ASC conferences are the premier Australian networking, knowledge making and professional development opportunity for those making science and technology accessible. Thanks to our major sponsor Monash Sustainable Development Institute, we will be returning to Victoria for the first time in over a decade, with the conference to be held in the new Learning and Teaching Building at Monash Campus from 17-19th February 2020. http://asc2020.asc.asn.au/

The theme of our 2020 Conference will address the urgency of the challenges we’re facing: priorities, policies and best practice science communication for human survival. What is the role for science engagement in setting policy priorities? How do communication efforts leverage behaviour change?

We will soon be opening registrations for producers and presenters to pitch their ideas for conference sessions. We will be trying several new formats in the 2020 conference to allow for maximum participation, with plenty of time for the face-to-face discussions that are constantly rated the most valuable aspect of the conference.

We know that some ASC members are facing increasing constraints on the ability to engage with professional opportunities, so the 2020 conference is offered at 2017 prices (not adjusted for inflation), with an uncatered option also on offer. There are also super-earlybird discounts available for the first round of registrations. We’ve opened registrations as early as possible to also take advantage of end of financial year expenditure.

The ASC Conference is one of the only national opportunities to meet a wonderful bunch of approachable, creative and experienced professionals, keen to share and collaborate.

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Save the date – ASC Conference February 2020 announcement

Lisa Bailey is pleased to announce that thanks to our venue sponsor;  Monash Sustainable Development Institute, we will be hosting the next National Australian Science Communicators Conference at Monash campus in Victoria, Sunday 16 – Wednesday 19 February 2020.  It’s been over a decade since the conference was last held in Victoria!

So please mark the date in your calendars now, and we will be opening super early bird registrations in the next week or so, in time for the end of the financial year for people who are fortunate to have workplaces who can support their attendance. We will shortly also be opening opportunities for session producers and presenters.

More to come very soon!

Jillian Browning; ACT ASC President June Interview

 

• Why did you choose to study science?

When I was in year 3 my parents took me on a whale watching trip and I fell in love with the ocean. Ever since then I wanted to be a marine scientist and I followed through with it right through to university where I studied a Bachelor of Global and Ocean Science.

• Looking back now, what has been the best part of your career in SciComms?

The best part of my career has been the amazing people I have had the opportunity to work with. I have had a lot of fun experiences like joining a whale research vessel, volunteer work in Indonesia and running engaging events but the real highlight is the friendships and learning from great people.

• Where has your career led you?

I have had the amazing opportunity to work on the beautiful Sapphire Coast in Eden NSW for 5 years and I also spent 7 months working on a volunteer project on Lombok in Indonesia and attend a conference in Sulawesi.

• What excites you most about your work?

The variety and creativity. I love coming to work each day and having something new to work on and the opportunity to stretch my creative muscles in designing new exhibits.

• What advice do you have for anyone considering a career in SciComms?

Give it a go! Try new things, expand your skills and be willing to travel. Being open and flexible and having a can-do attitude will get you far and give you amazing opportunities.

• What are some of your greatest challenges that you’ve overcome in your Sci-Com career?

The greatest challenge I’ve come up against is the stiff job competition. There are lots of people with great Sci Comm skills and not a large amount of jobs in capital cities unfortunately. The best way to overcome this is to give yourself an edge, volunteer for sci comm groups and events, get jobs in regional areas where there is less competition and more chance to diversify your skill set.