Awareness of the importance of science communication is growing amongst PhD candidates and post-doctoral researchers in Australia and around the world.(1,2) However, training or opportunities for participation in science communication for this group of scientists are largely centred around the “3 Minute Thesis” or “Famelab” format. Both of these competitions have had a positive impact on science communication literacy in Australia, but some students are discouraged by the competitive nature of these events, or would prefer to communicate science in different ways. We aim to create a sci comm community of practice amongst students and postdocs at the University of Sydney that is also open to early career researchers across other institutions. The group will meet informally to discuss their research, learn from the science communication literature and develop the ability to communicate their science clearly to different audiences. This poster outlines some draft resources developed for postgraduate students who are seeking science communication opportunities. We request constructive criticism and advice from the delegates to help us improve our resources, strengthen our community of practice and amplify opportunities for collaboration with other institutions and sci comm practitioners.

References

1. Mercer-Mapstone, L. D., Matthews, K. E., (2017) Student perceptions of communication skills in undergraduate science at an Australian research-intensive university, Assessment & Evaluation in Higher Education, 42:1, 98-114, DOI: 10.1080/02602938.2015.1084492

2. Edmondston, J. E., Dawson, V., Schibeci, R., (2010) Undergraduate Biotechnology Students’ Views of Science Communication, International Journal of Science Education, 32:18, 2451-2474, DOI: 10.1080/09500690903514598

What will participants gain from attending your presentation?
This presentation aims to promote discussion and seek the expertise of delegates to help to develop group of early career science communicators at The University of Sydney and our broader community. Attendees of the session will be asked to reflect upon their own experiences as science communicators and give constructive criticism and advice to advance our approach and increase opportunities for collaboration

Producer

Nisharnthi Duggan, PhD Candidate, The University of Sydney

When: In sessionWednesday 19th February, 1:50pm-2:35pm
Where: Room G02, Learning and Teaching Building, 19 Ancora Imparo Way, Clayton
Hashtag: TBC