By Craig Cormick

Let’s do a little bit of short-term crystal ball gazing. (I have this wonderful glass ball crafted by a glass-blower – those most wonderful and near-extinct artisans).  What is 2017 likely to bring and what impacts will it have on what we do in our work as science communicators?

According to groups like the World Economic Forum we are going to see the continued emergence of disruptive technologies and global challenges emerging from climate change that will increasingly need science-led solutions, be they health, environmental or otherwise. But we are also going to see continued social polarisation the disruption of traditional trust and an increase in manufactured news that aligns with polarised perspectives rather than notions of evidence.

It is going to be a very murky world where truth is contested, science is seen as just one of many world views, and news has to combat fake news.

How do we continue to do our jobs in this changing world, where the skills and knowledge we have spent many years acquiring can be so easily dismissed by audiences or increasingly prove ineffective in reaching them?

It is apparent that many professionals, not just science communicators, will need to fall back on new ways of think and acting to best adapt to this changed environment. Think of it as a ‘social climate change’ that is happening around us, and if we fail to keep on top of it, we risk seeing our profession slip away in terms of relevance to all but the most devoted science fan-boys and fan-girls.

We need to look into our crystal ball and see a future where science communicators are respected as having access to the latest relevant research and data that enables them to do their jobs effectively. And we need ease of access to such data that can be easily obtained from trusted sources in our increasingly busy lives.

Fortunately, gazing into the foggy future, we can envisage a situation where science communicators better share findings and data with each other. Better develop best practice guides and principles better suited for 2017 and beyond, such as is done at ASC Conferences.

Collectively we have the data, the knowledge and the tools to work more effectively in this changed era, and need to develop better mechanisms for sharing and accessing it. Yes, we will have to work a little harder and smarter – but to fail to do so is to risk becoming as near extinct as glass-blowers.

 

 

Biotext is looking for a motivated science editor to join our team.

Biotext turns complex science and policy information into effective publications. For more than 15 years, we have produced publications for scientific agencies, government departments, academic and nongovernment organisations, both in Australia and overseas. Biotext is an acknowledged leader in science writing, editing and design, specialising in health and biomedical science, environment, agriculture and government.

Working closely with our editing and design teams, your main duties will be editing and proofreading a wide range of publications, including reports, guidelines, fact sheets and web content. There may also be opportunities to write or rewrite content.

We are looking for someone who is keen to use and further develop their editing skills, and work with clients and the Biotext team to produce high-quality publications that exceed client expectations.

Essential criteria

• A keen interest in science and clear scientific communication
• Tertiary qualifications in science, health or biomedical science, and/or communications
• Training and/or experience in science writing and editing
• Advanced skills in Microsoft Word, including formatting using templates
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Demonstrated ability to work within a team

Desirable criteria

• Accredited editor with the Institute of Professional Editors (Australia), Board of Editors in the Life Sciences (USA) or equivalent
• Experience in using style guides and style sheets
• Experience in managing the publication process
• Experience in business development, marketing and communication

Hours: Full time (flexible working hours available)

Salary: Negotiable based on qualifications, experience and skills

Start date: February or March 2017

Location: Bruce, Canberra
Biotext also has offices in Sydney and Melbourne, but the successful candidate must be prepared to work in the Canberra office.

Applications: Applications should be lodged by email (With ‘Editor application’ as the subject line) and include a cover letter addressing the selection criteria and a résumé, including the names of at least 2 referees. Applications close on 10 February 2017.
Shortlisted candidates will be required to undertake short writing, editing and proofreading tests.

Contact: Kylie Evans, email office@biotext.com.au, ph 6282 2280

The Australian Science Communicators

is proud to offer the

Unsung Hero Award of Australian Science Communication

 

The award will be announced at the ASC Conference in Adelaide on 23 February 2017.

Nominations close at 5pm on Wednesday 8 February 2017.

ASC Unsung Hero Award 2016 Nomination Form – Entry PDF
ASC Unsung Hero Award 2016 Nomination Form – Entry WORD

The Unsung Hero of Australian Science Communication is an initiative of the Australian Science Communicators. The ASC offers this award to honour a person or group who exemplifies science communication.

Nominations are now open for the 2016 Unsung Hero Award of Australian Science Communication.

Previous recipients include Kylie Walker (2015), Frankie Lee (2014) and Craig Cormick (2013). The award was launched by the 2011 National Executive and realigned from the previous ‘Unsung Hero of Science’ award (read some background here).

Criteria

The criteria for nomination for the Unsung Hero Australian Science Communication are:

1. Nominees (an individual or group) must be resident in Australia and actively engaged in science communication, interpreted broadly to include, but not limited to, pursuits such as:
   • teaching,
   • broadcasting,
   • script and book writing,
   • science shows,
   • science promotion and
   • interpretation of science within cultural institutions.
2. The work the nominee is being nominated for must have been carried out in Australia.
3. Nominees should have not yet received significant recognition for their contribution to science and its promotion. This will almost certainly rule out a ‘top’ or popular science communicator. The nominee should have shown that they regard science communication as an integral part of scientific work.
4. Nominees should have a considerable or prolonged record (at least several years) in science communication.
5. The award is intended to recognise those whose contribution has been so significant over a period of time that they should by now have been recognised. It is unlikely that this would apply to a candidate whose contribution, however significant, is of short duration.
6. Nominators must give careful consideration to what counts as ‘science’ – for example, nominees from technological or environmental fields should be nominated not just on the basis of their contribution to those particular fields, but because the scientific side of their work is strong and their communication contributes to a better understanding of the process and practice of science.

Note:
This award may be made to a candidate whose work is specifically in science education, promotion or communication in one or many fields where the science component of their work is highly significant.

Benefits of the award

Ideally, the award may assist the recipient in their work, for example by publicising a difficult issue or by recognising that they have been a ‘lone and unpopular voice’ in spite of their scientific achievements being strong.

The award may also help a recipient to focus attention on their efforts or give them greater credibility and help them overcome adverse or unfair criticism.

Selection Process

Selection is based solely on the written information provided on the nomination form.

A selection committee of representatives from the Australian Science Communicators will assess all nominations and determine award recipients.

In some instances the selection committee may request further information before making their final decision.

The Australian Science Communicators reserves the right to make no awards should the judges consider that the quality of candidates does not warrant awards, or should the nominated candidate(s) not satisfy the selection criteria.

Requirements for Award Nomination

The nominator must be a financial member of the ASC, but the nominee need not be a member. The nominator should first consult with the nominee and referees to ensure the nominee is aware of, and gives consent, to the application.

Each nomination must comprise a fully completed award nomination form. Preferable length: 2 pages.

ASC Unsung Hero Award 2016 Nomination Form – Entry PDF
ASC Unsung Hero Award 2016 Nomination Form – Entry WORD

Nominations close at 5pm ADST on Wednesday 8 February 2017.  

Nomination enquiries to:
Sarah Lau
Secretary of the Australian Science Communicators
secretary@asc.asn.au

Send completed nominations to:
Kali Madden
Executive Officer – Australian Science Communicators
office@asc.asn.au

Nomination forms

ASC Unsung Hero Award 2016 Nomination Form – Entry PDF
ASC Unsung Hero Award 2016 Nomination Form – Entry WORD