Announcing the ASC Unsung Hero of Australian Science Communication 2016

Last night at the ASC2017 Conference, Australian Science Communicators announced the Unsung Hero of Australian Science Communication award winner for 2016.

As well as the overall winner, the panel wished to recognise one highly commended finalist in this year’s award.

ASC thanks the judging panel including 2015 Unsung Hero winner Kylie Walker, and Bianca Nogrady for their time in considering all of the very worthy 2016 nominees.

The winner of the Unsung Hero of Australian Science Communication for 2016 is Geoff Crane.

(Photo courtesy of Kate Driver @kmadriver)

GEOFF CRANE is celebrated as the 2016 Unsung Hero of Australian Science Communication for his significant and sustained contributions to science communication.
Geoff is a science communication powerhouse. For many years he has passionately worked behind the scenes to engage Australia in science, including with National Science Week, Questacon and Inspiring Australia.
His recent achievements include over five years of phenomenal work as ‘Mr Science Week’, connecting with millions of people through events, online initiatives and social media. He is instrumental in leveraging both official funding and the considerable goodwill of volunteers and committees around the country. He helps people seeking to be involved with National Science Week to feel engaged, inspired and excited. His work extends far beyond the Week itself – Geoff works tirelessly year-round to promote and support science engagement events across the nation.
Through his active leadership, Geoff has helped transform National Science Week from a loose collective of volunteers into Australia’s biggest festival. He has brought professionalism to the event, giving it a public image and impact that extends exponentially beyond the direct funding it receives. He is as supportive of a small regional science events as he is of capital city extravaganzas.
Geoff promotes excellence in science communication and networks extensively to connect science communicators working in many different disciplines and physical locations. He is generous in sharing his time, knowledge, networks and energy and is well-known and highly respected in the science communication community.
Despite 25 extraordinary years of work in science communication, Geoff would never seek the spotlight. The judging panel described Geoff as an ‘unassuming mastermind’, whose important contributions to the field of science communication and engagement include boosting the confidence and prominence of other science communicators and building the success of countless initiatives across the country.
It is for these reasons that the panel considers Geoff to be the Unsung Hero of Australian Science Communication in 2016.

The Highly Commended finalist in the Unsung Hero of Australian Science Communication for 2016 is Kylie Andrews.

KYLIE ANDREWS is honoured as a Highly Commended Finalist in the 2016 Unsung Hero of Australian Science Communication for her significant contributions to science communication and citizen science.
Kylie is the hidden, unstoppable driving force behind the major citizen science projects that have enthused the Australian public during National Science Week, every year since 2009, with great success. She is also an experienced science journalist with many years of writing for ABC Science online.
Kylie’s extensive work with ABC Science has included a focus on citizen science projects, which in recent years have also been supported by Inspiring Australia and National Science Week. She has worked tirelessly to create a diverse array of citizen science projects, delivering leading initiatives that engage a wide audience while employing scientific rigour and facilitating genuine scientific progress. As the sole driver of these projects, she has become a leader in citizen science – an expert in every aspect, from concept, to design, to implementation and effectiveness, to marketing and audience engagement.
Kylie has been instrumental in combining ABC’s ground-breaking role in adopting online technologies with citizen science, to create programs with a huge scope, great appeal and connection with diverse audiences. Her work is unique in Australia.
Kylie is also the creator behind the National Science Week website, which has established a significant and far-reaching presence for this major annual science communication festival, engaging audiences, promoting and connecting the many activities being delivered across the country, and the people who hold them.
She is the quintessential ‘behind the scenes’ magician, achieving a huge reach with imaginative approaches. Her work not only inspires millions of people to meaningfully contribute to science but also genuinely contributes to scientific research – Kylie applies a rigorous eye and works with scientists on real problems that are being solved in real time.
It is for these reasons that the panel wishes to recognise Kylie as a Highly Commended finalist in the Unsung Hero of Australian Science Communication in 2016.

Reminder – ASC AGM and call for proxies

Reminder – the ASC AGM is coming up in Adelaide on 22 February 2017.

The 2016-17 AGM is an opportunity for members to hear about the year’s events at the national level, and also to have their say about what should happen in the year to come. It also includes reports from the President and Treasurer.

When: Wednesday 22 February 2017, 6.00pm ACDT
Where: Upstairs at the Historian Hotel, 18 Coromandel Place, Adelaide (http://www.historianhotel.com.au/)
RSVP: secretary@asc.asn.au
Only financial ASC members are eligible to attend the AGM.

Members unable to attend the AGM in person are able to give proxies to other members attending the meeting, or alternatively, send them to Sarah Lau, National Secretary.

Presidential nomination

We have received one nomination for President – Dr Craig Cormick.

Dr Craig Cormick has worked as a science communicator for several major organisations, including the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, CSIRO and Questacon. He is widely published on drivers of public attitudes towards new technologies. He has twice appeared in Best Australian Science Writing and edited the award-winning book Ned Kelly Under the Microscope (CSIRO Publications). In 2014 he was awarded the ASC’s Unsung Hero of Science Award.

Proxies

Members unable to attend the AGM in person are able to give proxies to other members attending the meeting. This means that unless members are at the physical meeting in Adelaide, you will need to designate a proxy to vote.

To designate your proxy:

  • Download and complete the proxy form, and ensure a copy of this form is with your proxy to take to the AGM (Word and PDF)
    • Notify the National Secretary, Sarah Lau (secretary@asc.asn.au) – this must be done or the proxy and vote is not considered valid
    • Ensure that the proxy form is completed prior to 4.00pm ACST on Wednesday 22 February 2017

Please note that votes will remain confidential at all times. All proxy forms will be collected and destroyed at the conclusion of the AGM.

The following items are current as of 15 February 2017:

 

Notice of the ASC Annual General Meeting, Adelaide, 22 February 2017

This is the official notice of the Australian Science Communicators’ Annual General Meeting, to be held in Adelaide, South Australia on 22 February 2017.

The AGM is an opportunity for members to hear about the year’s events at the national level, and also to have their say about what should happen in the year to come. It also includes reports from the President and Treasurer.

When: Wednesday 22 February 2017, 6.00pm ACDT
Where: The Historian Hotel, 18 Coromandel Place, Adelaide CBD
RSVP: secretary@asc.asn.au
Only financial ASC members are eligible to attend the AGM.

Members also have the chance to elect a new National President. Proposed agenda items, notices of motion and presidential nominations must be received by Wednesday 15 February 2017 and can be sent to Sarah Lau, National Secretary (secretary@asc.asn.au).

Note that notices of motion require a proposer and a seconder, and nominations for President need to be agreed by the nominee.

Members unable to attend the AGM in person are able to give proxies to other members attending the meeting, or alternatively, send them to Sarah Lau, National Secretary. Instructions for nominating proxies and voting instructions will be circulated prior to the AGM along with the final notification of official business.

The following items are current as of 6 February 2017:

 

Unsung Hero of Australian Science Communication 2016

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

ASC Constitution, 2015 Special General Meeting and 2015 AGM

The ASC Constitution was reviewed and adopted at a Special General Meeting in Canberra on 18 November 2015.
The Constitution is available here.
The minutes from the Special General Meeting are available here.

The ASC Annual General Meeting was held on 19 November 2015.
The minutes from the Annual General meeting are available here.

For queries and corrections, please contact secretary@asc.asn.au.

Congratulations ASC Unsung Hero 2015 – Kylie Walker #ASC2016

Yesterday, Professor Joan Leach, President of Australian Science Communicators (ASC), awarded the 2015 Unsung Hero of Australian Science Communication.

ASC created the Unsung Hero award to honour a person or group who exemplifies science communication and who has not yet received significant recognition for their contributions.

Kylie Walker was recognised as the 2015 winner for her significant contributions to science communication and outreach.

As the Director of Communications and Outreach at the Australian Academy of Science, Kylie’s commitment and mentoring has been instrumental in changing the culture of one of Australia’s leading science organisations. Her work has helped many Australian scientists value public engagement and a media-savvy approach.

Kylie works to showcase excellence in Australian science and creates opportunities to highlight local achievements, including ensuring the media can access some of Australia’s best and brightest scientists. Of particular note is Kylie’s work in building national partnerships with other leading science and science communication organisations, helping enhance the effectiveness and scope of Academy programs.

Outside of her formal role with the Academy, Kylie has chaired the National Science Week Coordinating Committee in the ACT (tripling attendance rates between 2011 and 2013), and works with the Australian National University Centre for the Public Awareness of Science to present to and mentor science communication students.

Much of Kylie’s influence is behind the scenes. She empowers scientists to present their work in interesting and engaging ways, by developing presentation materials for high profile events, training scientists for media liaison and government advocacy and mentoring those new to science communication.

Kylie’s innovative thinking has been instrumental in expanding the reach and impact of the Academy’s science, taking the Academy to new and unusual settings, including social media, livestreaming and national television through National Press Club addresses and the ABC’s Q&A program.

Kylie works to actively address issues facing the science and science communication communities, such as gender equality, by creating events and communication channels that increase the focus on female scientists.

Kylie demonstrates an outstanding commitment to introducing scientists to the benefits of science communication. She works tirelessly, without personal or formal recognition, to support emerging science communication talent. Through her leadership and creative approach, she promotes excellence and innovation in science communication.

Unsung Hero of Australian Science Communication 2015

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 Brisbane on 11 March 2016.

Nominations close at 5pm on Monday 22 February 2016.

ASC Unsung Hero Award 2015 Nomination Form – Entry PDF
ASC Unsung Hero Award 2015 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 exemplify science communication.

Nominations are now open for the 2015 Unsung Hero Award of Australian Science Communication.

Previous recipients are Frankie Lee (2014), Craig Cormick (2013) and Guy Nolch (2012). 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.

Notes:

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 2015 Nomination Form – Entry PDF
ASC Unsung Hero Award 2015 Nomination Form – Entry WORD

Nominations close at 5pm on Monday 22 February 2016.

 

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 2015 Nomination Form – Entry PDF
ASC Unsung Hero Award 2015 Nomination Form – Entry WORD

Reminder – ASC AGM and Special General Meeting – call for proxies

Reminder – the ASC AGM is coming up (Canberra, 19 November 2015) and a Special General Meeting (Canberra, 18 November 2015).

 

Please see below for event details. If you can’t make it in person, please nominate a proxy:

  • Download and complete the proxy form, and ensure a copy of this form is with your proxy to take to the AGM – a consolidated proxy form covering the Constitution Special General Meeting on 18 November 2015 and the AGM can be found here (Word and PDF)
    • Check one box only for the adoption of the revised Constitution
    • If you do not provide voting instructions in these sections, you authorise the proxy holder to decide how the proxy will vote
    • Notify the National Secretary, Sarah Lau (secretary@asc.asn.au) – this must be done or the proxy and vote is not considered valid
    • Ensure that the proxy form is completed prior to 12.00pm ADST on Thursday 19 November 2015

Please note that votes will remain confidential at all times. All voting instructions and proxy forms will be collected and destroyed at the conclusion of the AGM.

 

Presidential nomination

We have received one nomination for President – Professor Joan Leach. Joan was nominated by Bianca Nogrady and the nomination was seconded by Pete Wheeler. Joan was ASC President in 2015 and will join the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science as their next Director in 2016. Read more about Joan here.

 

Special General Meeting: To discuss and vote upon an updated ASC Constitution to bring us into line with current association rules.

When: Wednesday 18 November 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Who: Current ASC members
Where: Teatro Vivaldi Restaurant, ANU Arts Centre, University Avenue, Canberra ACT 0200 http://vivaldirestaurant.com.au/
RSVP: secretary@asc.asn.au Cost: Free (attendees can order lunch individually if desired)

 

AGM: The AGM is an opportunity for members to hear about the year’s events at the national level, and also to have their say about what should happen in the year to come. It also includes reports from the President and Treasurer.

When: Thursday 19 November 2015, 2.00pm
Where: Green Couch Room, Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Physics Link Building 38a, ANU (Ground Floor)
RSVP: secretary@asc.asn.au
Cost: free for ASC members (only currently financial ASC members are eligible to attend the AGM)

 

The following items are current as of 6 November 2015:

 

 

 

Notice of Annual General Meeting – Thursday 19 November 2015

This is the official notice of the Australian Science Communicators’ Annual General Meeting, to be held in Canberra, ACT on 19 November 2015.

The AGM is an opportunity for members to hear about the year’s events at the national level, and also to have their say about what should happen in the year to come. It also includes reports from the President and Treasurer.

When: Thursday 19 November 2015, 2.00pm
Where: Green Couch Room, Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, Physics Link Building 38a, ANU (Ground Floor)
RSVP: secretary@asc.asn.au
Cost: free for ASC members (only financial ASC members are eligible to attend the AGM)

Members also have the chance to elect a new National President. Proposed agenda items, notices of motion and presidential nominations must be received by Friday 6 November 2015 and can be sent to Sarah Lau, National Secretary (secretary@asc.asn.au).

Note that notices of motion require a proposer and a seconder, and nominations for President need to be agreed by the nominee.

Members unable to attend the AGM in person are able to give proxies to other members attending the meeting, or alternatively, send them to Sarah Lau, National Secretary. Instructions for nominating proxies and voting instructions will be circulated prior to the AGM along with the final notification of official business.

The following items are current as of 26 October 2015:

Agenda

  1. Confirmation of members attending, apologies
  2. Notification of proxies
  3. Minutes of 2014 AGM
  4. President’s report
  5. Treasurer’s report
    1. presentation of statement of accounts
    2. determination of annual membership fee
    3. determination of capitation to be returned to branches
    4. determination of honoraria
    5. appointment of auditor
    6. appointment of public officer
    7. preview of 2016 budget
  6. Election of 2016 ASC President
  7. Revised Constitution
  8. Branch matters and annual reporting
  9. ASC conferences and meetings plan – update
  10. Any other business

Notice of Special General Meeting – 18 November 2015

ASC Constitution – Special General Meeting

The ASC Executive is calling a Special General Meeting to discuss, and vote on, an updated ASC Constitution.

When: Wednesday 18 November 1.00pm – 3.00pm
Who: Current ASC members
Where: Teatro Vivaldi Restaurant, ANU Arts Centre, University Avenue, Canberra ACT 0200 http://vivaldirestaurant.com.au/
RSVP: secretary@asc.asn.au
Cost: Free (attendees can order lunch individually if desired)
Proxies: If you cannot attend in person but still wish to vote, you can nominate a proxy via someone who is attending in person. Complete the Word version form (Appointment of Proxy 2015 Special General Meeting) or PDF version form (Appointment of Proxy 2015 Special General Meeting) and notify secretary@asc.asn.au to make your proxy official.

Background

ASC is an incorporated association, registered with the ACT’s Registrar-General. One advantage is that ASC has the status of a legal entity and can sign contracts and operate bank accounts. Another advantage is to protect ASC Members because the organisation has written rules and must file annual returns (including audited accounts). Incorporation also protects ASC Executive members from legal action.

Associations wishing to incorporate must have rules (a constitution) which explain how they will operate. These rules out who can be a member, what the subscription is, how the executive is elected, what the financial year is, and so on. To help associations write a constitution, the Registrar-General provides a set of model rules, and there are other useful documents to guide us including the Associations Practice Manual and the Associations Incorporation Act 1991.

The ASC Constitution did conform to the Registrar-General’s requirements when it was originally written in 1994, but since then has been amended a number of times and some compulsory areas have been left out. The current ASC Constitution no longer conforms with the Incorporations Act.

The revised Constitution presented today has been checked by the Office of the Registrar-General and does conform with their requirements.

Importantly, the new document does not change anything about the way ASC will run, although the wording and organisation are different.

Proposed changes – some examples

One change is to move some rules and practices out of the Constitution and into the By-Laws. This supplementary document explains and enlarges upon rules formally set out in the Constitution. The big advantage of having By-Laws is that they are easy to change at a general meeting, and do not require a special general meeting with 21 days notice.

An example of this is in the subscription fee. The new draft Constitution says: “The annual membership fee of the association is $2 or, if any other amount has been determined by resolution of the committee, that other amount.”

Proposed By-Law number 3 expands on this: “The Membership fee will vary with the change in the annual inflation rate. The fee will be confirmed at the Annual General Meeting each year, and come into effect immediately.”

The advantage of this is that the AGM can set the annual subscription without having to amend the Constitution.

 

Attachments

Current ASC Constitution: Constitution amended 2006, 07, 08, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 amended 5 Dec 2014
Revised ASC Constitution: ASC Constitution Revised 26 Oct 2015
Word proxy form: Appointment of Proxy 2015 Special General Meeting
PDF proxy form: Appointment of Proxy 2015 Special General Meeting