Sarkissian. “We are focussed only on acknowledging the industry’s brightest minds and most impressive practitioners.”

It’s the second time since COSMOS was founded in 2005 that it has picked up both Magazine of the Year and Best Publisher, the last time being 2006. In all, COSMOS has won an unprecedented 35 Australian and international awards across editorial, design, marketing, sustainability and publishing.

B*ACKGROUND INFORMATION:*

COSMOS is Australia’s #1 science media brand, reaching 400,000 people every month. It was founded in 2004 by four people: Monash University Chancellor and entrepreneur Dr Alan Finkel, magazine publishing executive Kylie Ahern and science journalists Wilson da Silva and Dr Elizabeth Finkel.

Publishers Australia was founded in 1964 and represents Australia’s print and online magazine publishers, with 200 members who produce more than 500 magazines.

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

(ACT) Polar Palooza this weekend at Questacon

Posted on 16 November 2009 by ASC Webmaster

(posted on behalf of Questacon)

Polar Palooza (for adults and kids) For the past two years, researchers from more than sixty nations have been exploring the Poles as part of the 4th International Polar Year. Risking frostbite and avoiding dangerous crevasses, they’ve studied the polar bears and penguins, glaciers and the Southern Ocean surrounding the Antarctic.

In honour of the 50th anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty, American polar researchers and Australian scientists will share some of the discoveries of the recently completed International Polar Year.

Hear of their adventures and find out more about the polar research, discovery and exploration occurring across Earth’s nations.

When: Saturday 21 & Sunday 22 November Where: Questacon How much: Free. No booking required.

Presentation 1 10 am, Japan Theatre 1 21 and 22 November Suitable for children aged 8 and above

Presentation 2 11.30 am, Japan Theatre 1 21 and 22 November Suitable for children aged 8 and above

Presentation 3 1.30 pm, Japan Theatre 1 21 and 22 November Suitable for children aged 12 and above

Presentation 4 3 pm, Japan Theatre 1 21 and 22 November Suitable for children aged 12 and above

Presentations run for one hour and theatre doors will open 10 minutes prior to advertised starting times. Presentations are free, and tickets are available for the sessions at the reception desk on arrival. However, visitors wishing to explore the Questacon galleries and exhibitions will need to pay normal admission fees. More info can be found here: http://canberra.questacon.edu.au/polar/

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

RiAus Events

Posted on 16 November 2009 by ASC Webmaster

RiAus- Passing time John Ward, Margaret Folkard, Stephen Quigg

Wednesday 18 November 6.30-8.00pm The Science Exchange, Exchange Place, Adelaide Free, RiAus and Archaeology Society SA Members, $10/7 (Non members and concessions)

>From years to days to seconds to Planck time. From the ancients to the present, humans have measured time for a variety of reasons – all of them important. Throughout recorded history, telling the time with ever increasing accuracy has become more and more vital to our daily lives. Join physicist / gnomonist John Ward, Margaret Folkard (of Sundials Australia) and Stephen Quigg, National Measurement Institute, as they demonstrate how ancient societies measured and created their own context of time from the Neolithic era, right through to the present day. In association with the Archaeology Society, SA Friends

Book at http://www.riaus.org.au/events/2009/november/passing_time.jsp

[cid:image001.jpg@01CA66AE.7614D5A0] Steve Kern Senior Programs Co-ordinator

Ri Australia PO Box 3652 RUNDLE MALL SA 5000 Ph: (08) 7120 8604 | Fax: (08) 8221 6563 | skern@riaus.org.au| www.riaus.org.au The Royal Institution of Australia Inc is a Charitable Institution and is a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) ABN: 98638459658

Think B4U Print 1 ream of paper = 6% of a tree and 5.4kg CO2 in the atmosphere 3 sheets of A4 paper = 1 litre of water

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

Fires, films and finding out where you came from

Posted on 16 November 2009 by ASC Webmaster

Dear Vic ASC-ers,

Summer is fast approaching and with it the renewed threat of bushfire.

Nine months on, Black Saturday is very fresh in the public memory. Join us for an expert panel discussion on communicating science in the emotionally charged environment of a bushfire and its aftermath.

We’re also calling for science communication papers for the February 2010 ASC National congress, and promoting some big events including the World Congress of Science and Factual Producers, the Genographic Project’s Melbourne results event and the Victorian ASC’s Christmas party.

In this bulletin:

Bushfire Science: communicating in an emotionally charged environment

ASC National Conference 2010: 8-10 February ANU, Canberra

ASC National Conference 2010: Call for papers

The Journey of Humanity-from African origins to life in a warming world, 6 December

World Congress of Science and Factual Producers coming to Melbourne

World Congress of Science and Factual Producers public events

A Very ASC VIC Christmas

Medical Writers: Xmas, networking and a conversation on “writing for the consumer “

Science in Public media training

Welcome to our newest VIC members

Join the ASC (and check out our revamped website)

ASC Victoria committee

Kind regards, Niall

ASC Victoria President

If you do not wish to receive these updates on science communication events happening in Victoria, please let me know. These emails are also available as an rss feed from http://www.scienceinpublic.com/blog/category/bulletins/asc

You can also sign up to the Australian Science Communicator’s email discussion list at www.asc.asn.au

Bushfire Science: communicating in an emotionally charged environment

6.45 for 7pm, Tuesday 17 November 2009

Clare Castle Hotel, 421 Rathdowne St, Carlton [NOTE OUR NEW VENUE]

Using the Black Saturday bushfires as a case study, three panellists will discuss the role of scientists, science communicators, and the media in communicating science in an emotionally charged environment, and provide an insight into how those caught up in the bushfires viewed the media attention.

The panel will be made up of:

* Kevin Hennessy (CSIRO climate scientist)

* Steve Varga (Wandong resident, appeared on SBS Insight and an ABC documentary at www.abc.net.au/innovation/blacksaturday/people/steve)

* John Ferguson (Herald Sun journalist)

Free for members, $10 for non-members, $5 for non-member students Meals and drinks at bar prices. RSVP: meg.rive@csiro.au (as we’re trialling a new venue ,RSVPs would be enormously helpful- especially if you are hoping to eat)

ASC National Conference 2010: 8-10 February ANU, Canberra

The ASC Conference will be held at the Australian National University in Canberra February 8 – 10.

We already have a strong draft program, built around social media, communicating complex issues, science communicating and the Arts and the latest science communication research.

Conference registration will open soon and we will announce our key speakers at that time.

Of course, the main attraction will be meeting and talking with other communicators, and there will be plenty of opportunity to do so during the conference proper and at the associated social events

Keep checking the ASC website http://asc.asn.au/ (asc.asn.au) and the ASC mailing lists for the latest information.

ASC National Conference 2010: Call for papers

A segment of the conference devoted to hearing about and discussing the latest research on Science Communication.

The ASC president has now put out a call for research papers. The call is open to anyone involved in science communication research–attached to a university or not. All papers will be assessed on their merits.

Full details: http://www.asc.asn.au/2009/10/ascnatconf2010-call-for-papers/

Deadline: 7 December 2009

The Journey of Humanity-from African origins to life in a warming world, 6 December

Discover Melburnians’ deep ancestry and the journey of humanity from African origins to life in a warming world.

Join Tim Costello, Bert Roberts, Victoria’s Governor David de Kretser, David Karoly, National Geographic’s Spencer Wells and others for a day exploring human evolution.

The day starts with a free public forum.

In October a thousand Melburnians queued up to participate in the Genographic Project. The first hundred received a free analysis of their deep ancestry. Spencer Wells, the global leader of the Genographic Project, will report back on the results. This free forum at the University of Melbourne will be followed by a public ‘Open University’ style afternoon looking at the journey humanity has taken from its roots in Africa and what the future holds.

The afternoon forum costs $80 including lunch.

The afternoon’s speakers are:

* Bert Roberts shares his experiences with the recently discovered “Hobbit”, a new species of human

* Janet McCalman explains what science and genealogy can tell about convicts in Australia and aboriginal populations in Victoria

* Tim Costello discusses the global community and the impact of environmental and economic challenges on the third world

* David Karoly outlines the changes to our world environment resulting from climate change

* Philip Batterham explores what we know of the human genome and how we may be able to direct our own evolution and future

* Chris Darwin, descendant of Charles Darwin, scientist David de Kretser, Governor of Victoria, and Robert Saint, Dean of the Faculty of Science at the University of Melbourne, will join Janet McCalman and Bert Roberts for a panel discussion.

Booking is essential for both sessions.

For more information, and tickets go to http://www.humanjourneys.com.au/

World Congress of Science and Factual Producers coming to Melbourne

The World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP) is THE must-attend gathering for producers, broadcasters and distributors working in factual television and this year it’s here in Melbourne December 1 – 4, 2009.

Full details including registration information can be found here: http://wcsfp.com/

World Congress of Science and Factual Producers public events

Usually those outside the industry miss out on the World Congress of Science and Factual Producers (WCSFP) but not this time. This year the WCSFP will open its doors to the public on Friday, December 4 at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne for:

* Understanding the Human Brain 9.30 -10:30 am ABC Science broadcaster Robyn Williams and special Congress guest – renowned brain researcher, author and Fellow of the Royal Institute, Baroness Susan Greenfield look at the history of brain research. More for: http://wcsfp.com/index.php/2009/popup/event/understanding_the_human_brai n/

* Ripping Yarns 11am -noon Five scientists and historians reveal their stories: see what it takes to grab the attention of the world’s TV producers. More for: http://wcsfp.com/index.php/2009/popup/event/ripping_yarns/

* We Are Family! 1.30-3.30pm Dr. Spencer Wells will discuss The Genographic Project and the making of the National Geographic TV documentary The Family Tree with ABC TV & Radio presenters Adam Spencer and Dr. Karl, also known as the “Sleek Geeks”. More for: http://wcsfp.com/index.php/2009/popup/event/we_are_family/

A Very ASC VIC Christmas

It’s beginning to look a lot like a celebration to mark the Northern hemisphere winter solstice subsequently co-opted by the Romans and the early Christian church.

Anyway Christmas time is a time of family, community and even ASC togetherness. Join us for A Very ASC VIC Christmas where we examine “Human-powered propulsion of flattened spheroids across a surface of synthetic angiosperms” or as we’d communicate it to the public: lawn bowls.

7.30pm Thursday 10 Dec 2009 Fitzroy Bowls Club http://bit.ly/fitzbowlsmap

Bowling is from 8.30-10.30pm We’ll have 3 rinks/lanes and that’ll mean 24 people can bowl comfortably. More if we timeshare.

Cost $15 per head (for those who wish to bowl) We’ll hire a bbq and ASC will cover cost for simple bbq fare (bread, salad, sausages) Drinks at bar prices

RSVP to james@scienceinpublic.com.au (we need a good idea of numbers by 1 December)

Medical Writers: Xmas, networking and a conversation on “writing for the consumer”

Join the Victorian members of AMWA for Christmas drinks and an evening of networking.

Featuring a conversation on writing for the consumer with Dr Cal Miller, Director, Mi-tec Medical Publishing, and Fiona Landgren, Director, Communicating for Health and Project Health.

Cal and Fiona will discuss:

* What constitutes successful communication in this genre

* Different areas of consumer writing

* How writing for the consumer differs from other types of medical writing

Tuesday 1 December 2009 @ 6.30 p.m.

New venue: Royal Melbourne Hotel, 629 Bourke St, Melbourne (just off Spencer St. near Southern Cross Station)

Admission is free for AMWA members, $10 for non-members. Drinks and meals at pub prices

RSVP for numbers to L.E. Ohman: le@medicalwriters.org or Jacinta Miller: membership@medicalwriters.org

For more on the Australasian Medical Writers Association check their website: www.medicalwriters.org

Science in Public media training

We (Science in Public) are holding media training courses for scientists in Melbourne on

* Wednesday 18 November 2009,

* Tuesday 8 December 2009 and

* Thursday 21 January 2010

We are also planning courses in Sydney and Canberra:

* Sydney – November /December 2009 Date TBC and

* Canberra – November /December 2009 Date TBC

Details are available at www.scienceinpublic.com.au/blog/training. A discount is available for ASC financial members.

Welcome to ASC’s newest VIC members

Hello, good evening and welcome to new ASC Vic members:

* Rebecca Skinner: Senior Manager , Communications and Networking- Australian Stem Cell Centre

* Brooke Manly: Communications Officer – CSIRO Minerals

* Alexandra Roginski: Communications Manager, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences at Monash

* Ayan Dasvarma: Project Officer, NHMRC Centre for Clinical Research Excellence in Clinical Science in Diabetes

* Vivien Lee: PhD student, Experimental Particle Physics at University of Melbourne

* Sonja Mennen: Communications Officer, CSIRO Land and Water

Join the ASC (and check out our revamped website)

We need your membership to help build ASC as a true national organisation for people with an interest in science communication.

Visit our revamped website at www.asc.asn.au for membership information, how to join the ASC’s mailing lists and more science social media than you can point a mouse at.

If this message has been forwarded to you and you would like to receive future bulletins then please email me at niall@scienceinpublic.com.au

ASC Victoria committee

These sessions are organised by the volunteer ASC Victoria committee. If you are interested in being involved in the committee please contact Meg Rive at meg.rive@csiro.au. We will be holding our AGM shortly where it’s your chance to get involved.

Right now, your committee is:

* Niall Byrne: President

* Jason Major: Treasurer

* Meg Rive: Regional representative on the national ASC board

* L.E. Ohman

* Ian Muchamore

* James Hutson

* Laura Miles

Kind regards,

Niall

ASC Victoria President

__________

Niall Byrne

Creative Director Science in Public

ph +61 3 9398 1416 mobile +61 417 131 977 skype niall_byrne

niall@scienceinpublic.com.au www.scienceinpublic.com http://www.scienceinpublic.com

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

Australian Science Communicators

The national forum for science communicators and science journalists

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