When planning to travel interstate or territory I encourage members to contact the local branch committees. You might find they are running an event or workshop that meets your interests or that they can provide you an opportunity to present something yourself to share your expertise. You’ll also have some valuable and enjoyable networking and socialising.
There are potential taxation benefits and real professional gains in mixing a bit of science communication with a holiday. This is even more so for a business trip. So make use of the branches for fun and profit.
This is also a way to make contacts in our non-branch regions. The NT and Tasmania are slowly growing in member numbers but do not yet have local branch committees. The same goes for central and northern Queensland (members in several states suffer the tyranny of distance but especially Queensland folks).
If you are heading in those directions, contact Kali Madden <office at asc.asn.au>. Kali can look into putting you in contact with members interested in exchanging science communication perspectives (perhaps over a drink or dinner).
Several of the branches have contact details of their committee members on the ASC website. It’s worth an email or two to seek the benefits of networking.
Jesse Shore
National President
Great idea Jesse. I don’t get that much opportunity to travel, but love it when people from other parts of Australia come to visit, particularly if they are involved in Science Communication. I’m happy to introduce people to Melbourne Museum, in particular our new Science and Life exhibitions.