Hi All,

I’m staying in a two room apartment on Monday night with one of the rooms vacant. So if anyone going to the ASC conference is desperate for accommodation in Canberra next Monday night (8th Feb), let me know (a contribution towards the cost of the apartment would be great).

Cheers

Susannah

Dr Susannah Eliott

Chief Executive Officer

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 8660 | Fax: (08) 8231 7333 | www.aussmc.org http://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.

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Hi everyone

The Science and Factual FilmMakers Network is now up and running – and welcoming new members!

This network is for emerging and beginning film makers, who are interested in making (or learning to make) films relating to science, technology and/or natural history, of any length and genre. The network offers opportunities for film-makers to develop, share and improve their skills, and provides access to opportunities and information. Over time it will strengthen its links to the professional science and factual film community, acting as a feeder for new talent.

I¹d love to hear from you if you have an interest in science film and can contribute to the network in any capacity. In addition to general members, I am seeking input from professionals who can act as mentors or offer information, expertise, or advice for the network.

If this sounds like you, please get in touch.

To join the network there¹s a Ning site now up and running to connect people at: http://sciencefilm.ning.com/

Hope to see you there, and also at the ASC conference next week.

Best wishes

Bobby Cerini Science and Factual FilmMakers Network

Centre for the Public Awareness of Science A Centre for the National Commission of UNESCO

The Australian National University Building 38A Canberra, ACT 0200 Australia CRICOS provider 00120C

Email: bobby.cerini@anu.edu.au Web: http://cpas.anu.edu.au

Telephone: Mobile: 0415 032 701 Office: (02) 6125 7634

Fax: 02 8088 6161

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Broadcaster/producer, ABC Radio Science Unit Part time 22.8 hrs/week

Key Accountabilities ABC Radio National’s science unit has a fixed term time vacancy for a motivated broadcaster with an interest and background in science communication and/or journalism. Working to the Science Show and other programs in Radio National’s Science Unit, the producer will be expected to undertake key production tasks, and work with presenters to produce weekly programs, as well as undertake research, technical and online tasks. The successful applicant will have the capacity to work on emerging platforms, will have the potential to develop independent editorial judgement required of a specialist science broadcaster and advocate and apply all relevant ABC policies and procedures, including Editorial Policies , Equity & Diversity and OH&S.

Key Capabilities/Qualifications/Experience (Selection Criteria) 1. Experience and or capability of performing the key production tasks necessary in the production of Radio National Science Unit programs, including research, script writing, editing and interviewing. 2. A sound journalistic awareness and a potential to develop specialist science journalism and communication skills. 3. Interest in and knowledge of emerging platforms for specialist content 4. Wide knowledge and interest in issues pertaining to science and society 5. Creativity and a good sense of story telling 6. Ability to work under pressure and to deadlines 7. Ability to work well in small teams 8. Relevant academic qualifications 9. Understanding and commitment to ABC policies and practices including Editorial Policies, Equity & Diversity and OH&S

Contact: Lynne Malcolm, Executive Producer Science Unit Closing date: 19/2/10 Application Lodgement:

National Recruitment Unit, Level 7, Ultimo B or email recruitment@your.abc.net.au

Please consider the environment before printing this e-mail.

The information contained in this email and any attachment is confidential and may contain legally privileged or copyright material. It is intended only for the use of the addressee(s). If you are not the intended recipient of this email, you are not permitted to disseminate, distribute or copy this email or any attachments. If you have received this message in error, please notify the sender immediately and delete this email from your system. The ABC does not represent or warrant that this transmission is secure or virus free. Before opening any attachment you should check for viruses. The ABC’s liability is limited to resupplying any email and attachments. _______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

Greetings all The first meeting of Swinburne’s free Public Lecture Series 2010 will take place on Friday 19 February.

Title: The Extreme Side of Pulsars Presented by Sarah Burke-Spolaor and Lina Levin – PhD students working with Matthew Bailes, Director of the Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing

Pulsars are the compact cores of dead stars that periodically flash radio beams at Earth. The regularity of their flashing makes them somewhat like highly accurate clocks–however not all pulsars are very well behaved. This lecture will give a background to pulsar astronomy and detail the extreme behaviours that some of these enigmatic stars exhibit. New, bizarre classes of pulsars are regularly being discovered, and we will present hot-off-the-press discoveries that have been made by an international team of astronomers that includes members of the Swinburne Centre for Astrophysics and Supercomputing.

Venue: Swinburne University, Hawthorn Campus, BA building Room: BA201 Date: Friday 19 February Time: 6.20 pm for a 6.30 pm start Duration: 1 hour plus question time

Places are limited so please RSVP to Liz Thackray via email ethackray@swin.edu.au by Wednesday 17 February.

( http://astronomy.swin.edu.au/outreach/?topic=freelectures )

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The following positions will be advertised in Canberra tomorrow. Note that these jobs are based in Canberra.

Biotext is a leader in science information publishing, specialising in health, agriculture and environment. We currently have two vacancies in our Canberra office for dynamic and motivated individuals who would like to hone their publishing skills in an exciting, challenging and fun business environment. Production Manager – This job will suit someone with a background in science publishing who would like to turn their hand to managing aspects of a small business. The successful candidate will coordinate production from initial inquiry through to delivery of high-quality publications that meet or exceed client expectations. This job is potentially full-time but part-time options may also be considered for candidates with strong skills against the selection criteria. Science Writer and Editor – This full-time job requires someone with a science background, training and experience in writing and editing, and a passion for making a difference to the quality of science information in the public and policy-making arenas. Email admin@biotext.com.au to receive full job specifications and selection criteria. Both positions are based in Canberra. Applications that do not address the selection criteria will not be considered. Applications close 5 pm, Friday 26 February 2010.

Dr Janet Salisbury ELS, AE Director | Biotext

Building 10, CSIRO Forestry Precinct, Banks St, Yarralumla PO Box 178, Deakin West, ACT 2600 T: 02 6282 2280 | F: 02 6282 3734 M: 0416 167 280 E: janet.salisbury@biotext.com.au W: www.biotext.com.au ELS (Editor in the Life Sciences, Board of Editors in the Life Sciences, USA); AE (Accredited Editor, Institute of Professional Editors, Australia)

Biotext is a science information company offering research, writing and editing services, specialising in health, agriculture and environment

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For anyone in Adelaide looking for a sensory experience next Monday night, come along!

MOOD FOOD

Why do we feel better after a home-cooked meal? Have you ever wondered why people crave chocolate, or why eating your favourite food makes you happy? Is it the taste, the texture, or something else?

Join Dr John Prescott, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Newcastle, and the Science Exchange’s very own chefs, Cole Thomas and Aaron Gillespie, for an interactive exploration of the innovative art of flavour. Our intrepid trio will demonstrate how humans use their sense of taste, and explain how to control the depth and intensity of flavour or aroma in any given dish. They’ll explore the relationship between the taste and smell of food, and ask how you might use this to create the right mood.

Watch, learn and taste as – using the latest culinary techniques and, of course, some mood-altering ingredients – your hosts prepare delicious samples to prove their points.

In association with Culinetic

To book: http://www.riaus.org.au/events/2010/february/mood_food.jsp _______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

For anyone in Adelaide looking for a sensory experience next Monday night, come along!

MOOD FOOD

Why do we feel better after a home-cooked meal? Have you ever wondered why people crave chocolate, or why eating your favourite food makes you happy? Is it the taste, the texture, or something else?

Join Dr John Prescott, Associate Professor of Psychology at the University of Newcastle, and the Science Exchange’s very own chefs, Cole Thomas and Aaron Gillespie, for an interactive exploration of the innovative art of flavour. Our intrepid trio will demonstrate how humans use their sense of taste, and explain how to control the depth and intensity of flavour or aroma in any given dish. They’ll explore the relationship between the taste and smell of food, and ask how you might use this to create the right mood.

Watch, learn and taste as – using the latest culinary techniques and, of course, some mood-altering ingredients – your hosts prepare delicious samples to prove their points.

In association with Culinetic

To book: http://www.riaus.org.au/events/2010/february/mood_food.jsp _______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

We [Econnect Communication Pty Ltd] are a small long-established science communication agency.

THE JOB

We are currently seeking an experienced and enthusiastic science writer / communicator to join our small team to write web content, media releases, feature articles, e-newsletters, interpretive information, fact sheets and video scripts. This involves researching information, interviewing scientists and others involved in or affected by science, and producing written materials. This work will involve liaison with scientists, government representatives, community representatives, farmers, and the media. It will also involve both traditional and new media.

THE SUCCESSFUL APPLICANT will:

. Have excellent writing skills in a variety of formats

. Understand scientific culture and processes through past experience at working with researchers

. Have technical skills with website and new media formats

. Be passionate about communicating about science, especially the environmental sciences

. Feel comfortable working within a small team as well as independently

. Respond well to feedback and constructive criticism

. Be able to meet agreed deadlines

LOCATION: Preferably in our West End offices in Brisbane, but this is negotiable for the right candidate

TERMS: Contract until December 31 2010 with the possibility of extension beyond this depending on performance and work demand; three-month probationary period; must be able to start as soon as possible, and definitely by early March

CONDITIONS:

. Salary of $65K plus super plus performance-based quarterly bonuses

. One rostered day off per month; flexi-time

. 38 hours per week; flexible times

. 4 weeks annual leave; 10 days sick pay

. Back veranda for lunches, teas and parties (in Brisbane office)

APPLICATIONS:

. To me via email only (jenni@econnect.com.au)

. Close 6pm, Thursday 11 February

. Two pages maximum addressing the 7 dot points listed under ‘The successful applicant’, and providing your contact details, the names and contact details of two recent work referees, and your availability to start work with us; you can also include a short CV

. Short-listed applicants will be advised on Friday 12 February of a writing exercise, which they will be expected to complete by 6pm Tuesday 16 February. Short, short listed applicants will be interviewed on Thursday or Friday 18/ 19 February.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:

Check out www.econnect.com.au. This should provide any information you require about our company. If you have more specific queries, please email me (don’t phone).

Jenni Metcalfe

Director Econnect Communication

PO Box 734

South Brisbane Q 4101

Australia

www.econnect.com.au

jenni@econnect.com.au

phone: + 61 7 3846 7111, +0408 551 866

skype: jenni.metcalfe

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See also: http://www.econnect.com.au/publications.htm

Presenting science

Learn how to get your message across to different live audiences.

This comprehensive 28-page booklet is written by Jenni Metcalfe http://www.econnect.com.au/about_jenni.htm and Toss http://www.econnect.com.au/about_network.htm#toss Gascoigne who, together, have more than 40 years experience working with scientists and training them in presentation skills.

Participants in our http://www.econnect.com.au/ws_present.htm presenting science workshop receive a copy of the booklet as part of their course costs.

Free with each booklet: a handy DL-sized brochure crammed with hot tips on presenting science.

Published in 2008, the booklet explains how you can shape and deliver your presentation to engage your audience by:

. framing your messages to suit your objectives and the needs of your audience

. structuring your content so that you deliver your main messages clearly, within your timeframe and with the right amount of detail

. preparing and using visual aids to add impact to your presentation

. speaking confidently and fluently in front of the audience

. fielding questions successfully, and making the best use of question time

Cost: $70 + GST + postage ($2)

Talking science with the media

Learn how to get on the front foot with the media.

This comprehensive 46-page booklet is written by Jenni Metcalfe http://www.econnect.com.au/about_jenni.htm and Toss http://www.econnect.com.au/about_network.htm#toss Gascoigne who, together, have more than 40 years experience working with scientists and training them in media skills.

Participants in our talking science with http://www.econnect.com.au/ws_media.htm the media workshop receive a copy of the booklet as part of their course costs.

Free with each booklet: a handy DL-sized brochure crammed with hot tips on talking science with the media.

Published in 2009, the booklet explains how you can tailor your scientific message to suit the media, without compromising the quality of the message by:

. understanding the different media and journalists and how they operate

. designing clear messages for different media audiences

. writing successful media releases

. preparing for and conducting interviews

. dealing with difficult media situations

Cost: $80 + GST + postage ($2)

Buy both booklets for $135 + GST + postage. ($4)

Discounts are available for orders of more than 10. http://www.econnect.com.au/publications.htm#top http://www.econnect.com.au/publications.htm#top go to page top http://www.econnect.com.au/publications.htm#top

We are in the process of setting up an online payment system.

In the meantime, please call Michelle on 07 3846 7111 or email admin@econnect.com.au to place your order. http://www.econnect.com.au/publications.htm#top http://www.econnect.com.au/publications.htm#top go to page top http://www.econnect.com.au/publications.htm#top

Jenni Metcalfe

Director Econnect Communication

PO Box 734

South Brisbane Q 4101

Australia

www.econnect.com.au

jenni@econnect.com.au

phone: + 61 7 3846 7111, +0408 551 866

skype: jenni.metcalfe

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Web Communication Coordinator PAO2 (APS6) – Remuneration up to $78,433 pa plus superannuation Permanent, Fulltime – Canberra The National Water Commission seeks an enthusiastic and experienced communicator to create, deliver and maintain our online communication materials. In managing the content creation process, you will liaise with internal and external stakeholders to source materials, assess audience needs, and analyse audience responses. This will involve research and writing, as well as uploading and editing content within a Content Management System. Sound editing skills and proven ability to write effectively are essential. You will also provide advice on functionality, navigation structures and accessibility issues. As a Public Affairs Officer, you will work as part of the National Water Commission’s small and busy Communication and Parliamentary Liaison team, which delivers a range of communication activities and services to internal and external clients. To be successful in this role, you will have well developed people and team skills. Tertiary qualifications and/or professional experience in web writing and online communications are desirable, as is an interest in natural resource management and science communication.

The National Water Commission is responsible for driving the sustainable management and use of Australia’s water resources under our blueprint for water reform – the National Water Initiative. As an independent statutory authority within the Australian Government’s Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts portfolio, the Commission assesses reform progress and provides advice to COAG and the Australian Government on national water issues. Under our $250 million Raising National Water Standards Program, the Commission also funds and manages more than 120 projects that are improving Australia’s capacity to measure, monitor and manage our water resources.

Closing Date: Friday, 12 February, 2010 A position description and selection criteria may be obtained from our website www.nwc.gov.au. Applicants may obtain further information by contacting Lynne Griffiths on (02) 6102 6023. Apply: recruitment@nwc.gov.au or Recruitment Officer, 95 Northbourne Avenue, CANBERRA ACT 2600.

Lynne Griffiths Director, Communication and Parliamentary Liaison National Water Commission T 02 6102 6023 | M 0412 786 945 lynne.griffiths@nwc.gov.au | www.nwc.gov.au Driving water reform in Australia

______________________________________________________________________

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