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Twitter Weekly Updates for 2009-10-25
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Author Archives: ASC Webmaster
ASC National Conference now 8-10 Feb 2010
We have decided to postpone the ASC Conference at the Australian National University in Canberra until February 8 – 10. Please note that this is a rejigging, and in no way a cancellation. And the decision has been made in the interests of putting on a better conference.
There were several compelling reasons behind this decision—the result of unforeseen difficulties—but they all led us to the conclusion that we needed more time to draw together the elements that will make the conference a genuinely useful and productive gathering for all.
We already have a strong draft program, built around the elements we have outlined—social media, communicating complex issues, science communicating and the Arts, the latest science communication research. I will be circulating it in the next week or so.
We are hoping registrations can open within two weeks, and that we can announce some of our key speakers at that time.
Best Wishes,
Tim Thwaites
ASC President
Dinosaur Island
| 20 August 2009 | ||
| 6:00 pm | to | 8:00 pm |
Join palaeontologist and educator Scott Sampson for a guided tour of Cretaceous West America. 100 million years ago it became an island. On this diminutive landmass a spectacular array of giant dinosaurs evolved: from horned, duck-billed, and armoured plant-eaters to meat-eating tyrannosaurs and smaller “raptor-like” predators.
Date: Thursday 20 August 2009
Time: 6pm for 6.30pm
Location: Redback Brewery 75 Flemington Rd North Melbourne
RSVP James Hutson (james@scienceinpublic.com.au or 0405 131 747)
—
Scott is a Canadian palaeontologist who has a dual position at the University of Utah as Research Curator at the Utah Museum of Natural History and Research Associate Professor in the Department of Geology and Geophysics.
Sampson was the primary scientific consultant and on-air host of a four-part Discovery Channel series called Dinosaur Planet, and is presently serving the same pair of roles in a PBS children’s series called Dinosaur Train, produced by the Jim Henson Company.
Sampson has recently shifted his focus towards science education and is arguing for radical changes in education as a key factor in resolving the current sustainability crisis.
Further reading:
It’s ALIVE!
A shiny new ASC site.
But is it what you want? What you need?
What would you add? What would you take away?
Give us your feedback via the comments field below (and yes, you have to be logged in to comment).
Glimpsing the true nature of quantum reality
| 21 July 2009 | ||
| 6:30 pm | to | 8:30 pm |
Explore the strange and beautiful world of Quantum Mechanics– multiple realities, absolute uncertainty, many-worlds, quantum teleportation, quantum computing, and other generally spooky stuff of the Universe.
Our guide is Professor Lloyd Hollenberg from the Centre for Quantum Computing Technology and quantum theorist in the School of Physics at the University of Melbourne.
No maths required as Lloyd reveals the amazing world of quantum physics and the incredible new technology based on the weird properties of reality itself.
Date: Tuesday 21 July
Time: 6.30 pm for 7 pm sharp start
Place: Redback Brewery, 75 Flemington Road, North Melbourne
Cost: Free for members, $10 for non-members, $5 for students
Meals and drinks at bar prices.
RSVP and enquiries to L.E. Ohman leohman1@bigpond.net.au
Guess What’s Coming to Dinner? – GMO or OMG?
| 17 August 2009 | ||
| 2:30 am |
‘Guess What’s Coming to Dinner? – GMO or OMG?’ is a highlight of National Science Week 2009 for ASC members and other interested parties.
Monday 17 August 2009
12.30pm
Fresh Ideas Centre
Corner Bannister Rd and South St
Market City, Canning Vale
Join scientific, industry and food experts to explore the science, issues and opinions surrounding genetically modified organisms and their use in the food industry.
Featuring lively discussion and a fantastic three-course lunch (showcasing WA local produce and chefs), ‘Guess What’s Coming to Dinner?’ is a unique educational, networking and professional development opportunity.
This event is suitable for anyone interested in GMOs and the impact their use will have on the food and science landscape in WA. It’s also a superb forum to catch up with colleagues and celebrate National Science Week 2009.
Places are limited – so register your interest at asc.events.wa@gmail.com
More information and tickets will be available soon.
A National Science Week Event
Supported by the Fresh Ideas Centre
UWA Science Communication Book Club: 15 May
| 15 May 2009 | ||
| 4:00 pm | to | 5:00 pm |
Have text books and journals taken over your bedside table?
Then take back the power of the written word – join the Science Communication Book Club and pick up a book guilt-free!
If you’ve found yourself putting off reading for fun, you should come along to the Inaugural Science Communication Book Club meeting for 2009. We’re forming a book club, discussing format and choosing a book, all with a civilized glass of wine/ beer/ soft drink and nibbles. Come along and have your say.
WHEN: 4pm Friday 15 May
WHAT: Science Communicaion Book Club
WHERE: Crawley campus
Centre for Learning Technology; Ground floor Physics building, near Fairway entrance #1
Enter via ramp between Physics and Geology, go down stairs to basement.
Saul Griffith Talks Informally
Saul Griffith talking about HowToons at O’Reilly’s Ignite ETech conference back in March of 2008.
Sharing Experiences
Each month the Western Australian branch of the Australian Science Communicators holds a professional development event called Sharing Experiences. We invite a guest speaker or panel of speakers to share their experiences and knowledge ????? their joys, sorrows, wins, losses and insider tips on science communication and related topics.
Sharing Experiences sessions are relaxed and informal, allowing a dialogue between audience and speaker. Drinks and nibbles follow each session, making it the perfect opportunity to get to know speakers and fellow attendees.
Topic and venue details are usually posted to the ASC email list about one week in advance. Entry is free to ASC members, and $5 per person for others attending. All are welcome.
Please email Nancy Longnecker if you have a question about Sharing Experiences sessions, or would like to suggest a speaker or topic.
Web 2.0: A practical info session for science communicators
| 17 December 2008 | ||
| 4:00 pm | to | 8:00 pm |
Our June session was a fascinating discussion on the world of Web 2.0 with experts and academics about the possibilities for science communicators. Following on interest from the group a second, and more practical, information session on web 2.0 tools (including wikis, blogs, etc.) is now planned. The session will again be held at the Redback Brewery Hotel.
More information: We are now finalising a date, but please contact Jason atmailto:jmajor@unimelb.edu.au if you are interested so we can confirm numbers. All welcome.