Dear ASCers,

Arising from the ASC National Conference in February, I posted a note to the ASC List on 8 March drawing attention to commentaries in the Walkley Magazine by Robyn Williams and Wilson da Silva on the state of science journalism.

I concluded with: “My own not-so-sanguine assessment of the “national strategy” will appear in the public prints later on. (I happen to have been the sole reporter present for questioning Science Minister Kim Carr at his “media conference” after he launched the “strategy”, which was not a convincing demonstration to national politics of the importance of our field of work, as expressed ultimately by budget planners.)”

This piece has now appeared in the April issue of Australasian Science which has just been published.

Cheers all!

Polls and surveys: what works?

Finding out what the public really think

We write for the general public, we talk to the general public. But who exactly are the general public? And how do we know what they think? Or even whether they are interested in science in the first place?

Join us for a discussion on public surveys, polls and focus groups.

How easy is it to conduct a survey? What can surveys reveal? And how can we use them to better direct our communication efforts.

Our panel includes a representative of polling company Roy Morgan, who will explain what’s involved in creating and running a poll; and two users – one from state government, one from federal government – who will talk about their experiences in conducting large public surveys, what worked, what didn’t and what people really think about science.

The speakers are:

* Craig Cormick, Manager of Public Awareness for the federal government’s National Enabling Technologies Strategy * Wendy Williams, Manager of Science and Community for the Victorian Department of Innovation, Industry and Regional Development * Bruce Packard, National Customised Research Director for Roy Morgan Research

Where:

The Clare, 421 Rathdowne Street, Carlton

When:

Tuesday 20 April

Time:

7pm to 8pm, followed by dinner. Please note the AGM for the Victorian branch will be held before the session from 6.15pm. Free drink on arrival for all attending the AGM.

RSVP:

Sarah Brooker sarah@scienceinpublic.com.au 0413 332 489

Cost:

Free for members, $10 for non-members $5 for students. Meals and drinks at bar prices.

Download http://www.asc.asn.au/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/ASCVICapr2010_AGM+publ ic.pdf> a poster of this session here for your workplace lunchroom or office noticeboard.

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This position is being advertised on JobsWA today and the closing date for expressions of interest is 4:00pm, 1 April 2010. Please bring this opportunity to the attention of anyone you think may be interested;

The Western Australian Museum is seeking a dynamic and innovative individual to co-ordinate a national program for the Council of Australasia Museums International Year of Biodiversity Events and Activities

This is a part-time (0.5fte 37.5 hours per fortnight), fixed-term contract until the completion of the project on 25 February 2011.

Located at Perth in the Education Department and reporting to the Director Exhibitions Design and Public Program, and the CAMD / IYB National Steering Committee

Job Description

The successful candidate will develop and deliver the aims and objectives of the Council of Australasia Museums International Year of Biodiversity project (CAMD / IYB).

The Coordinator (CAMD / IYB) (Western & Central) shall work with a like position based in Sydney at the Australian Museum and shall be responsible for the development of a national online portal for information exchange about IYB, and encourage national participation and community engagement in biodiversity via online interaction with major museums, regional museums, schools, community groups and individuals.

The position will develop, on the broad basis of the Australian media sector with particular reference to science communication an effective public relations strategy to ensure maximum coverage of (CAMD / IYB)’s activities during 2010.

For more information on the position, please contact Brad Kruger (brad.kruger@museum.wa.gov.au), or for information on how to apply visit the JobsWA website www.jobs.wa.gov.au http://www.jobs.wa.gov.au .

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Dear ASC subscribers,

We are emailing you with an opportunity for climate change communicators.

The 2010 Australian Museum Eureka Prizes program includes the inaugural Eureka Prize for Advancement of Climate Change Knowledge.

Sponsored by the NSW Government, this Eureka Prize is awarded to an Australian individual, group or organisation for work that demonstrates achievements in deepening the broader community’s understanding of climate change, its impacts and the need for action.

Do you know someone who fits the bill? This could be your opportunity to acknowledge and potentially reward the work of a student, team, colleague or friend (perhaps even yourself!). The prize winner will be awarded $10,000.

For further information check out http://eureka.australianmuseum.net.au/eureka-prize/advancement-of-climat e-change-knowledge or email us at eureka@austmus.gov.au

Have a great evening,

Ruth

Ruth Carr

Coordinator, Australian Museum Eureka Prizes

Australian Museum

6 College Street Sydney NSW 2010 Australia

t 61 2 9320 6230 f 61 2 9320 6074

www.australianmuseum.net.au http://www.australianmuseum.net.au

www.australianmuseum.net.au/eureka http://www.australianmuseum.net.au

Inspiring the exploration of nature and cultures

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Wildlife Photographer of the Year 2009 +My Photo Studio – BYO camera to learn tips and tricks for perfect pics Exhibition until 26 April 2010

The Australian Museum.

The views in this email are those of the user and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Museum. The information contained in this email message and any accompanying files is or may be confidential and is for the intended recipient only. If you are not the intended recipient, any use, dissemination, reliance, forwarding, printing or copying of this email or any attached files is unauthorised. If you are not the intended recipient, please delete it and notify the sender. The Australian Museum does not guarantee the accuracy of any information contained in this e-mail or attached files. As Internet communications are not secure, the Australian Museum does not accept legal responsibility for the contents of this message or attached files.

Please consider the environment before printing this email.

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Colleagues in ASC,

April 21st — this year’s World-Wide Day in Science — virtual event.

You know the drill … Science-based professionals write a blurb on the high point of their day. They explain what got them into science in the first place. Upload it to www.dayinscience.unsw.edu.au. 10 minutes and you are done; even a shy research scientist can do it.

It is our 8th year, and WWDS now features 1000 profiles. Submissions have come from the most highly regarded scientific institutions around the world. Many were written by you and your scientific colleagues. Most were drafted from interviews by university students.

The ‘Day in Science’ strategy draws on theory about ‘communities of practice’ and the notion of ‘legitimate peripheral participation’ — students stepping into the world of science, and science-based professionals stepping into the domain of ‘science communication’.

Our focus is on ‘relational’ aspects of communication as opposed to ‘informational’ aspects, on the human side rather than the scientific content. We aim to enfranchise young people and adults into conversations about lives in science and the science in our lives.

FAQs —

No, we are not changing the date. April works for the school years in the northern and southern hemispheres.

Yes, it is a nightmare to find all the particle physicists on the WWDS site. Why should it be easy? Year 9 & 10 students who are ambivalent about science careers will NOT be searching by discipline; hence, match ups via our 5-question, personality test.

Yes, multi-media is welcome. Upload photos. Put a link to your videos or podcasts. Employ our automatic hyperlink to results of a Google Images search.

Will

World-Wide Day in Science wwds@unsw.edu.au

Will Rifkin, PhD Director, Science Communication Program Faculty of Science, BSB-BABS UNSW, Sydney, NSW 2052 AUSTRALIA

willrifkin@unsw.edu.au +61 2 9385 2748 +61 2 9385 1530 fax

www.scom.unsw.edu.au www.onset.unsw.edu.au www.dayinscience.unsw.edu.au

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For ASC members in Adelaide

Water and You

Joe Flynn, Jon Kellet, Sheryn Pitman Host: David Bevan Tuesday 30 March 6-7.30pm The Science Exchange

Free – booking required. Go to http://waterandyou.eventbrite.com

In the final event of the Understanding Water series, popular radio host David Bevan asks three Adelaide experts to discuss ways we can make a difference in our homes and gardens, and what government and industry can do to reduce the volume of water used in Adelaide. The bulk of Adelaide’s water is used domestically. If Adelaide is to be a sustainable city ,we need to reduce the volume of water we use and use it more efficiently. What sensible ways of saving water are there that don’t compromise its quality for drinking and food preparation, and what might the gardens of the future look like? In association with the Barbara Hardy Centre for Sustainable Urban Environments

[cid:image001.jpg@01CAC114.BFE6C880] 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

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Australian Science Media Centre

MEDIA ALERT: Population plus: What can Australia sustain?

NATIONAL MEDIA BRIEFING – Thu 25 March 10am (11am AEDT) in Brisbane (Also available online)

Embargoed to 11am AEDT on Thu 25 March

Population growth is touted by many experts as the number one issue in Australia, the linchpin to many other issues such as water resources, energy consumption, an ageing workforce, greenhouse gas targets and economic growth. With Australia predicted to reach 35 million by 2050, how can we ensure that the economic benefits of this growth are not negated by excessive urban sprawl, strained infrastructure, environmental destruction and ultimately a lifestyle none of us would want?

With the Australian Bureau of Statistics due to release their latest quarterly population estimates this week and Anna Bligh calling an extraordinary public meeting on growth management in just over a week, the Australian Science Media Centre has decided to hold a national briefing in Brisbane to highlight what the evidence can tell us about population growth projections and impacts.

Come and hear some of Australia’s key experts in the areas of demographics, ecology and economics confront the dilemmas that face us.

The briefing will discuss the following issues:

Ø Southeast Queensland is often considered the canary in the coalmine on many population issues. Prof Martin Bell from the University of Queensland will release a report on the issues and options for the future in this rapidly growing part of Australia.

Ø 35 million by 2050 is a common projection for Australia’s growth but is this realistic based on current data analysis?

Ø Is 35 million people sustainable for Australia and how can we ensure adequate energy, water, health, housing and a healthy environment as people concentrate in coastal areas?

Ø While the economic and social benefits of strong population growth are a focus for economists, the pitfalls of growth for the environment and sustainable resource use are of great concern to ecologists. Can these competing demands ever be reconciled? What will it take to reach consensus?

SPEAKERS:

· Professor Graeme Hugo, ARC Australian Professorial Fellow and Director, National Centre for Social Applications of GIS, University of Adelaide

· Professor Martin Bell, Director, Queensland Centre for Population Research, University of Queensland

· Dr Graham Turner, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO Sustainable Ecosystems

BRIEFING DETAILS:

DATE: Thursday 25 March 2010

START TIME: 10am in Brisbane (11am Australian Eastern Daylight Savings Time)

DURATION: Approx 60 min

VENUE: Don Curruthers eXchange Meeting Room, Dorothy Hill Library (Building 50, Level 5), University of Queensland, St Lucia (click here http://www.library.uq.edu.au/pse/vtour/where.html for a map)

PHONE CONTACT ON THE DAY: 0424 676 136 OR 0405 232 790 (during the event you can also try calling the AusSMC office on 08 7120 8666) PARKING: Some parking is available. Please notify us in advance.

JOINING ONLINE: Journalists not able to attend can follow the briefing online via audio and video streaming. Each presenter will speak for approximately 7 minutes followed by questions. Online journalists will also have the opportunity to ask questions.

1. Go to the briefing web portal by clicking https://aussmcus.webex.com/aussmcus/onstage/g.php?d=826762563&t=a here 5 minutes before the start time or anytime during the briefing. Alternatively go to www.aussmc.org and follow the links.

2. Enter your name and email address

3. Click “Join”.

(System requirements: You will need a broadband connection and speakers/headphones to hear the event. Allow 1-2 mins for your computer to be configured correctly, install ActiveX, if asked)

*Note* some Fairfax journalists may not be able to access the online system due to a firewall issue. Please contact us to arrange phone access. Radio stations can also record the briefing over a phone line. If you would like to make sure that you can connect, please contact us to arrange a quick test before the day.

If you have any problems joining the briefing online, phone Webex on 1800 12 92 78 quoting access code 826 762 563.

Audio files will be posted on our website at www.aussmc.org as soon as possible after the event.

For further information before the event, please contact the AusSMC on 08 7120 8666 or email info@aussmc.org. For interview requests or queries on the day phone Nigel Kerby (0405 232 790).

Issued: 23 March 2010

Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC)

Street address: The Science Exchange, 55 Exchange Place, ADELAIDE SA 5000

Postal address: PO Box 237, RUNDLE MALL SA 5000

Ph: (08) 7120 8666 | Fax: (08) 8231 7333 | info@aussmc.org | http://www.aussmc.org www.aussmc.org

The Australian Science Media Centre (AusSMC) is an independent, non-profit service for the news media, giving journalists direct access to evidence-based science and expertise. The national centre is advised by a Science Advisory Panel and governed by a Board of Management. It is supported by a wide variety of sectors with each contribution capped at 10% of total running costs. Foundation sponsors are the ABC, APN News & Media, Cochlear Foundation Ltd, CSIRO, the Govt of SA, Innovative Research Universities Australia, Macquarie Bank, Media Monitors, News Ltd, New South Wales Govt, Orica Ltd, Queensland Govt, ResMed Inc, the Royal Institution of Australia, the State Govt of Victoria, Network Ten and the University of Melbourne. Gold Sponsors are ATSE, Cisco Systems Inc., CSL Ltd, IBM Australia, Johnson Winter & Slattery, Shell Australia Ltd and the University of Adelaide. Supporters include AMTA, FASTS, Microsoft, Powerhouse Museum and Flinders University.

Disclaimer: Please note that any views expressed are the personal opinions of the experts named. They do not represent the views of the AusSMC or any other organisation unless specifically stated. The AusSMC attempts to provide a range of views from the scientific community.

The AusSMC can help journalists find an expert on a topical area of science. For more details, contact us. If you do not wish to receive further emails from the AusSMC, please reply with “Unsubscribe” in the Subject.

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UWA Science Communication Seminar

Knowledge transfer between scientists and science communicators – Managing various perspectives in program development

Speaker: Nadine Smith, CSIRO_ Location: Centre for Learning Technology, Physics Building UWA Time & Date: 4-5pm, Friday 26th March 2010 Drinks and Nibbles Provided

A difficulty in developing formal and informal education initiatives is the co-ordination of various stake holder perspectives. These perspectives range from determining mutually beneficial program outcomes to facilitating understanding between stake holders and building in obsolescence.

In the context of Marine education it is recognised by the IOC (Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission) that; co-operative initiatives should include all sectors of the community such as scientists, policy makers, businesses and schools. The intent of this ‘networked’ approach is to build community capacity for the sustainable management of marine resources. However, there are potentially barriers in the transmission and appropriation of knowledge at various points along this network, which could ultimately limit community capacity and therefore the management of marine resources. It is the barriers experienced by science communicators in the development of public education programs which is of specific interest.

About The Speaker Nadine Smith has worked on a number of education programs including: Secondary School Science; Teacher professional development at Scitech; Real World Science – a School / Industry partnership initiative; Leeuwin Ocean Adventure sail training program (now endorsed by Curriculum Council) and is currently in the Co-operative Research Centre (CRC) Education program.

The next Friday event will be a book club on Friday 16th April, after the holidays. The featured book is _[1]Manthropology_, by Peter McAllister. To see the full science communication events calender, please visit http://uwasciencecomm.blogspot.com/ Links: 1. http://www.hachette.com.au/books/9780733623912.html

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Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

> From: “Pickrell, John” > Date: 22 March 2010 2:57:53 PM > Subject: AG Online Editor >

> Hey guys, > > > > We’re looking for a replacement for our online editor here at AG. Pl > ease forward on to anyone who you think might be interested. Deadlin > e is next week. > > > > http://seek.co.uk/job/b-australian-b-b-geographic-b-online-editor/sydney-inner/16959645/26/1/ > > > > Cheers! > > > > John > > > > — > > > > John Pickrell > > Deputy Editor / Online Editorial Director > > Australian Geographic > > www.australiangeographic.com.au > > 66 – 68 Goulburn St, Sydney, NSW 2000 > > email: jpickrell@acpmagazines.com.au > > tel: +61 2 9263 9826 > > > > Follow us on Twitter!: www.twitter.com/ausgeo > > And join the AG community on Facebook: www.facebook.com/ausgeo > > > > > > Please consider the environment before printing this email. > > NOTICE > > > The information contained in this e-mail may be confidential. You > should only read, disclose, re-transmit, copy, distribute, act in > reliance on or use the information if you are authorised to do so. > If you are not the intended recipient of this e-mail, please > immediately notify the sender by e-mail and then destroy any > electronic or paper copy of this e-mail. > > Any views expressed in this e-mail are those of the sender, except > where the sender specifically states them to be the views of ACP > Magazines. ACP Magazines does not represent, warrant or guarantee > that the integrity of this e-mail has been maintained nor that this > e-mail is free of errors, viruses or interference. > > Any information contained in this e-mail in relation to an > advertising booking should be read in conjunction with ACP Magazines > ’ standard advertising terms and material and booking cancellation d > eadlines, which are available at www.acpmagazines.com.au. All advert > ising bookings made with ACP Magazines are subject to ACP Magazines’ > standard advertising terms.

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