National Launch of the International Year of Chemistry

The International Year of Chemistry has its official launch next Tuesday, 8 February, in Canberra.

The website for the launch information and registration is via this pdf on the shac communications website.

The website for IYC Australia is http://iyc2011.org.au/about-the-iyc-australia.html. Check out the events calendar.

I’m assured that science communication will play a role during the year. Check out the travelling exhibitions activity, four of which were developed by yours truly, which will soon have more details added. You can read descriptions of the four displays at http://iyc2011.org.au/event-reader.html?e_type=major-events&event=travelling-exhibitions

Cheers,

Jesse

Jesse Shore

President, Australian Science Communicators, 2011

http://www.asc.asn.au/

NBCF and PCFA Annual Research Update

Annual Research Update 2011

Presented by the National Breast Cancer Foundation and the Prostate Cancer Foundation of Australia.

Hear about the latest advances in breast and prostate cancer research from Australia’s leading scientists.

Hosted by Julie Mc Crossin.

Friday 4th February 2011

10am – 3pm

NAB Auditorium, Garvan Institute

384 Victoria Road , Darlinghurst 2010, (enter via Burton Street)

RSVP to Jessica Harris by Friday 21st January

researchinfo [at] nbcf.org.au

or call 8098 4800

For more information see: http://www.nbcf.org.au/page.asp?category_id=3&page_id=471

List of ASC branch events 2010

ASC branch events 2010 (incomplete list of events) ACT, NSW, SE-QLD, SA, VIC, WA

ACT (7)

May – The science of… art

Join Tim Wetherell, a sculptor and science writer, and Jessica Miller, a visual artist and scientific illustrator, for a colourful and close-up exploration of the links between science and art.

We’ll also be launching the year’s program of events, so come and find out what other exciting events we have planned for the year.

Where: CSIRO Discovery, Clunies Ross St, Acton.
When: Monday 10 May from 6pm

May – Discovery After Dark

18 May 2010; 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. After hours fun at CSIRO Discovery Centre. Come along for music and cocktails while letting your inner child run free on the Discovery floor.

CSIRO Discovery Centre, Clunies Ross St, Acton

June – How to improvise: workshop event

We do it everyday… so we may as well be better at it! We’re talking about improvising. A skill that helps you express yourself, be creative and communicate better.

Join ASC and Reid Workman from Impro ACT for a fun, challenging and active impro(visation) workshop.

Where: CSIRO Discovery, Clunies Ross St, Acton.
When: Wednesday 23 June from 6pm

July – Canberra’s Sustainable House visit

Join Nick and Sarah for a tour of their house in Ainslie that is carbon neutral and draws no water from the mains. In 2007, they were the winners of the ACT Sustainable Cities Award, Residential Category. See and hear about the solar heating, innovative biological greywater treatment system that treats all household waste water, and the first and only approved waterless composting toilet in residential Canberra.

When: Sunday 11 July, 11am -12:30pm
Where: 240 Duffy St, Ainslie

July – Translating science into action

1 July 2010; 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Date: Thursday 1 July from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Venue: CSIRO Discovery, Black Mountain site, Clunies Ross St, Acton

Science is a discipline that can make a major difference to society, but scientific results often need some help to be translated into actions. This joint event considers the different disciplines that help convert science content into actions in the community.

July – Pies at the pub for Pi Day

22 July 2010; 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Join ASC members for pies at the pub and maths games and entertainment for Pi Day 22 July

November – Event: ‘Innovate and communicate’ + Canberra AGM

24 November 2010; 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Join ASC Canberra to hear James Bradfield Moody talk about the emerging new wave of innovation and participate in the ASC Canberra Annual General Meeting

NSW (5)

February – AGM NSW

Topic for discussion is the potential implications of the Inspiring Australia report for science communicators

SPECIAL GUEST! – National President, Dr Jesse Shore.

DATE: Monday 15th February TIME: 6.30 – 8 PM

May – WHAT’S THE BUZZ? TRENDS IN SCIENCE DOCUMENTARIES Alison Leigh, Editorial Director, World Congress of Science & Factual Producers

Monday May 17th, 6.30 – 8 PM.

Clarendon Hotel, 156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills

Science and Natural History Programming has become fashionable again in the international market place. So what’s out there breaking new ground and making people talk ? What’s hot and what’s not? What’s on the way up and what’s on the way down? We take a look at clips from some of the most outstanding and successful science TV programs of 2009 from the perspective of the international production  community. What will the Australian science communication industry make of them?

June – Successful Freelancing for Science Communicators – Valerie Khoo and Bianca Nogrady

The NSW Branch of the Australian Science Communicators is pleased to invite all members and guests to our June 10th meeting:
SUCCESSFUL FREELANCING FOR SCIENCE COMMUNICATORS by Valerie Khoo and Bianca Nogrady
DATE: Thursday 10th June PLACE: Clarendon Hotel at 156 Devonshire St Surry Hills (5 min walk up from Central Station) TIME: 6:30pm for 7:00pm

August – COMMUNICATING CLIMATE CHANGE AND OTHER RISKY BUSINESS

Jenni Metcalfe – convenor, Hot Air Symposia.

Tuesday August 10th, 6.30 PM

Clarendon Hotel, 156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills Members free, non-members $10

Why are more Australians becoming climate sceptics? How should we use science to communicate about climate change and other risky environmental issues? Can we do it badly? How can we do it well?

November – Making Science as pervasive as Sports

ASC NSW branch – November get-together
MAKING SCIENCE AS PERVASIVE AS SPORTS IN TODAY’S SOCIETY
Dennis Schatz, Pacific Science Centre, Seattle, Washington State, USA
Tuesday 30TH NOV, 6.30 – 8 PM Clarendon Hotel – Upstairs 156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills

Description: If we want a STEM literate public, then we need to focus on more than what happens in primary and secondary education where people spend only 3% of their lives. This means making STEM a lifelong, life-wide and life-deep activity ­ just like sports. Dennis Schatz, Senior VP at Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Wash., describes his institution’s activities that seek to attain this dream.

SE-Qld (3)

March – ASC AGM for South East Queensland Members

your attendance and feedback is vital for the future health of the group!

When: 6pm for 6.30pm start, Tuesday 30 March, 2010.

July – Speed networking – like speed dating with science – a social networking opportunity

Regatta hotel main Bar, Thursday July 1, 6 pm

October – Science of beer and meet other science communication folk

SE-QLD Event: Science of beer and meet other science communication folk
Beer… the 3rd most consumed beverage in the world and arguably the oldest alcoholic drink in existence. Join the South East Queensland branch of ASC for a tour of the XXXX Brewery. After the tour enjoy a few samples of the amber liquid and a BBQ dinner while networking with fellow science communicators. When: Wednesday 13 October Time: 6.30pm Where: XXXX Brewery, Milton.

SA (6)

July – Evaluating Effectiveness ASCSA event Adelaide July 19 2010

19 July 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. On Monday 19 July we held an event at the Science Exchange on evaluating science communication activities.

September – ASCSA media training workshop 6 Sept- Adelaide

[ 6 September 2010; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] Australian Science Communicators SA Event ASCSA media training workshop With Rob Morrison Date: Monday 6 September Time: 6pm-9pm Venue: RiAus Main Auditorium The Science Exchange Exchange Place Adelaide

September – ASCSA Event 20 Sept. There’s more to the zoo than Pandas…

[ 20 September 2010; 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. ] Australian Science Communicators SA (ASCSA) Event

There’s more to the Zoo than Pandas: the Zoo’s role in Conservation

Date: Monday, 20th September, 2010 Time: 6pm – 8pm Venue: Adelaide Zoo

October – ASCSA event: Flinders Centre for Science Education 18/10

[18 October 2010; 6:31 pm to 8:31 pm. ] Australian Science Communicators SA (ASCSA) Event

The Flinders Centre for Science Education in the 21st Century

Speakers: Bob Buxton and Mark Ward MC- Richard Musgrove

Date: Monday October 18th, 2010 Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm Venue: RiAus, Science Exchange, Exchange Place, Adelaide

November – ASCSA Video editing workshop (1/11/10)

[ 1 November 2010; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] ASCSA Video Production Workshop With Josh Cockfield, Rob Morrison, Deane Hutton and Steve Kern

http://ascsa-video-workshop.eventbrite.com

Date: Monday 1st November 2010

Time: 6pm-9pm

Venue: RiAus main auditorium

Video is a powerful communication tool and is no longer the sole domain of TV stations and established production companies.

December – ASC AGM and ASCSA end of year get together 13 Dec

[ 13 December 2010; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] ASC Annual General Meeting and Quiz Night Date: Monday 13th December, 2010 Time: 6:00pm – 9:30pm Venue: RiAus, Science Exchange, Exchange Place, Adelaide

VIC (2)

April – What do the public really think? + Victorian AGM

[ 20 April 2010; 6:00 pm; ]

part 1: ASC Victorian Branch AGM 6pm for 6.15pm. Free drink for all members in attendance.
part II: What do the public really think?: public surveys, polls and focus groups 6.45pm for 7pm.

The Victorian branch is due for an annual general meeting to renew and refresh our committee. Please come along and so help to shape the ASC locally. We’d love more passionate communicators to get involved.

August – Science Centric 2010 in Melbourne

[ 10 August 2010; 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. ] Australian Science Communicators, Victoria is pleased to present: Science Centric 2010.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 6:30 PM

Do you explain, teach, present, write, blog, twitter, film, illustrate, animate or otherwise communicate science or technology, news, ideas, concepts or research?

This will be great chance for some face to face networking. Bring along your colleagues

WA (6)

April – AGM

where the activities of the past year and those for the coming year are discussed. We will also vote on the state committee. If you have any items you wish to discuss, or you would like to nominate for the committee (or a specific position), please email Sarah Lau (slau@chemcentre.wa.gov.au).

Where: Botanical Café, Kings Park (parking available behind café and function centre)

Date: Thursday 29 April 2009

July – EVALUATION WORKSHOP – best practice in evaluation techniques: Australian Science Communicators WA Branch and National Science Week WA present evaluation training workshop Session 1 ­ planning for evaluation and best practice in evaluation.

October – ASC-WA goes wild at Perth Zoo

On Friday 15 October, ASC-WA members were treated to an exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ event at Perth Zoo.

October – Evaluation Worksop – session 2

25 October, Time: 8.30am Location: Curtin University

24 November – Quizalicious – get your quiz on! Time: 6.30pm Location: Rosie O’Grady’s Pub – Northbridge

10 December – End of Year Celebration and lunch with guest speaker WA Chief Scientist

Time: 12.30pm Location: Botanicals Cafe, Kings Park Cost: $73 – ASC MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

ASC 2010 AGM – brief report

ASC 2010 AGM – brief report of outcomes

The 2010 AGM was notable for several reasons:

  • This was the first time an ASC AGM was held in Adelaide. It was hosted by the SA branch which was rejuvenated in 2010 and has powered through the year.
  • The meeting was well attended with more than 25 members present.
  • Members raised a number of questions and initiated discussions through the meeting with an especially constructive exchange of views about the second motion to amend the constitution.
  • The meeting voted to amend the wording of the second motion. Currently the constitution states that representatives of corporate members cannot vote unless they are on the National Council. The original motion was to allow corporate members a maximum of 5 votes. The amended motion which was approved says corporate members may nominate one representative or their proxy to vote. (This is in addition to any of their representatives on National Council.)
  • The first and third motions to change the constitution were approved as proposed.
  • The treasurer reported that ASC is in a positive financial position.
  • The motion by the National Council to extend life membership to Peter Pockley was enthusiastically ratified.
  • The names of the members of the 2012 National Conference Planning Committee were announced. The committee will be convened early in 2011 to start its work.
  • Jesse Shore was re-elected as president for 2011.
  • The meeting raced through 1hour and 14 minutes and 20 seconds and ended 40 seconds early. Everyone then raced off to get a drink before the start of the entertaining science trivia quiz hoisted by David Ellyard with assistance by Richard Musgrove and punctuated by visually eye-popping interludes presented by special guest, Zoz.

Jesse Shore
National President

Attention Canberrans – what do you want from ASC in Canberra?

The Canberra ASC committee is running a survey to find out what Canberrans want from ASC

What is important to you? What events do you want?

Click here to take the ASC Canberra survey

The survey should take only 5-10 mins (10 questions).

Responses to the survey will be used to inform where the ASC Canberra committee should be investing its energy and to tailor the events we’re planning on running this year.

Please only respond if you are in Canberra or take advantage of Canberra events.

No personal details are gathered through this survey. If you have any questions please email asccanberra@gmail.com

From The President: December 2009

In a year of doom and gloom, bushfires, swine flu and climate change, it is great to be able to report some upbeat news of the feats of our ASC colleagues—the resurgence of ASC in South Australia, a major magazine award for a former president, and some excellent public activities organised by local branches.

These vibrant signs of life in ASC are just what we need, leading into a National AGM to be held in Sydney on 16 December, and our National Conference at ANU in Canberra from 7 to 10 February.

Nearly 50 people turned up to an event organised by vice-president Rob Morrison, at the new Science Exchange (re-vamped Stock Exchange) in downtown Adelaide which has become the headquarters of the Royal Institution, Australia (RiAus). Not only did they learn about “The Science of Wind Instruments”, but they began planning an AGM for 14 December and activities for the next couple of years. Many stayed well beyond the proposed ending time playing science board games and making full use of the very fine bar. An appropriate outcome for all Rob’s hard work.

ASC boy makes good! Wilson da Silva’s magazine Cosmos was adjudged Magazine of the Year and won six other awards, including Best Consumer Magazine and Best Publisher, at the annual Bell Awards for Publishing Excellence of the magazine industry association, Publishers Australia. This is the second time in its five-year history the publication has won Magazine of the Year and Best Publisher. It was hailed for  its connection with its readers, and its “product extensions”.

A story by deputy editor John Pickrell has won an earth journalism award linked to the forthcoming UN climate change conference in Copenhagen, and is in the running for a global public award. You can read the story and, if you like it, vote for it before 9 December by clicking here.

The local ASC branches have been active, with events happening in most states over the past month. Two that come to mind are a particularly poignant session staged by the Victorian branch (at a new venue) on keeping the human impact in mind when communicating the science of bushfires, and the Stem Cells in the Pub session which the ACT-ASC organised in association with the Australian Society for Stem Cell Research.

See you at the ASC AGM (16 December) and the ASC Conference 2010 (7 – 10 February).

Tim Thwaites
National President

ASC 2010 National Conference: Themes

Previous ASC national conferences have mixed sessions presenting science with science communication issues and workshops/seminars on techniques.

The 2010 program is a little different.  This year we will be emphasizing science reporting and include a new academic/research component.  The 2010 conference also hosts the third of our hugely popular Hot Air symposia looking at communicating climate change issues to the public.

ASC President, Tim Thwaites said, “The ASC conference 2010 reflects the ‘coming of age’ of science communication as a serious area of study and employment.”

The sessions over the three days reflect the following themes:

  • The Challenges and Future of Communicating Science;
  • Reporting and Communicating Complex Issues to a Lay Audience; and
  • The Use of Social Media and the Arts in Communicating Science.

This year’s conference will actively include a social media component both in the program and in communicating to the ASC membership in web-based discussions before and after.  Not forgetting a strong program of social events for more informal discussions in Canberra’s finest cafes and restaurants.

For more information, see the ASC Conference 2010 website (event code: 7DNY37XD2S5) or contact the Conference Organiser.

Cool Communicators, Hot Air and the National Science Communication Strategy

Earlybird registration is now open for the hotly-anticipated 2010 ASC National Conference. Book now as an ASC member for a special $100 discount off the standard rate (offer closes 15 January).  To register, please enter the special event code: 7DNY37XD2S5

Not a member?  Not a problem.  Join today for immediate conference discounts, access to the members-only mailing lists and the opportunity to post news, jobs, tips and comments to the new ASC website (www.asc.asn.au) and all National Conference social media.

Interested in presenting?  The second Call For Papers is open for keen ASCers willing to speak to a topical issue in science communication.  Find out more about submissions here.

At this special Conference you will be able to:

* Immerse yourself in the online forum to accompany conference registration
* Get to grips with contemporary social media challenges first-hand in the new social media strand
* Take a front-row seat at the debate over the National Science Communication Strategy
* Join the third and final Hot Air Symposium on best practice in climate change communication
* Get involved in a network of over 350 Australian science communication professionals and the international science community.

Find out more at the 2010 ASC National Conference website, browse the FAQs, or contact us for more information.  See you in Canberra!

The ASC 2010 National Conference Team
events [at] asc.asn.au

Stem Cells at the Pub

22 November 2009
7:00 pmto9:00 pm
7:00 pmto9:00 pm

Whether the story is about promises of groundbreaking cures, allegations of scientific fraud or warnings of ethical dilemmas, stem cell research makes headlines and sparks debate.

How does the media shape the public’s perceptions of stem cells and scientists? Is the promise of stem cells over-hyped?

Who is responsible for keeping the story straight?

Stem Cells at the Pub

Date: Sunday 22 November

Time: 7pm for 7.30pm start

Venue: Canberra Labor Club, Civic, 16 Petrie Plaza

Panel features:

  • Prof Alan Trounson (California Institute of Regenerative Medicine)
  • Leigh Dayton (The Australian)
  • Simon Grose (Science Media)
  • Rebecca Skinner (Communication Officer, Australian Stem Cell Centre)
  • Assoc Prof Edna Hardeman (University of Sydney)

This event is free and open to the public.

Seats are limited so rsvp to 0402710943 or asccanberra ‘at’ gmail.com.

Presented by the Australasian Society for Stem Cell Research and the Australian Science Communicators.

More links: Alan Trounson’s profile on ABC, Australian Stem Cell Centre, About Science Media.

WA seminar: UWA Science Communication Seminar 23 October 2009

This week we have two students, Sunita Pradhan and Andrew Mills, who will be presenting a summary based on a detailed literature reviews completed for the unit COMM7402 Specialist Research Topics.

Sunita has been teaching high school science and maths for about 5 years, before coming to Perth to do a Masters of Science Communication and Education.  Her talk is entitled: ‘The Role of Excursion in School Science’.

Sunita will be talking about what formal and informal learning is and how  informal learning from excursions help students in learning science.  She has looked at how the excursion helps in the progress in students’ learning,
attitudes towards science learning and social outcomes, and the teacher’s role in facilitating learning outside the school and what are the constraints faced while implementing this.

Andrew Mills will be taking a detailed look at the communication between GPs and Alternative Medicine Specialists. Specifically the values and attitudes of GPs (General Practitioners), Complementary Medicine Therapists and
patients and the impacts of acceptance of complementary and alternative  medicine.

__________________

THE IMPORTANT DETAILS

WHO: COMM7402 Literature Review Students: Sunita Pradhan and Andrew Mills

WHEN: Friday October 23, 2009 at 4pm

WHERE: The University of Western Australia, 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.

__________________

COMING UP

The schedule of upcoming seminars and events can also be found on the UWA Science Communication blog: http://uwasciencecomm.blogspot.com

(Please note that some events later in the semester are still tentative but will be finalised closer to the event date)

__________________

Stephanie Watts
On behalf of the Science Communication Seminar Coordinators
Email: uwasciencecomm [at] gmail.com
http://uwasciencecomm.blogspot.com