Author Archives: Lisa Bailey

About Lisa Bailey

ASC President 2019

An evening with ESA astronaut Hans Schlegel, Adelaide 30 Sept

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30 September 2010
6:00 pmto7:30 pm

An RiAus special event…

An evening with ESA astronaut Hans Schlegel

Thursday, September 30, 2010 from 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM Elder Hall, North Terrace, ADELAIDE

Free, Book now at http://hansschlegel.eventbrite.com/

European Space Agency (ESA) astronaut Hans Schlegel is in Adelaide to take part in National Space Camp Woomera (NSCW) 2010. Join Hans for his only public appearance in Adelaide as he shares his experiences of being an astronaut, including training as an engineer on the Russian Space Station MIR, working on Space Shuttle Columbia as a Payload Specialist on the German Spacelab D-2, and taking a seven-hour spacewalk during the 2006 mission to deliver the ESA Columbus Laboratory to the International Space Station. A man of many talents, Hans has served as a paratrooper with the Federal Armed Forces (Germany), worked as an experimental solid state physicist, is a certified research diver, and holds a private pilot’s license, including in aerobatics. Hans’ earthly interests include skiing, scuba diving, flying and being a handyman.

In association with the Centre for Australian Space Education, Adelaide Section of the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) , Astronomical Society of SA Inc, Engineers Australia, and NOVA Systems.

ASCSA- World Youth at the Science Exchange, come support some young scientists!

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15 September 2010
1:00 pmto4:00 pm

World Youth at the Science Exchange – come support some young scientists!

As part of our Winter program at RiAus, we’re hosting ‘World Youth @ The Science Exchange’: an exhibition of student science projects as part of the International Students Science Fair taking place in Adelaide from 13-17 September. 120 students from 14 countries will be attending, showcasing their project work.

The students exhibit their poster presentations of their research projects on Wednesday 15 September 1pm-4pm at the Science Exchange, Adelaide. I wanted to ask ASC members here in SA if you have a bit of time spare that afternoon, it would be great if you could drop by to support the students. I would love it if any of you are able to visit and chat with the students about their projects, and why communication of science is so important (both to other scientists, and wider). It’s a chance to support some really enthusiastic and bright kids.

I’ve got a few slots:

* 1-1.45pm

* 1.45pm-2.30pm

* 2.30pm-3.15pm

Drop me an email at lbailey@riaus.org.au if you think you’ll be able to make it. No formal judging of projects or anything like that, just supporting their exhibition.

Best wishes

Lisa

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

ASCSA Event 20 Sept. There’s more to the zoo than Pandas…

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20 September 2010
6:00 pmto8:00 pm

Australian Science Communicators SA (ASCSA) Event

There’s more to the Zoo than Pandas: the Zoo’s role in Conservation

Date: Monday, 20th September, 2010 Time: 6pm – 8pm Venue: Adelaide Zoo – meet at the Frome Rd gate at 5:40pm Cost: ASCSA members: free Non members: $10 Non member students: $5 Bookings: http://ascsadelaidezoo.eventbrite.com/

The Royal Zoological Society of South Australia (RZSSA) considers the delivery of its science and conservation objectives to be an organisational priority. The RZSSA is involved in a variety of conservation activities, including direct co-ordination and management of threatened species programs to field support and captive breeding for release to the wild, as well as conservation education programs.

To encompass its increasing range of conservation activities, the RZSSA has developed Conservation Ark, its integrated science and conservation arm. The activities of Conservation Ark are aimed at securing populations of animals, in natural ecosystems and habitats. In order to do this we need a strong scientific basis for understanding species interactions and to find the best way to rehabilitate landscapes into resilient functioning ecosystems. To this end, Conservation Ark is designed to integrate science, education, sustainable practices and conservation programs in order to achieve on-ground conservation.

Conservation Ark brings together the extensive expertise of RZSSA scientists in ecology, zoology, psychology and veterinary science, with many partners in universities, government departments, private, industry and conservation agencies. A night visit to the Zoo is always a fascinating experience; more so when you get to hear all about the Zoo’s work with Conservation Ark! We’ll hear Dr Wendy Foster (the Zoo’s Conservation Programs Manager) talk on Conservation Ark’s research and field activities, then Michael Shanahan (Interpretation Manager) will speak on connecting people with conservation. The evening will finish with a tour of the Zoo’s Envirodome.

If you are not familiar with the zoo, click on the following link. http://www.zoossa.com.au/adelaide-zoo/zoo-information/zoo-map Parking may be available on Plane Tree Drive in Botanic Park at that time of day.

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

reminder- job opportunity Project Officer at RiAus

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Just a reminder that RiAus currently has a vacancy for a Programs Coordinator position. Please circulate to any relevant networks….

The RiAus is seeking to appoint a Programs Coordinator. The successful candidate will work on a broad range of innovative science-communication activities aimed for everyone from schoolchildren to the broad general public. As a member of a small but vibrant team, he or she will help to ensure the successful development and delivery of innovative RiAus events and activities.

Full details and job specification at http://www.riaus.org.au/science/about/job_opportunities.jsp

Applications close September 17, 2010.

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

RiAus Job opportunity – Program co-ordinator in Adelaide

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Programs Coordinator

The Royal Institution of Australia (RiAus) – rapidly establishing itself as a dynamic, contemporary and accessible national home for science; a place for people to listen, talk, blog, download and think about science in all its shapes and forms – currently has a vacancy for a Programs Coordinator. Passionate about engaging the public with science and technology, you will work on the development and delivery on a broad range of innovative science-communication activities for a variety of audiences. Educated to degree level in a science-related subject and with relevant postgraduate qualifications and/or experience, your knowledge of and passion for science will make you an invaluable member of our small but vibrant Programs team. A detailed job description is available at http://www.riaus.org.au/science/about/job_opportunities.jsp

APPLICATION PROCESS

Please apply by Friday 17 September (electronically or via hard copy) with a CV and covering letter to: Amanda Tyndall Head of Programs RiAus PO Box 3652 Rundle Mall Adelaide, SA 5000

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

ASCSA media training workshop 6 Sept- Adelaide

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6 September 2010
6:00 pmto9:00 pm

Australian Science Communicators SA Event ASCSA media training workshop With Rob Morrison Date: Monday 6 September Time: 6pm-9pm Venue: RiAus Main Auditorium The Science Exchange Exchange Place Adelaide Bookings: at http://robmorrisonmediworkshop.eventbrite.com. Cost: Free to ASCSA members, non-members $40, Students $25. Payment at the door please. Workshop limited to 40 people.

What may be very important in science may still not be considered newsworthy by the media. The media have their own priorities, and it can be difficult to get media coverage for stories about scientific issues that are important but complex, or threatening, or lacking in visual possibilities, or are not in tune with journalistic misconceptions. A science story is often just not eye-catching enough to make past an editor amongst a mountain of “more” newsworthy stories. So a different approach is needed. This workshop will introduce critical issues in the preparation of a science research story for the media, whether it be a media release or a radio or TV interview. You will get to write, practice and discuss how this can be done, with Rob Morrison, one of the most experienced science communicators in Australia. He has 40 years of experience under his belt as a TV and radio broadcaster, 34 science and natural history books, with 13 more co-authored, and dozens of articles He has also won many national and international awards, including two Eureka Prizes, one being the Australian Government Eureka Prize for the Promotion of Science, the Michael Daley Award for Science Journalism, and the inaugural SA South Australian Government award for Excellence in Science Communication. In 2004, he was awarded the Order of Australia for Science Communication and Conservation. Who better to cover such ground? Please email Richard.musgrove@sa.gov.au if you need further information. You will be sent the workshop agenda on registration. _______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

Science and Society Project Officer (Adelaide)

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Job opportunity: Science in Society Project Officer The Royal Institution of Australia (RiAus) is rapidly establishing itself as a dynamic, contemporary and accessible national home for science – a place for people to listen, talk, blog, download and think about science in all its shapes and forms.

In a joint venture with the Federal Government (DIISR Science Connections Program [SCOPE]), and supported by the SA Government’s Department of Further Education, Employment, Science and Technology (DFEEST), the RiAus is currently recruiting a Science in Society Project Officer.

Working closely with DFEEST and the South Australian National Science Week (SWk SA) Coordinating Committee, the Officer will engage with organisations throughout SA and interstate to support the key principles and recommendations of the Federal Government’s Inspiring Australia (IA) national strategy for engagement with the sciences. They will help develop a year-round program of science communication activities, including increasing awareness of and participation in SWk SA activities, and will develop links with and support the South Australian Government’s forthcoming STEM Strategy.

Educated to degree level in a science-related subject, and with relevant postgraduate qualifications and/or experience, you are passionate about engaging the public with science and technology. Adaptable and flexible, you are highly organised and able to work independently and as part of a team in a genuinely collaborative environment. For a detailed job description and details on how to apply, please go to: http://www.riaus.org.au/science/about/job_opportunities.jsp

Lisa Bailey Ph: (08) 7120 8605 | mobile: 0427 490088| Fax: (08) 8221 6563 | lbailey@riaus.org.au | www.riaus.org.au

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

ASCSA event podcasts

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We’ve been trying to collect podcasts of all the ASC events we’ve been having here in SA- if anyone would like to check them out they’re all up on the RiAus website at

http://www.riaus.org.au/science/whats_on/past_events/audio_recordings.jsp

Cheers

Lisa

anthropologist/zoologist?

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Saw this on psci-com list which might be of interest to people: A TV Production Company is looking for anthropologists/zoologists in Australia. If you are one – or know one – email me details and I’ll forward them on.

Best wishes,

Claire Claire Richmond Founder: www.findaTVexpert.com – On the hunt for talent claire@findatvexpert.com / 020 8742 2541 My Profile: http://www.findatvexpert.com/profile/Expert-8690.htm findaTVexpert Blog: http://findatvexpert.blogspot.com findaTVexpert Twitter: http://twitter.com/findaTVexpert

www.findatvexpert.com Registered Offiice: FINDATVEXPERT LIMITED, 25 Chiswick Quay, London W4 3UR. Incorporated on 23 January 2008 at Companies House, Cardiff. Company Registration No: 06481444.

_______________________________________________ ASC-list mailing list list@asc.asn.au http://www.asc.asn.au/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=97&Itemid=115

Science blogging – tips and tricks from some Adelaide science bloggers

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Tonight (Monday 18 Jan) we’re hosting an ASC event at the Science Exchange, Adelaide on science blogging (http://ascscienceblogging.eventbrite.com/).

I asked some of our guest bloggers for some tips and tricks of the trade, and I’d like to make it available to all the ASC members. Big thanks to Sarah (http://www.aschoonerofscience.com/) for putting this together…..

Blog it
If tonight has given you an inkling to try out this blogging business yourself, here’s some tips from our panellists to get you started….

How to set up a free blog
You can do it with blogger.com or wordpress.com. They are very easy to use, and you can set your account up in minutes. You’ll get your own website address such as you.blogspot.com or you.wordpress.com. If you go with WordPress, you can switch to a custom address later if you like (at a cost.)

Adelaide-based science blogs
A Schooner of Science http://aschoonerofscience.com
Astroblog http://astroblogger.blogspot.com/
Brave New Climate http://bravenewclimate.com/
Bridge8 http://bridge8.wordpress.com/
Conservation Bytes http://conservationbytes.com/
Disease of the week http://diseaseoftheweek.wordpress.com/

Suggested reading
The who’s who of science blogging
Carl Zimmer at The Loom http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/loom/
Ed Yong at Not Exactly Rocket Science http://scienceblogs.com/notrocketscience/
Ben Goldacre at Bad Science http://badscience.net
Neurotopia http://scienceblogs.com/neurotopia/

Other great writers
Deep Sea News (biology) http://deepseanews.com/
ERV (biochemistry) http://scienceblogs.com/erv/
Lab Rat (bacteria) http://madlabrat.blogspot.com/
Science Geek Girl (Sci Comm) http://blog.sciencegeekgirl.com
Carbon-Based Curiosities (Chem) http://coronene.com/blog
Not So Humble Pie (Science Cookies) http://notsohumblepie.blogspot.com
PZ Myers’ Pharyngula (Dev Biol) http://scienceblogs.com/pharyngula/
BadAstronomy (Astronomy Scepticism) http://blogs.discovermagazine.com/badastronomy
Respectful Insolence (Medicine) http://scienceblogs.com/insolence/
Australia’s Deltoid is a good complement to Barry Brooks blog http://scienceblogs.com/deltoid/

The ScienceOnline 2010 blog, with lots of good science blogging tips will help with lots of issues on Science Blogging. http://scienceblogs.com/scienceonline/

How to attract readers
• Comment on other blogs (and put your website in your profile.)
• Add blogs to your blogroll and ask to be added on theirs.
• Put your blog on lists such as blogcatalog.com, delicious.com and stumbleupon.com.
• Start a Twitter account and set it to automatically tweet your blog posts (install the Tweetable plugin on WordPress.)
• Post links to your Facebook, MySpace, Bebo and LinkedIn, if you have them.
• Write catchy titles, use eye-catching pictures and write in small paragraphs. Internet users have a VERY short attention span – grab their attention quickly.
• Increase your Google hits by writing longer titles, and using tags and categories. Google does not search your whole post for key words, just those three places and any images.
• Label images correctly so they appear in a Google Images search – this will boost your hit rate, and improve your rating in Google searches.
• Use Google Analytics for blogger or the WordPress stats to check where you’re readers are coming from. Learn what works and what doesn’t.
• Use surveys, polls, quizzes and video to get people involved.
• Install widgets to send your posts automatically to aggregator sites.
• Lastly, don’t be overzealous! People will find your blog eventually and you will build up a solid readership over time. Excessively marketing your blog at every opportunity will often do more harm than good.

Managing comments
• Install a spam filter such as Akismet on WordPress, or enable word verification on Blogger.
• Check comments regularly and delete any spam.
• Respond to people who write negative comments, but don’t be rude.
• Don’t delete comments just because you don’t like them, it makes you seem untrustworthy.
• Reply to comments that ask questions, be helpful whenever you can.
• Blogger also has a “require confirmation on posts over two weeks old” feature, which catches a lot of spam. WordPress has a “hold comments for moderation” feature which also works well.

More Questions?

E-mail Captain Skellett at aschoonerofscience@hotmail.com