Tag Archives: National

Commonwealth budget and funding for Inspiring Australia

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I was pleased to see that the Inspiring Australia program was funded to the full amount promised in Labor’s policy announcement before the election. Minister Carr’s media release, http://minister.innovation.gov.au/Carr/MediaReleases/Pages/INSPIRINGAUSTRALIATOLEADTHEWORLDINSCIENCE.aspx, mentions three aspects to the program: National Science Week and other high profile events; science prizes; and a new national hub for science and technology communications.

The first two programs are essentially continuations of the previous Science Connections Program (SCOPE) which now will be branded as part of IA. The science week and events funding was increased slightly from previous years and I hope this will enable additional events throughout the year.

The third aspect, the new national hub, is specific to IA. Some of its funding will enable the state and territory IA project officers to be employed past their original short-term appointments. They will be involved in implementing the national framework-local action concept. It is still sketchy what this will entail but they would make a contribution by communicating with all science event presenters in their region to coordinate delivery of services. We need coordination, greater networking and more partnerships rather than duplication of activities.

I’ll keep you informed of news from my chats with the IA team as the program develops.

Anna Salleh in her ABC Science on-line article, “Australia’s science budget ‘uninspiring’”, quoted some of my comments about the IA funding (see http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2011/05/11/3213833.htm). I reflected later on how I answered her question about why is science communication important. See my thoughts in a separate Scope note.

Jesse Shore

National President

From the President, February 2011: Big year ahead

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I sense a growing awareness of the importance of science communication. The Inspiring Australia report has played a part in this and I note that others are talking up the cause. Chemists involved in organising the International Year of Chemistry 2011 see this as an opportunity to get their messages across to the public. They know that to do so they need to communicate more effectively and will need skills to make it happen.

Since the election the Inspiring Australia has worked to get election promises of funding into the reality of the 2011 budget. This won’t be easy in the face of cut-backs to government programs to reallocate funds to rebuild flood and cyclone damaged infrastructure.

Still it should be a big year ahead for science communication and the ASC. What follows is only the briefest of reports but it has a few nuggets.

Inspiring Australia conference 2011: The Inspiring Australia team has raced to set in train a national conference called ‘Inspiring Science, Inspiring Australia: Telling Australia’s Brilliant Stories’. It’s on 28-29 March 2011 at the Arrow on Swanston, Melbourne. More information and registrations at http://iaconference.com.au/. It sounds like an important start to the IA program of activities for this year.

2012 National conference planning committee: Rod Lamberts, of ANU’s CPAS in Canberra, has agreed to chair the planning committee for our 2012 National conference. He returns from overseas soon and will convene the committee to start its planning task. Rod will report directly to the Executive committee about progress.

Science communication training programs: Last November I posted a message that the ASC has received a few requests to provide training in science communication related skills. I asked you to nominate Science communication training programs that either ASC members offered or knew of in Australia. I now have a list of courses which I can refer on to relevant enquirers.

Eureka Awards open for nominations: I note that the Eureka Awards are now accepting nominations of their various prize categories. Nominations close 6 May 2011.

Jesse Shore

National President

Call for Conference Papers: Popular Culture Association of Australia and New Zealand (POPCAANZ)

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POPCAANZ is a new organisation for anyone studying popular culture.  Our members span academics, professionals and enthusiasts.  As the chair of the Popular Science area, I would like to invite ASC members to submit abstracts for our upcoming 2011 conference at the end of June in Auckland, NZ.

The deadline for abstracts is March 1st, but please contact me (b.lott [at] qut.edu.au) if you are interested but need more time. We are also putting together a round table discussion at the conference to debate and define what popular science in Australia and New Zealand actually is. It should be an interesting and lively discussion. For more information about the conference please see our POPCAANZ website.

POPCAANZ also publishes the Australasian Journal of Popular Culture, which offers one of the few opportunities in the world to publish peer-reviewed academic articles focussing on popular science. More information about the AJPC can be found here. I am the Popular Science editor for the AJPC, so if you would like to submit a manuscript, you can either submit it through the POPCAANZ president (t.johnsonwoods [at] qut.edu.au) directly to me (b.lott [at] qut.edu.au) for review.

National Launch of the International Year of Chemistry

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The International Year of Chemistry has its official launch next Tuesday, 8 February, in Canberra.

The website for the launch information and registration is via this pdf on the shac communications website.

The website for IYC Australia is http://iyc2011.org.au/about-the-iyc-australia.html. Check out the events calendar.

I’m assured that science communication will play a role during the year. Check out the travelling exhibitions activity, four of which were developed by yours truly, which will soon have more details added. You can read descriptions of the four displays at http://iyc2011.org.au/event-reader.html?e_type=major-events&event=travelling-exhibitions

Cheers,

Jesse

Jesse Shore

President, Australian Science Communicators, 2011

http://www.asc.asn.au/

President’s Report for AGM 2010

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Australian Science Communicators

Annual General Meeting 13 December 2010

President’s Report

The profile of science communication was raised in 2010 with the launch of the Inspiring Australia report. This is the first major federal government document to address the role of science communication in engaging Australian society with science. The report is timely as we are faced with an increasingly urgent need for effective communication of science and a greater integration of science with society.

The ASC is an active voice in this landscape but we acknowledge there is only so much that we can do as a volunteer run organisation. We are turning to the membership for skilled and energetic people to contribute time to various programs and initiatives. It takes time to seek willing hands and then to brief and coordinate them so sometimes we seem back at square one in trying to find time to make things happen. The same goes for seeking like-minded organisations to partner us in some of our projects.

Because time and resources are in short supply we need to be sure that our longer term programs are sustainable and work smoothly from the beginning. Sometimes this means that projects move along very slowly such as setting up an accreditation program for short courses.

The national and branch levels of the ASC tell similar stories. Branch committees work hard to run events and attract audiences in an ever increasingly competitive environment. The branches are always in need of people who not only have good ideas but will make them realities.

But I am happy to report we are making progress on various fronts including our financial position. I don’t expect to us to be able to support a full time secretariat in the near future but this must be one of our strategic aims.

Now to some of the many highlights of this year:

1.      ASC conference:

1.1   The conference in February was a great success with 3 days of stimulating, relevant and varied sessions attended by over 275 people.

1.2   My thanks go to Immediate past-president Tim Thwaites and Membership officer Kali Madden who did wonderfully well in the huge job of organising the conference.

1.3   The conference raised the profile of the ASC and the role of science communication and was financially successful.

2.      Inspiring Australia Report launch at the ASC conference:

2.1   It was a coup for the ASC to have Minister for Science Kim Carr launch the Inspiring Australia Report as well as open the conference.

2.2   While initial concerns were raised that the ASC was barely mentioned in the report it was to set the scene for much subsequent action involving the ASC.

3.      ASC response to the Inspiring Australia report:

3.1   It was clear that the ASC had much to gain by aligning its focus with Inspiring Australia.

3.2   Our members’ comments combined with Rob Morrison’s analysis of the report helped the National Council and Executive to set priorities for the year.

3.3   I had preliminary meetings with the people in charge of carrying out the report’s recommendations. They acknowledged our interest and support with our official representation and participation of several of our members on steering committees.

3.4   I have met several of the state representatives responsible for implementing aspects of the report in their state and have corresponded with a few newly appointed state coordinators.

3.5   We have continued to seek information from our members regarding various aspects of the report. This helps to raise our profile, demonstrates our effectiveness and prepares us for further report related activity.

3.6   Our response to the report was specifically mentioned in the recent Inspiring Australia newsletter.

3.7   Members have responded to our proposed strategic actions regarding each recommendation of the report.

4.      ASC branches:

4.1   The rejuvenated SA branch had its first meeting in February and has been busy with running activities throughout the year with several hosted at RiAus.

4.2   The WA branch co-ran a well attended training workshop in evaluation and has also been consistently active.

4.3   VIC ran a very successful networking event.

4.4   ACT put on numerous events, notably an enjoyable and innovative Pies @ the pub for Pi Day

4.5   SE QLD had a popular visit to the XXXX Brewery

4.6   NSW ran an insightful ‘Freelancing for science communicators’ event among a busy program.

4.7  All branches ran a total of at least 37 events and activities.

5.      Hot Air Tips and Highlights report:

5.1   Past ASC national president Jenni Metcalfe, of the Queensland branch, compiled the report of tips and highlights from three Hot Air symposia and posted it on the ASC website. Jenni organised the symposia to explore how to communicate the science of climate change.

5.2   The symposia were an ASC initiative with support from NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water and Econnect communication.

6.      Travel:

6.1   I met with WA, SA and NSW branch committees

6.2   Met with the coordinators of the VIC and ACT branches

6.3   Participated in one ACT event

6.4   Inspiring Australia meetings – met twice with the Inspiring Australia team at Questacon (ACT); participated in the Science and Community Evaluation Tools meeting (VIC) and the Steering Committee for Developing an Evidence Base (ACT); presented to the COAG Inspiring Australia officers meeting in Melbourne.

7.      Networking:

7.1   I collaborated with the Sydney Environmental Educators Network (SEEN) and International Association for Public Participation Australasia (IAPP) to run 3 workshops at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney on communicating aspects of climate change.

7.2   Worked with Australian Environmental Educators (AAEE) to develop outline of professional development workshops. This project may need additional partners to be realised.

7.3   Met the International Year of Biodiversity coordinators in WA and NSW.

7.4   Worked with training provider to develop training program in improvisational theatre skills for early career scientists to improve communication skills. Sought input from the director of the Tall Poppy Campaign and science communication course providers.

7.5   Liaised with various environmental organisations regarding training in science communication.

7.6    Liaised with Skeptics Society and other groups about effectively communicating what is and isn’t science.

8.      Web site:

8.1   Continues to be developed and improved by James Hutson of the Victorian branch

8.2   Expect new look early in 2011

8.3   Laura Miles and Kali Madden continue to support James’ work.

9. Automation of membership:

9.1   All members now on automated database (thanks to Kali Madden for her efforts).

9.2   This enables Kali to quickly tabulate and report on vital member information.

To finish I would like thank the membership for their constructive responses to my various requests for information and advice. I have special thanks for the many people who contribute to ASC at a national level — and some of you are in this room:

1.                 All those on the National Council

2.                 Kali Madden, from her role as Membership Officer to her new enhanced position as Executive Officer, for all her hard work in managing the membership.

3.                 Laura Miles and James Hutson for their contribution to ensuring the ASC has an active voice to our members and the world via newsletters and the website.

4.                 Also thanks to Rob Morrison, Lisa Bailey and the rest of the ASC SA team who organised this AGM.

5.                 Finally to the members of the national executive, who all put in many hours on ASC-related business—David Ellyard, Tim Thwaites, Rob Morrison, Sarah Lau and Phil Dooley.

Jesse Shore

13 December 2010

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

List of ASC branch events 2010

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ASC branch events 2010 (incomplete list of events) ACT, NSW, SE-QLD, SA, VIC, WA

ACT (7)

May – The science of… art

Join Tim Wetherell, a sculptor and science writer, and Jessica Miller, a visual artist and scientific illustrator, for a colourful and close-up exploration of the links between science and art.

We’ll also be launching the year’s program of events, so come and find out what other exciting events we have planned for the year.

Where: CSIRO Discovery, Clunies Ross St, Acton.
When: Monday 10 May from 6pm

May – Discovery After Dark

18 May 2010; 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. After hours fun at CSIRO Discovery Centre. Come along for music and cocktails while letting your inner child run free on the Discovery floor.

CSIRO Discovery Centre, Clunies Ross St, Acton

June – How to improvise: workshop event

We do it everyday… so we may as well be better at it! We’re talking about improvising. A skill that helps you express yourself, be creative and communicate better.

Join ASC and Reid Workman from Impro ACT for a fun, challenging and active impro(visation) workshop.

Where: CSIRO Discovery, Clunies Ross St, Acton.
When: Wednesday 23 June from 6pm

July – Canberra’s Sustainable House visit

Join Nick and Sarah for a tour of their house in Ainslie that is carbon neutral and draws no water from the mains. In 2007, they were the winners of the ACT Sustainable Cities Award, Residential Category. See and hear about the solar heating, innovative biological greywater treatment system that treats all household waste water, and the first and only approved waterless composting toilet in residential Canberra.

When: Sunday 11 July, 11am -12:30pm
Where: 240 Duffy St, Ainslie

July – Translating science into action

1 July 2010; 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm.

Date: Thursday 1 July from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm

Venue: CSIRO Discovery, Black Mountain site, Clunies Ross St, Acton

Science is a discipline that can make a major difference to society, but scientific results often need some help to be translated into actions. This joint event considers the different disciplines that help convert science content into actions in the community.

July – Pies at the pub for Pi Day

22 July 2010; 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. Join ASC members for pies at the pub and maths games and entertainment for Pi Day 22 July

November – Event: ‘Innovate and communicate’ + Canberra AGM

24 November 2010; 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Join ASC Canberra to hear James Bradfield Moody talk about the emerging new wave of innovation and participate in the ASC Canberra Annual General Meeting

NSW (5)

February – AGM NSW

Topic for discussion is the potential implications of the Inspiring Australia report for science communicators

SPECIAL GUEST! – National President, Dr Jesse Shore.

DATE: Monday 15th February TIME: 6.30 – 8 PM

May – WHAT’S THE BUZZ? TRENDS IN SCIENCE DOCUMENTARIES Alison Leigh, Editorial Director, World Congress of Science & Factual Producers

Monday May 17th, 6.30 – 8 PM.

Clarendon Hotel, 156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills

Science and Natural History Programming has become fashionable again in the international market place. So what’s out there breaking new ground and making people talk ? What’s hot and what’s not? What’s on the way up and what’s on the way down? We take a look at clips from some of the most outstanding and successful science TV programs of 2009 from the perspective of the international production  community. What will the Australian science communication industry make of them?

June – Successful Freelancing for Science Communicators – Valerie Khoo and Bianca Nogrady

The NSW Branch of the Australian Science Communicators is pleased to invite all members and guests to our June 10th meeting:
SUCCESSFUL FREELANCING FOR SCIENCE COMMUNICATORS by Valerie Khoo and Bianca Nogrady
DATE: Thursday 10th June PLACE: Clarendon Hotel at 156 Devonshire St Surry Hills (5 min walk up from Central Station) TIME: 6:30pm for 7:00pm

August – COMMUNICATING CLIMATE CHANGE AND OTHER RISKY BUSINESS

Jenni Metcalfe – convenor, Hot Air Symposia.

Tuesday August 10th, 6.30 PM

Clarendon Hotel, 156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills Members free, non-members $10

Why are more Australians becoming climate sceptics? How should we use science to communicate about climate change and other risky environmental issues? Can we do it badly? How can we do it well?

November – Making Science as pervasive as Sports

ASC NSW branch – November get-together
MAKING SCIENCE AS PERVASIVE AS SPORTS IN TODAY’S SOCIETY
Dennis Schatz, Pacific Science Centre, Seattle, Washington State, USA
Tuesday 30TH NOV, 6.30 – 8 PM Clarendon Hotel – Upstairs 156 Devonshire St, Surry Hills

Description: If we want a STEM literate public, then we need to focus on more than what happens in primary and secondary education where people spend only 3% of their lives. This means making STEM a lifelong, life-wide and life-deep activity ­ just like sports. Dennis Schatz, Senior VP at Pacific Science Center in Seattle, Wash., describes his institution’s activities that seek to attain this dream.

SE-Qld (3)

March – ASC AGM for South East Queensland Members

your attendance and feedback is vital for the future health of the group!

When: 6pm for 6.30pm start, Tuesday 30 March, 2010.

July – Speed networking – like speed dating with science – a social networking opportunity

Regatta hotel main Bar, Thursday July 1, 6 pm

October – Science of beer and meet other science communication folk

SE-QLD Event: Science of beer and meet other science communication folk
Beer… the 3rd most consumed beverage in the world and arguably the oldest alcoholic drink in existence. Join the South East Queensland branch of ASC for a tour of the XXXX Brewery. After the tour enjoy a few samples of the amber liquid and a BBQ dinner while networking with fellow science communicators. When: Wednesday 13 October Time: 6.30pm Where: XXXX Brewery, Milton.

SA (6)

July – Evaluating Effectiveness ASCSA event Adelaide July 19 2010

19 July 2010; 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm. On Monday 19 July we held an event at the Science Exchange on evaluating science communication activities.

September – ASCSA media training workshop 6 Sept- Adelaide

[ 6 September 2010; 6:00 pm to 9:00 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

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

[ 20 September 2010; 6:00 pm to 8:00 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

October – ASCSA event: Flinders Centre for Science Education 18/10

[18 October 2010; 6:31 pm to 8:31 pm. ] Australian Science Communicators SA (ASCSA) Event

The Flinders Centre for Science Education in the 21st Century

Speakers: Bob Buxton and Mark Ward MC- Richard Musgrove

Date: Monday October 18th, 2010 Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm Venue: RiAus, Science Exchange, Exchange Place, Adelaide

November – ASCSA Video editing workshop (1/11/10)

[ 1 November 2010; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] ASCSA Video Production Workshop With Josh Cockfield, Rob Morrison, Deane Hutton and Steve Kern

http://ascsa-video-workshop.eventbrite.com

Date: Monday 1st November 2010

Time: 6pm-9pm

Venue: RiAus main auditorium

Video is a powerful communication tool and is no longer the sole domain of TV stations and established production companies.

December – ASC AGM and ASCSA end of year get together 13 Dec

[ 13 December 2010; 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. ] ASC Annual General Meeting and Quiz Night Date: Monday 13th December, 2010 Time: 6:00pm – 9:30pm Venue: RiAus, Science Exchange, Exchange Place, Adelaide

VIC (2)

April – What do the public really think? + Victorian AGM

[ 20 April 2010; 6:00 pm; ]

part 1: ASC Victorian Branch AGM 6pm for 6.15pm. Free drink for all members in attendance.
part II: What do the public really think?: public surveys, polls and focus groups 6.45pm for 7pm.

The Victorian branch is due for an annual general meeting to renew and refresh our committee. Please come along and so help to shape the ASC locally. We’d love more passionate communicators to get involved.

August – Science Centric 2010 in Melbourne

[ 10 August 2010; 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm. ] Australian Science Communicators, Victoria is pleased to present: Science Centric 2010.

Tuesday, August 10, 2010 at 6:30 PM

Do you explain, teach, present, write, blog, twitter, film, illustrate, animate or otherwise communicate science or technology, news, ideas, concepts or research?

This will be great chance for some face to face networking. Bring along your colleagues

WA (6)

April – AGM

where the activities of the past year and those for the coming year are discussed. We will also vote on the state committee. If you have any items you wish to discuss, or you would like to nominate for the committee (or a specific position), please email Sarah Lau (slau@chemcentre.wa.gov.au).

Where: Botanical Café, Kings Park (parking available behind café and function centre)

Date: Thursday 29 April 2009

July – EVALUATION WORKSHOP – best practice in evaluation techniques: Australian Science Communicators WA Branch and National Science Week WA present evaluation training workshop Session 1 ­ planning for evaluation and best practice in evaluation.

October – ASC-WA goes wild at Perth Zoo

On Friday 15 October, ASC-WA members were treated to an exclusive ‘behind the scenes’ event at Perth Zoo.

October – Evaluation Worksop – session 2

25 October, Time: 8.30am Location: Curtin University

24 November – Quizalicious – get your quiz on! Time: 6.30pm Location: Rosie O’Grady’s Pub – Northbridge

10 December – End of Year Celebration and lunch with guest speaker WA Chief Scientist

Time: 12.30pm Location: Botanicals Cafe, Kings Park Cost: $73 – ASC MEMBERS ONLY EVENT

ASC 2010 AGM – brief report

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ASC 2010 AGM – brief report of outcomes

The 2010 AGM was notable for several reasons:

  • This was the first time an ASC AGM was held in Adelaide. It was hosted by the SA branch which was rejuvenated in 2010 and has powered through the year.
  • The meeting was well attended with more than 25 members present.
  • Members raised a number of questions and initiated discussions through the meeting with an especially constructive exchange of views about the second motion to amend the constitution.
  • The meeting voted to amend the wording of the second motion. Currently the constitution states that representatives of corporate members cannot vote unless they are on the National Council. The original motion was to allow corporate members a maximum of 5 votes. The amended motion which was approved says corporate members may nominate one representative or their proxy to vote. (This is in addition to any of their representatives on National Council.)
  • The first and third motions to change the constitution were approved as proposed.
  • The treasurer reported that ASC is in a positive financial position.
  • The motion by the National Council to extend life membership to Peter Pockley was enthusiastically ratified.
  • The names of the members of the 2012 National Conference Planning Committee were announced. The committee will be convened early in 2011 to start its work.
  • Jesse Shore was re-elected as president for 2011.
  • The meeting raced through 1hour and 14 minutes and 20 seconds and ended 40 seconds early. Everyone then raced off to get a drink before the start of the entertaining science trivia quiz hoisted by David Ellyard with assistance by Richard Musgrove and punctuated by visually eye-popping interludes presented by special guest, Zoz.

Jesse Shore
National President

Peter Pockley awarded Academy Medal for 2010

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I am pleased to report that Peter Pockley, a long standing member of ASC, today has been awarded the Australian Academy of Science Academy Medal for 2010.

The Academy announced his award was for ‘outstanding contributions to science by means other than the conduct of scientific research’, where his efforts ‘significantly advanced the cause of science and technology in Australia’. This medal is normally awarded no more than once in three years.

The links to the Australian Academy of Science about this award are
http://www.science.org.au/news/feature.html
http://www.science.org.au/awards/awardees/academy-medal-awards.html#2010

Peter has been a pioneer and leader of science communication in various media over many years. It is wonderful news that he has been recognised in this way for his many contributions to engaging audiences with science.

Jesse Shore
President ASC 2010

From the President, October 2010: Too much, yet not enough

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Communicating Climate Change workshops: The last two of a three workshop series in Communicating Climate Change were held in Sydney. ASC, Sydney Environmental Educators Network (SEEN) and International Association for Public Participation Australasia (IAP2) collaborated to put on this series. The events were of high quality and well received. The main attendees were from sustainability and adapting to climate change departments in local councils. Overall numbers were below expectations but we broke even. It may be worth making the workshops a full day each, repeating the series in another city and seek to broaden the appeal to attract a larger and more diverse audience.

Member’s comments about the Inspiring Australia report: I finally got around to editing Rob Morrison’s report of member’s comments and his analysis. As I mention in a separate article this document is worth a read, especially the first 6 pages if you are short of time. The document covers much ground and offers many suggestions for action.

Science communication services to science organisations: In late August I asked you to nominate services which science communication companies can offer to science research organisations. I collated your excellent replies and have posted them to the website. I hope the list proves useful and will be added to in the future.

National Science Week – been and gone: I had time to attend only a few National Science Week (NSWk) events in Sydney but enjoyed every one of them. The official launch of NSWk was at the Botanic Gardens and offered a good opportunity to talk to key players in NSWk and the Inspiring Australia report. Phil Dooley, chair of the NSW ASC branch, presented an exciting science talk with demonstrations to around 250 people at the Powerhouse Museum. I believe many ASC members were busy delivering science engagement activities this year. Post an article to the ASC website if you had a significant science engagement experience during NSWk.

Eureka Awards big night: renewed funding and review of science prizes: It is good to hear that DIISR will continue to support at least three of the Eureka Awards. Please see my article requesting information about other science award programs that have science communication as a criterion.

Young Tall Poppy Awards: I attended the Young Tall Poppy awards event in NSW and then met with Elektra Spathopoulos, Executive Director of the Australian Institute of Policy and Science and the Tall Poppy Campaign. We discussed how our organisations can assist one another especially as the Tall Poppy science awards has science communication as a key criterion. Elektra was interested in the improvisational theatre training workshops I’ve been trying to get going. Much more needs to be done to make this happen.

2012 National Conference Planning Committee: I had a great response to my invitation for members to join the planning committee for our 2012 National conference. I’ll announce the people selected in late November. Much thanks to those who put up their hands.

Networking in NSW: Going by invitations to events and exchange of information I see an increasing appreciation of the ASC by the NSW Office of Science and Medical Research (OSMR) and its parent department. It takes time to make connections and then maintain them but is worth it for the potential support we stand to gain. I know that our branches are developing or building on connections with their state and territory governments and chief scientists.

ASC-AAEE professional development workshops: The proposed workshops in collaboration with the Australian Association of Environmental Education have fallen into the ‘much needs to happen’ category although the Sydney Climate Change workshops have provided a useful learning experience. I still think this is something we can look forward to happening.

What is science?: Great idea for an ASC project but I need to write a brief to get this started with Rob Morrison’s help. I spoke with the Executive Officer & Editor of the Australian Skeptics and he says that this may be something we can work together on.

Membership renewals: Please renew your membership if you haven’t already done so. We have a pretty good renewal response and we will send final reminders to those still to renew.

Jesse Shore
National President