Event review: Served with a sprinkling of science

Organisations involved in food production, processing, distribution and policy face considerable challenges and opportunities as a result of a range of forces, including globalisation of food systems, growing consumer expectations, economic growth and demographic shifts (particularly in developing countries) environmental issues including climate change, and the growth of chronic diet and nutrition-related diseases.
In response, an […]

SCREN update 2014

Thank you to Sean Perera for the SCREN update.
The Science Communication Research and Education Network (SCREN) is a special interest group recognized by Australian Science Communicators (ASC) and hosted under the auspices of the Director of the Centre for the Public Awareness at The Australian National University.
Currently, SCREN membership includes up to fifty science […]

Opening doors

Thank you to Sean Perera for the Inspiring Australia update.
The Opening Doors project, as it name suggests, gives otherwise unengaged and marginalised communities access to science and technology (S&T) in Australia. In particular, Opening Doors promotes awareness about S&T studies and careers among young (15–25 yo) humanitarian immigrants currently resettled regionally in Australia.
Mainstream scientific engagement […]

Keen to study SciComm at uni?

Thank you to Claire Harris for the update.
Have you been wondering where you could study science communication at university? Maybe some soon-to-be school leavers are interested in exploring the mix of science and people that sci comm offers?
A number of universities in Australia offer subjects and qualifications focused on science communication. These universities include:

Australian National […]

Inspiring Australia update – Evaluation

Thank you to Nancy Longnecker for the update.
As many ASC members know, the government’s Inspiring Australia program provided funding aimed at building the evidence base that underpin science communication efforts. In a national audit conducted by Metcalfe, Alford and Shore (2012), some providers reported using feedback forms and surveys but relatively few used systematic methods […]

How do Australians engage with science?

Thank you to Dr. Suzette Searle for preparing this survey summary.
Does it surprise you that friends and family, and CSIRO were equally the most trusted sources of accurate scientific information volunteered by respondents (12%) in a recent Australian survey? What about the 21% who didn’t know who to trust, or the 9% who trusted no-one? […]

Keeping your eye on the journals prize

Thank you to Claire Harris and Joan Leach for preparing this piece.
Do you wish you could keep up with science communication research and papers published globally?
At ASC we hear that many people are busy and finding it hard to know where to look to keep up with what’s happening. So below, we have a few […]

Journos get confident with data with new online training

Australians need journalists with the ability to report on scientific issues. Continue reading

The Curiosity Show hits the internet

Thank you to Curiosity Show host Prof. Rob Morrison for taking the time to answer our questions about the launch of the show online.
Many Australian’s hold fond memories of mornings on the couch, watching The Curiosity Show… and after a 23 year hiatus, they have returned to thrill a new generation of eager Australians!
The Curiosity […]

The rise of the MOOC

Thanks to Brigid Mullane for her review of MOOCs.
MOOCs or Massive Open Online Courses, are free courses from major universities around the world, available on the internet through platforms such as Coursera, Udacity and edX.
The first one I heard about was Coursera, and after reviewing its numerous offerings, I started in January this year with […]