Apologies for previous incorrect subject line

This Friday’s Seminar will be given by Jo Edmonston

Jo began her career as a molecular biologist and from 2006-09 managed technology transfer within a national research centre. Now working as a Graduate Education Officer at UWA, Jo will give a brief overview of the science communication focus of her career to date, including how she managed to move from benchwork, lecturing in biotechnology and completing a PhD in science communication, to developing practice and policy initiatives in biosecurity. As she has an aversion to jargon that borders on the pathological, she promises to keep acronyms and abbreviations to a minimum.

Time & Date: 4pm Friday 21st May 2010

Location: Seminar Room, Basement of Centre for Learning Technology, Physics Building UWA; Crawley Campus; Entry via ramp between Physics and Geology

Map to venue: http://www.spice.wa.edu.au/contact

All welcome! Drinks and nibbles provided

Friday Seminar: Jo Edmonston

Jo began her career as a molecular biologist and from 2006-09 managed technology transfer within a national research centre. Now working as a Graduate Education Officer at UWA, Jo will give a brief overview of the science communication focus of her career to date, including how she managed to move from benchwork, lecturing in biotechnology and completing a PhD in science communication, to developing practice and policy initiatives in biosecurity. As she has an aversion to jargon that borders on the pathological, she promises to keep acronyms and abbreviations to a minimum.

Time & Date: 4pm Friday 21st May 2010

Location: Seminar Room, Basement of Centre for Learning Technology, Physics Building UWA; Crawley Campus; Entry via ramp between Physics and Geology

Map to venue: http://www.spice.wa.edu.au/contact

All welcome! Drinks and nibbles provided

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Following on from her popular session at the National Conference in February, we’re honoured to have Alison Leigh presenting to us:

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 Members – Free; Non-members $5 Light snacks provided, bar menu available

RSVPs essential: ascnsw@gmail.com

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?

Alison Leigh is Editorial Director of the annual WORLD CONGRESS OF SCIENCE AND FACTUAL PRODUCERS. She played a leading role in producing and commissioning science TV programs in Australia for over a decade, including six years as executive producer ABC TV Science Unit, (QUANTUM, HOT CHIPS, “THE FUTURE EATERS”, “WHAT’S YOUR POISON? – the science of everyday drugs.) She returned to ABC TV in 2007 to run Catalyst for a season. Since then she has worked as a writer for series like Beyond¹s KIDS DETECTIVES and BACKYARD SCIENCE .She is currently writing the companion volume to an upcoming ABC TV series “Making Australia Happy”. Alison is a founding member and past president of ASC.

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MEDIA ALERT

14 May 2010

The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering (ATSE)

ATSE is an independent body of eminent Australian engineers and scientists which promotes technology, science and engineering for a better Australia

AUSTRALIA’S VISIONARY INNOVATORS TO BE ANNOUNCED

ATSE CLUNIES ROSS AWARDS

Winners of the prestigious 2010 ATSE Clunies Ross Awards for excellence in the application of science and technology will be announced at a gala dinner on Wednesday 19 May in Melbourne. Advance/embargoed notice is available.

Winners’ areas of endeavour include science, communications, health/medicine, nuclear science, microelectronics and mining.

The dinner will be addressed by Professor Alan Trounson, world-renowned IVF pioneer and stem cell biologist, who is now heading the world’s wealthiest embryonic stem cell research group in the US. His address is titled “Creativity in Biomedicine and Conversion to Benefits.”

The Awards recognise Australia’s pre-eminent scientists and technologists who have bridged the gap between research and the marketplace and are awarded to people who have persisted with their ideas, often against the odds, to the point that their innovations are making a real difference to the economic, social or environmental benefit of Australia.

ATSE Clunies Ross Award Winners for 2010 follow in the footsteps of past winners such as Dr Fiona Wood, inventor of spray-on skin; Professor Ian Frazer, inventor of the cervical cancer vaccine; Professor Graeme Clark, inventor of the bionic ear, and Nobel laureate Dr Barry Marshall, who discovered the bacteria that causes stomach ulcers.

On Thursday 20 May, the winners will join more than 300 Year 10 students and their teachers in lively discussions and challenging action-based hands-on workshop sessions based on the winners’ areas of expertise. This free one-day seminar to stimulate students’ interest in science as a career – The Extreme Science Experience – will be hosted by Bernie Hobbs, award-winning science writer and broadcaster.

INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES:

– ATSE Clunies Ross Award Winners, from a range of Australian States and differing areas of endeavour (for print/broadcast on 20 May). Embargoed information available now.

– Professor Robin Batterham, ATSE President.

– Dr Andrew Trouson, world-renowned IVF pioneer and stem cell biologist.

– Dr Alan Finkel, neuroscientist, Chancellor of Monash University and a previous ATSE Clunies Ross winner.

– Mr Bruce Kean Chairman, ATSE Clunies Ross Foundation.

PICTORIAL OPPORTUNITIES BY ARRANGEMENT: Award winners prior to the awards on 19 May or with science students in hands-on experiments/activities at Extreme Science Experience, 20 May at Melbourne Town Hall from 10am-3.30pm.

PHOTOS/FOOTAGE AVAILABLE OF WINNERS IN THEIR WORKPLACE

Issued by The Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering

For further information/interviews contact:

Cathy Reade, Media Liaison, 0413 575 934 creade@squirrel.com.au or

Bill Mackey, Communications Director ATSE 0418 923 370 bill.mackey@atse.org.au

Websites www.atse.org.au www.cluniesross.org.au www.extremescience.com.au

The ATSE wishes to thank the following for their support:

The Victorian Government, Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, The University of Melbourne, Monash University, The University of New South Wales Malcolm Chaikin Foundation, CSIRO, Deakin University, La Trobe University, Linfox, MMG, RMIT University, Downer Edi and Resmed Foundation

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Want to be pulled back in time to those good-old childhood days?

Remember when science was free of politics and ethical dilemmas?

Come along and watch dress rehearsals for this year’s students in Science Performance.

Be taken on a journey exploring the boney, bloody body and the science of shapes in science shows designed for primary school students.

Location: Seminar Room, Basement of Centre for Learning Technology, Physics Building UWA; Crawley Campus; Entry via ramp between Physics and Geology

Time & Date:_ 4-5pm Friday 14th May 2010

Drinks and Nibbles Provided.

Next Week: Jo Edmonston discusses science engagement. _______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

Events and Education Officer – Public Programs (Ref: 13777) – Geoscience Australia

ROLE DESCRIPTION: Geoscience Australia is seeking a professional Education and Events Manager to support and host our geoscience education and awareness public programs. The successful candidate will work closely with internal and external clients to coordinate and deliver high profile education activities and special events to raise awareness of geoscience and promote the work of Geoscience Australia. The role requires highly developed client liaison, coordination and written and verbal communication skills. We are seeking professional outcome-focussed individuals with creative energy, initiative and the capacity to motivate others to deliver to deadlines.

DUTIES: The successful candidate will lead, plan, coordinate and deliver Geoscience Australia’s iconic special events program including Open Day and Earth Science Week activities. The successful candidate will also support the delivery of a range of education functions including: -face-to-face school visits to the Education Centre – teacher professional development sessions – developing general geoscience awareness information, education kits and curriculum resources – assist with updating and refreshing Geoscience Australia’s education and events web pages.

For further details about the position check out Current Vacancies on the Geoscience Australia website (http://www.ga.gov.au/jobs/current-vacancies.jsp) Contact Officer: Dr Kate List Contact Phone: 02 6249 9756 Contact email: kate.list@ga.gov.au

Closing Date: 30 May 2010

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Dear ASCers,

FASTS issued a great media release on budget night. The theme was picked up by Kerry O’Brian last night with the PM.

FASTS also notes that the ‘Inspiring Australia” wasn’t funded in the budget. This is the science communication initiative that Minister Carr launched at the ASC Conference in February.

Niall

Budget a win for climate change deniers

Delayed action on climate change flies in the face of peer‐reviewed science that shows human‐induced climate change is threatening our future and urgent action is required, says the Federation of Australian Scientific and Technological Societies [FASTS].

“Tonight’s Federal Budget is a victory for those people with their head in the sand on climate change – the Opposition and The Greens who voted against an Emissions Trading Scheme,” said Anna‐Maria Arabia, Executive Director of FASTS.

“The climate change debate has elevated science into everyday conversation from the kitchen table right through to the boardroom and voters have made it abundantly clear that they want action now, not in three years time.

“While initiatives such as the Renewable Energy Future Fund and energy efficiency programs are commendable, the Rudd Government must immediately and clearly outline its plans for the next three years to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Ms Arabia said.

However, in a tough economic environment FASTS is pleased to see the government honour its commitment to research and innovation through the continued funding of Powering Ideas. “This ten‐year reform agenda is important to support long term productivity growth and assist the Budget return to surplus,” Ms Arabia added.

Before the next election, FASTS calls on the government to implement the recommendations in Inspiring Australia – a National Strategy for Engagement with the Sciences.

“Science is essential for our prosperity, our environment, our health, our security, and our quality of life. Investment in science communication and advocacy is more essential than ever to inspire young people to choose science as a career.”

FASTS is also concerned by 129 job cuts at CSIRO given the importance of maintaining Australia’s research capability and competitiveness.

In addition, there does not appear to be ongoing funding for the International Science Linkages Program. Australia produces 2 per cent of the world’s research, so it is important we support initiatives that tap into the remaining 98 per cent of knowledge.

Founded in 1985 FASTS is the peak body in science and technology and has three formal objectives to:

* Encourage scientific dialogue between government, the science and technology community, and industry;

* Promote public understanding of science; and

* Foster close relations between the societies.

FOR MEDIA INFORMATION ONLY Anna‐Maria Arabia Executive Director, FASTS 0412 940 921

________

Niall Byrne

Science in Public 26 Railway Street South, Altona Vic 3018

ph +61 (3) 9398 1416 or 0417 131 977 niall@scienceinpublic.com.au

Full contact details at www.scienceinpublic.com.au

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Dear ASC members and potential members in Queensland

As the new Regional Coordinator for ASC SE-QLD, I would like to invite you to join the team organising our events for 2010. We are having a meeting next Tuesday 18 May 6 for 6.30pm UQ’s Pizza Cafe, to plan this years program of events (and eat delicious pizza). We would be delighted if you would like to join us.

If you are attending please contact me, by Sunday 16 May.

If you can’t make the meeting, but would like to contribute to the program, or have specific requests, please get in touch, by Sunday 16 May.

Regards

Sophie Baker

ASC SE-QLD Regional Coordinator Sophie.L.J.Baker[at]gmail.com 0415 221 830

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For ASC members in Adelaide:

Augmenting our realities Thursday May 13 6-7:30pm The Science Exchange

Augmented reality, or AR, is a technology that inserts digital information and graphics over what you can see in the real world. Using AR extends people’s freedom and creativity in a wide variety of fields, from art to industry, gaming and landscape gardening. The technology can be as large scale as a warehouse or small enough to wear as a helmet, backpack, or even a watch or tattoo. Join us for an evening exploring the exciting possibilities of AR in professional, personal and artistic arenas. Professor Bruce Thomas from the University of South Australia and Dr Roy Davies from the Auckland University of Technology will show you how AR works and what it’s good for, and demonstrate some of the equipment being used in the field. In association with the Division of Information Technology, Engineering & the Environment, UniSA

Book at http://augmenting.eventbrite.com

[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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A temporary (maternity leave backfill) communications position exists with the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist. The person will:

* Coordinate the communication activities of the Office of the Queensland Chief Scientist

* Manage the media liaison for the Queensland Chief Scientist

* Project manage events, such as Science in Parliament

* Conduct and coordinate research, analysis and review of complex science related issues which may be required to support communication activities.

* Copy edit major reports in preparation for publication, printed and web format.

* Manage and participate in communication project teams across the department and government.

* Develop and maintain effective networks and liaison between the Office and its range of stakeholders, both inside and outside government.

– Senior Communications Project Officer – Salary range: $84,793 – $90,921 p/a – Temporary full-time until end January 2011 – Starting asap – Applications close 14 May 2010

Please note: Applicants should have media and events management experience.

If you’re interested, email: melanie.gray@premiers.qld.gov.au and: – submit a one (1) page cover letter addressing how you satisfy the competencies outlined in “Are you the right person for this job?” – attach a current resume, including the names and contact details of two (2) referees with a thorough knowledge of your competencies for this role. One of your referees should be your current or immediate past supervisor.

Don Alcock

Keytext Communication

39 Ludow St, Chapel Hill

Queensland, 4069

E: don@keytext.com.au

W: www.keytext.com.au

M: 0418 882 063

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