Introduction to Science Communication

The Intro to SciComm event will be held at the Pawsey Supercomputing Facility on Monday, 17 June.

The event

The cream of Australia’s science communicators are coming to Perth for a conference, and this is your chance to meet them and pick their brains.

If you are an early to mid career researcher or simply someone who hasn't had the opportunity to engage much in communicating your science, and would like to know more about how to get your science out there, then join us for a day of discussions, mixing with scicomm professionals from around the country, skilled in media, policy, graphics, presenting, displays, digital communication, and more.

This is not a science communication course: it’s a day about understanding and building partnerships with professionals - learning how the industry works, what you can expect and how you can make the most of the resources around you, without re-inventing any wheels.

And you will walk away with some insights about communicating, perhaps a pitch, or a new technique; and we’ll have some journalists joining us so you can hone some of your new skills in a mock interview.

Then, join the wider SciComm community at the Phat Brew Club, that evening, to discuss the finer points!

Strictly limited to 60 participants, get in quick to secure your spot.

Who's it for?

This event is aimed at researchers in science who have an interest in getting a taste for science communication and potentially developing their skills to better support their career.

Held in Perth, this one day intensive event will share with participants the fundamentals of science communication, media engagement and presentation. Whether it's for a national TV, local radio slot, a conference presentation or even talking to your family over dinner, this day will build participants' confidence and help them be understood.

Prices for non-members include 1 year of associate-level membership with the ASC.

Basic catering and wifi provided (eduroam available as well).

Book now

This is a rare opportunity with tickets being heavily subsidised by the ASC presenters and coordinators.

Member price: $60.00

Non-member price: $136

(includes 1 year of associate-level membership with the ASC)

Conference attendee: $0

(should we sell out, conference attendees will be asked to give their ticket up for non-members)

This event is now full

This uses a Google form to request an invoice. We know that some Government departments block these forms. If you have any issues requesting a ticket, please email us.

Who's going to be sharing knowledge?

MC, Introduction to Sci Comm - Dr Phil Dooley: Comms Manager at ANU Physics by day, freelance writer, videomaker, trainer, fringe-show and pub-night host by night.

Social media - Dr Tom Carruthers: an amazingly successful campaign with the Australian Academy of Science launched Tom into a career as a private consultant. He is the ASC President, based in Canberra.

Talking to the public via the media - Assoc Prof Jen Martin: The driving force behind UniMelb’s science communication training for academics, and also host of the long running radio show Let’s Talk SciComm.

Engaging Policymakers - Assoc Prof Parwinder Kaur: Special Advisor on the Science & Tech Plan for the WA Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation. She is a biotechnology researcher, Director of DNA Zoo Australia, Founder & Chair, WA Genome Atlas and has won a host of awards.

Turning research into dollars - Dr Jo Hawkins: Jo works at the UWA developing programs, prototypes, spaces, and partnerships to support innovation and entrepreneurship. She helps startups, corporations, universities, and government understand each other's perspectives, and is an award-winning writer, lecturer and business leader.

Visual Communication and Design - Dr Kate Patterson: Medical researcher turned animator and designer - with some science writing along the way. Based in Sydney, Kate helps scientists turn the most complex words into beautiful pictures.

Case Study - Rachael Vorwerk: Science communicator and freelance consultant who has been published widely. She is co-Founder of ClimateThrive, a company that helps communities prepare for climate change-related disasters. Rachael became the focus of a sci comm experiment when she was hired at RMIT by Integrated Photonics and Applications Centre (InPAC) as a science communicator on the inside of a research team.

Using your body and voice - Ali McGregor: A performer and workshop facilitator based in Canberra, Ali has for over 15 years been a part of the Questacon team delivering science shows and inquiry-based workshops all over Australia.

You will also meet local stars Dr Heather Bray (head of UWA Sci Comm) and ASC WA Branch Representative Rocky McGellin (ICRAR) and local journalists will be there to give you mock interviews for practice.

and more...