Science communicators gather in Sydney

Science communicators and anyone interested in learning how to effectively engage the public with STEM are encouraged to attend the tenth annual Australian Science Communicators (ASC) Conference to be held from 12 – 15 November at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney.

The premier networking, professional development and interactive event for those interested in best practice in making science, technology and innovation accessible to a wider audience, the ASC conference will feature dozens of sessions and networking opportunites.

Sesssions will be held on topics ranging from risk communication, social media and working with graphics to telling stories, working with Indigenous and regional communities, theory and practice challenges.

Public events include a science cabaret at the pub on Sunday 11 November, a premier screening on Monday 12 November with YouTube sensation and former CSIRO employee Nessy Hill.

Workshops

In addition to the conference program, a range of professional development workshops will be held on Thursday 15 November that are open to all.

Topics include hands-on podcasting workshops, planning science communication, visually communicating, presenting skills, social media for business, writing concisely, risk communications, drone photography and money making for freelancers!

Regional engagement

Inspiring Australia NSW will present a session on Monday 12 November from noon on engaging regional communities and taking science to where people go.

Inspiring Australia Managers Jackie Randles (NSW) and Dr Sheryn Pitman (SA) will discuss how to foster lasting collaborations with regional communities

This session is designed to help science communicators develop regional science programs that make a lasting impact and genuinely meet diverse stakeholder needs.

  • Science engagement from the ground up – the NSW experience
    Discover how Science Hubs take the lead to create, collaborate and connect scientists with a diverse public, through festivals, events and programs that provide rich and memorable experiences for people of all ages. 
  • Finding our way through discovery and creativity – the SA experience
    Find out about Inspiring South Australia’s arts programs and statwide partnership with Libraries SA and the Children’s Discovery Museum to equip librarians to deliver science programs to 3-5 year olds.

Full program details available at the ASC Conference website

Image of the Limelight event presented by Murray Arts with support from Inspiring Australia to explore the plight of the local endangered fish species, the Pgymy Perch, courtesy of Manifeasto Photography.