Tag Archives: conference

Announcing members of ASC 2012 National Conference Planning Committee

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I am pleased to announce the names of the twelve members who will comprise the ASC 2012 national conference planning committee.

Below is the list of committee members with the briefest of mentions about each person. The comment ‘New member’ basically means an early career person with energy to offer and a willingness to gain experience.

We will soon appoint a member to serve as the conference chair for the entire committee. The position will require someone with experience and a bit of time. I will recommend to the National Council to co-opt the conference chair to the ASC Executive and National Council to ensure regular updates on the progress of the committee.

The committee is responsible for or will advise the Executive in the appointment of a Professional Conference Organiser; selecting the date, city and venue for the next conference; develop the program; and look after other conference related tasks.

Committee meetings will be held by Skype teleconference as much as possible.

The first group Skype teleconference will be in January.

ASC members will be kept informed of significant progress. I hope we all will contribute ideas and support for the conference development process ahead.

Names grouped by state or territory

Name Branch Special mentions
Lisa Bailey SA RiAus – Senior Programs Co-ordinator
Amanda Tyndall SA RiAus – Head of Programs
Ann Pocock SA New member
Toss Gascoigne ACT ASC Past president, President PCST Network
Rod Lamberts ACT Organised research presentations for 2010 conference
Laurence Goux NSW Uni researcher
Stuart Lewis NSW Experienced with fundraising, logistics, outreach programs
Anneliese Gillard VIC New member
Ian Muchamore VIC Very experienced in event management
Paula Taylor VIC Newly rejoined member
Nancy Longnecker WA Coordinator, Sci-comm faculty UWA
Phillip Arena WA Active with WA ASC activities

Jesse Shore
National President

Communication – it’s a Science too? SciComm Officers Forum 2010

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Outside of events organised by and for ASC members, it seems that professional development opportunities specifically targeted at active science communicators are an emerging area. I was lucky enough attend the National Science Communication Officer’s Forum in Melbourne last month, as the recipient of an ASC-supported free pass.

The focus of this two-day forum presented by Liquid Learning was to provide attendees with the opportunity to share tools and approaches for the development of communication strategies within the workplace and greater community. The majority of invited speakers held senior communications roles, predominantly in public institutions, and the focus of the talks was on themed case studies. The lengthy presentation format (45 mins for talks, 15 mins for questions) leant itself towards meatier detail. The forum also provided an excellent opportunity for scicomm officers to network on a national level, where the majority of attendees appear to face similar problems in their roles and workplaces. Networking was a strong focus of the conference setup, with a generous amount of time provided.

It was interesting to note that several talks, as well as the roundtable discussion on the final day, brought up issues that the majority of science communicators are grappling with on a day to day basis – noting that there is little data on the effectiveness of scientific communication and that the need for meaningful evaluation of scicomm outcomes is a driver for the discipline as we understand it.

This forum provided an excellent opportunity for attendees to engage with peers as well as to hear a little about the practice of science communication research and the implications it may hold for the field in the future. It would be interesting to see if future Forums alter their format slightly and focus more strongly on specific examples of the effectiveness or otherwise of new campaigns or novel strategies outside of the currently understood mainstream comms approaches. I would strongly recommend this Forum to early career science communicators working in public institutions, although others may also find it valuable.

More info about this conference can be found at:
http://www.liquidlearning.com.au/documents/SCO1110/SCO1110_I.pdf
or I’d be happy to field any questions (as a random attendee!) – gillaan [at] gmail dot com

ASC National Conference 2011 – Call for Expressions of Interest

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The ASC National Conference in February of this year set us off in a good direction for 2010. It had excellent sessions about many aspects of the science communication profession, featured the rich field of research into science communication, was well attended, had a fun vibe and was the launching platform of ‘Inspiring Australia, A national strategy for engagement with the sciences’.

Planning and delivering the excellent program for the conference took a lot out of our key people. To allow time to recoup and regroup, and to try something different, we are planning a series of day long professional development workshops in several capital cities for 2011 rather than a multi-day conference in one location.

To give adequate time to plan our next major gathering for a date in 2012 I’m inviting ASC members to submit an expression of interest to join the committee to plan and deliver our next national conference.

I’m also inviting expressions of interest from potential sponsors of the conference and associated events. It’s never too early to seek possible funding.

The planning committee will consult with ASC Executive to:

determine the date and venue for the conference (we’ll avoid conflict with the PCST2012 conference, 18-20 April in Florence)

consider seeking a university as a venue (timing would be in semester break or common week of university holidays)

consider bodies or societies with similar interests which might be interested in presenting or attending

develop sessions and themes suitable for the various interests of science communicators such as editing, script writing, illustrating, evaluation

develop thematic content which makes connections with the Inspiring Australia Report and its associated recommendations

suggest and arrange speakers for sessions and further details of the conference.

Tim Thwaites, the convenor for the 2010 National Conference, offers to act as a consultant to the committee. Tim is preparing a report with tips on the process and decision making involved in developing the conference.

The membership of the committee will be announced before the next AGM in December 2010.

The conference committee has the challenging role to chart the next part of the course for ASC. If you have event management skills, foresight, energy and have a sense of fun helping to plan the next national conference may be the next right step for you.

Please send me your expressions of interest by 15 October 2010.

Jesse Shore
National President

From the President, April 2010: Survey winners, making friends and IY

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I am happy to announce that Tesse Hoekstra and Annie Harris were selected from the respondents to the ASC post-conference survey as the winners of copies of Julian Cribb’s ‘Open Science’ book. I expect they will find it as a good a read as I did. Julian’s book contains a range of useful and sometimes surprising tips.

The responses to the survey also made a good read. Many of the 70 respondents made constructive suggestions about how to make the conference better as well as mentioning numerous aspects they found as highlights. In general respondents rated the conference highly, finding it informative and useful for networking. We now have to consider when to hold the next conference. Expect to be asked for input.

Since the conference ASC National Council and Executive have been working on numerous matters relating to medium and long-term planning, and considering the implications of the Inspiring Australia report. I have had preliminary discussions with DIISR personnel and will continue the process. I am optimistic that ASC will play a significant role in helping to fulfil the aims of the report. Actions we are taking now include seeking new or closer relationships with professional scientific and educational bodies and government scientific organisations. In general we will act to place us in a beneficial position when government funding eventually becomes available to implement the recommendations of the report.

We are currently considering members’ responses to Rob Morrison’s request for feedback about the Inspiring Australia report. We are still awaiting responses from a member and branch or two but we already have plenty to chew over. Your feedback will help guide our actions.

Next year is the International Year of Chemistry. IYC offers opportunities for chemical-inclined ASC members (think laterally here) and our branches to engage with a wide range of professional chemistry, educational, industry, government and environmental groups. To find out the contact person in your region view http://www.chemistry2011.org/connect/the-iyc-network?show_node=1241. Get in touch with these people now because some groups have started their planning for next year’s events.

Jesse Shore

National President

ASC 2010 Conference – Opening Session

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Over 230 science communications professionals gathered today at the Australian National University in Canberra for an inspiring and lively opening session.

Aunty Ruth Bell welcomed delegates to country with some rousing words on the importance of science and scientists and the correct pronunciation of Canberra.  Professor Ian Chubb reflected on an increase in demand for places on science courses at ANU and the difference between a “deep” and a “profound” understanding of scientific ideas.

Senator the Hon Kim Carr, Minister for Innovation, Industry, Science and Research suggested that “science communication matters because democracy matters” and that citizens only have a meaningful say in the democratic process if they understand the science.  The Senator also cited the new science strategy report which calls for all scientific organisations to promote the ideals of “clear vision, strong leadership and coherent action”.

Incoming ASC National President, Dr Jesse Shore welcomed the report with its “national framework: local action” focus on behalf of the ASC membership, and expressed thanks to all delegates for attending our annual flagship event.

Watch this space for more news – and follow us on Twitter: #asc2010

New speakers announced for the Conference: Seven days left to register

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With a week to go before the Conference, there’s still time to register and join us in Canberra for a packed program of expert plenaries and social events from 7 – 10 February at the ANU.  Tim Thwaites, Kali Madden and team have compiled an exciting array of the very best speakers from around the country.

We have too many speakers to mention but they include: Warwick Anderson, CEO, NHMRC; Margaret Sheil, CEO, ARC; and Mike Whelan, Deputy CE (Operations) CSIRO on the challenges of science communication, Wilson da Silva, COSMOS; Dr Susannah Elliot, CEO, Australian Science Media Centre; and Deborah Smith, Science Editor, Sydney Morning Herald, on the future of science reporting, Laurel Papworth, #4 blogger in Australia; Julie Posetti, University of Canberra; and Casey Whitelaw, Google on social media applications, Dr Craig Cormick and Wendy Williams from DIIRD on public attitudes to science, and some innovative, ‘non-traditional’ approaches to science communication from Dr Joan Leach, Associate Professor Errol Vieth and colleagues.

View the full program, register now or click here to view the current list of delegates.  See you in Canberra!

From The President: December 2009

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In a year of doom and gloom, bushfires, swine flu and climate change, it is great to be able to report some upbeat news of the feats of our ASC colleagues—the resurgence of ASC in South Australia, a major magazine award for a former president, and some excellent public activities organised by local branches.

These vibrant signs of life in ASC are just what we need, leading into a National AGM to be held in Sydney on 16 December, and our National Conference at ANU in Canberra from 7 to 10 February.

Nearly 50 people turned up to an event organised by vice-president Rob Morrison, at the new Science Exchange (re-vamped Stock Exchange) in downtown Adelaide which has become the headquarters of the Royal Institution, Australia (RiAus). Not only did they learn about “The Science of Wind Instruments”, but they began planning an AGM for 14 December and activities for the next couple of years. Many stayed well beyond the proposed ending time playing science board games and making full use of the very fine bar. An appropriate outcome for all Rob’s hard work.

ASC boy makes good! Wilson da Silva’s magazine Cosmos was adjudged Magazine of the Year and won six other awards, including Best Consumer Magazine and Best Publisher, at the annual Bell Awards for Publishing Excellence of the magazine industry association, Publishers Australia. This is the second time in its five-year history the publication has won Magazine of the Year and Best Publisher. It was hailed for  its connection with its readers, and its “product extensions”.

A story by deputy editor John Pickrell has won an earth journalism award linked to the forthcoming UN climate change conference in Copenhagen, and is in the running for a global public award. You can read the story and, if you like it, vote for it before 9 December by clicking here.

The local ASC branches have been active, with events happening in most states over the past month. Two that come to mind are a particularly poignant session staged by the Victorian branch (at a new venue) on keeping the human impact in mind when communicating the science of bushfires, and the Stem Cells in the Pub session which the ACT-ASC organised in association with the Australian Society for Stem Cell Research.

See you at the ASC AGM (16 December) and the ASC Conference 2010 (7 – 10 February).

Tim Thwaites
National President

ASC 2010 National Conference: Themes

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Previous ASC national conferences have mixed sessions presenting science with science communication issues and workshops/seminars on techniques.

The 2010 program is a little different.  This year we will be emphasizing science reporting and include a new academic/research component.  The 2010 conference also hosts the third of our hugely popular Hot Air symposia looking at communicating climate change issues to the public.

ASC President, Tim Thwaites said, “The ASC conference 2010 reflects the ‘coming of age’ of science communication as a serious area of study and employment.”

The sessions over the three days reflect the following themes:

  • The Challenges and Future of Communicating Science;
  • Reporting and Communicating Complex Issues to a Lay Audience; and
  • The Use of Social Media and the Arts in Communicating Science.

This year’s conference will actively include a social media component both in the program and in communicating to the ASC membership in web-based discussions before and after.  Not forgetting a strong program of social events for more informal discussions in Canberra’s finest cafes and restaurants.

For more information, see the ASC Conference 2010 website (event code: 7DNY37XD2S5) or contact the Conference Organiser.

Cool Communicators, Hot Air and the National Science Communication Strategy

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Earlybird registration is now open for the hotly-anticipated 2010 ASC National Conference. Book now as an ASC member for a special $100 discount off the standard rate (offer closes 15 January).  To register, please enter the special event code: 7DNY37XD2S5

Not a member?  Not a problem.  Join today for immediate conference discounts, access to the members-only mailing lists and the opportunity to post news, jobs, tips and comments to the new ASC website (www.asc.asn.au) and all National Conference social media.

Interested in presenting?  The second Call For Papers is open for keen ASCers willing to speak to a topical issue in science communication.  Find out more about submissions here.

At this special Conference you will be able to:

* Immerse yourself in the online forum to accompany conference registration
* Get to grips with contemporary social media challenges first-hand in the new social media strand
* Take a front-row seat at the debate over the National Science Communication Strategy
* Join the third and final Hot Air Symposium on best practice in climate change communication
* Get involved in a network of over 350 Australian science communication professionals and the international science community.

Find out more at the 2010 ASC National Conference website, browse the FAQs, or contact us for more information.  See you in Canberra!

The ASC 2010 National Conference Team
events [at] asc.asn.au

ASC National Conference 2010: Call for papers

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Preamble

The ASC National Conference will enable science communication researchers and practitioners to share experiences and learn from each other. The research track provides opportunities to present work, identify areas that need enquiry, investigate how to improve practice, and strengthen practitioner-researcher collaborations.

To maximise the opportunity for interaction, standard presentations will be minimised and dialogue and networking fostered.

Whether you are academic, practitioner or student, if you are involved with any research or evaluation that has implications for science communication, we encourage you to put forward a paper.

THE DEADLINE FOR ALL RESEARCH-TRACK SUBMISSIONS IS

7 December

Research communication and discussion will be formally facilitated at the conference in four ways.

1) Research papers  – parallel session presentations

Presentations on an aspect of science communication research or evaluation will be given 10 minutes talk-time and followed by panel sessions or roundtable discussions, depending on the number of people attending the session. It is not necessary to submit under a particular conference theme, but where relevant and possible, presentation sessions will be thematically grouped.

SUBMIT

  • An overview of not more than 500 words to:

conference.submissions@asc.asn.au

  • Submissions can be on any science communication research or evaluation

area, but must include:

  • Your name, title and contact information
  • A brief outline explaining why the paper constitutes “science communication” research and/or evaluation. (100 words)
  • An abstract outlining the context or event, research questions, methods, outcomes, etc.  (350 words)
  • One to three questions that the research or evaluation has inspired, or provokes, for discussion after the presentation.  (50 words per question)

2) Research contributions to plenaries, workshops or symposia

  • People submitting papers that are of particular relevance to specific

plenaries, workshops or symposia may be invited to contribute to these fora instead of a research-specific session. It will be up to the session/theme convener to invite and provide details to presenters directly.

  • You can choose to make submissions to contribute to

specific sessions, and they will be forwarded to that  forum’s convener.  Should you wish to submit directly to a specific session, please indicate the name of session to which you would like to contribute clearly at the beginning of  your 500-word overview

  • If your submission to a specific session cannot be included in that session,

it could be accepted for submission in a research track session.  The convener of the session will forward your submission to the research stream committee.

3) Research student sessions

The goal here is to bring together widely distributed research students in science communication and related fields.  Interaction with peers can be a confidence-building reality check and an invaluable avenue for finding ways to clear hurdles that your supervisors have not, or cannot, address.  These sessions will focus on discussion, sharing of experiences, and networking rather than formal presentations.  However, you are welcome to organise extended focus on one individual’s work in one of the conference’s ad hoc sessions (outlined below at 4)

For these sessions, please tell us what you would like to see in these sessions, and what you hope to get out of them. For example:

  • Preferred session format. For example; roundtables, panel-

discussions, problem-solving workshops or informal drinks

  • Preferences for session content. For example; current big issues in

science communication research or methodological matters.

4) Ad Hoc sessions

Flexible meeting spaces and facilitators will be on hand for ad hoc sessions in response to ideas and issues that have been nagging you or issues and questions that arise during the conference.

Some of these sessions may be ‘clinics’, where you bring a problem where you would like input.  For example, would you like an academic to assist in developing an evaluation tool for a community outreach program that you are running?  Or, are you a researcher who needs your theory ‘reality-checked’ by a practitioner?

NOTE – These sessions do not have to be about research

Details about how to take advantage of this opportunity will be provided at the conference.