Since the turn of the century, seismic shifts in our information and media landscape have challenged the role and function of journalists, and science communicators, in our society. Where previously we have seen ourselves as gatekeepers, conduits, agenda setters, proponents of science, and guardians of expertise, these roles may no longer fit our context.

Democratization of knowledge and the erosion of trust in mass media, science, and academia – all traditionally viewed as authorities – challenge us to rethink our role and practice. This session will invite provocations from individuals of different traditions – such as curators, educators and watchdogs – to inspire critical dialogue in the room, and open new paths and opportunities for participants to enact roles in our society’s relationship with science.

What will audience gain from attending this section?

The overall aim is to encourage participants to critically (re)consider our professional role as communicators of science. This will include:
– Identifying key landscape factors that have challenged the norms and roles of the science journalist and communicator in society
– Having a substantial dialogue with peers around topical provocations to our practice
– Being inspired by different approaches to working with science content and issues from other disciplines, traditions and professions

Structure

Preamble – Framing from facilitator (10 mins)
Provocation 1 – short talk + structured dialogue in groups (20 mins)
Provocation 2 – short talk + structured dialogue in groups (20 mins)
Provocation 3 – short talk + structured dialogue in groups (20 mins)

Synthesis – expert guest and facilitator reflections and capturing key contestations and insights from table dialogues (20 mins)

Session Producer, Workshop facilitator

Celine Klemm, Lecturer, Monash University

David Robertson, Lecturer, Monash University

Presenters

Kenneth Harvey, Associate Professor, Monash University/Friends of Science in Medicine

When: Tuesday 18th February, 2:00pm-3:30pm
Where: Room G31, Learning and Teaching Building, 19 Ancora Imparo Way, Clayton
Hashtag: TBC