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Welcome to Econnect Communication’s June 2007 newsletter –
‘Researching and teaching science communication’.
This newsletter follows hot on the heels of a workshop three of
us attended this past week in Canberra (Jenni, Michelle and
Mel).
We were all inspired by this workshop, which has already created
networks between science communication educators and researchers
across Australia and internationally.
We farewell another Econnect team member this month, our office
manager Shonette, who is moving on to bigger and better things
at Virgin Blue. Thanks for a terrific job, Shonette. At the same
time, we welcome Shonette’s replacement Michelle Burton, who
will be starting next week.
Regards,
Econnect Communication
Jenni Metcalfe, Michelle Riedlinger, Mary O’Callaghan, Melanie
McKenzie, and Shonette Wilder.
In this issue: Researching and
teaching science communication
The future of science
communication research in Australia
We are not alone
Surf club
Quotation of
the month
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The future of science communication in Australia
By
Michelle Riedlinger
22 science communication researchers and educators from
around Australia gathered in Canberra this week to
discuss the formation of SCERN – Science Communication
Educators & Researchers Network (working title).
The suggested idea of a new online journal for science
communicators was particularly exciting for me. While
the plans are still in very early stages, SCERN’s aim
for the online journal is to allow science communicators
to share formal and informal research. The group also
suggested a section for students’ work.
SCERN is putting together a list of science
communication tertiary programs in Australia and making
it available on the ASC website. If you are involved in
a program and would like to be included, please contact
Melanie (melanie@econnect.com.au).
Thanks to Sue Stocklmayer (Director of ANU’s Centre for
the Public Awareness of Science) and her team for making
this ASC networking meeting happen. And special thanks
to Mike Gore for sharing his science demonstrations over
drinks and dinner.
We are not alone
By
Melanie McKenzie
At the SCERN meeting in Canberra, I was very
excited to meet other PhD students in science
communication and to hear about their research.
Since science communication is such a
transdisciplinary area of research, its students
are placed in a variety of schools within our
universities. I met one student who is working
on a topic very similar to mine — evaluation in
science communication. But while she is based in
the Maths and Physics department of her
university, I am based in the English, Media
Studies and Art History department of mine.
Getting new perspectives from people who are in
very different areas of study can inspire new
ideas, but they many not be the most relevant
people to discuss your research with. Initiating
a meeting like the one in Canberra is an
excellent way of forming a peer group for
sharing ideas, getting feedback and developing
collaborative projects. Remember, you don't need
to be in the same physical space to engage with
others. You can look for online communities of
people with similar interests, or better yet,
start your own community.
Surf club
Quotation of the month
‘Tomorrow
is now’
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884-1962) |
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Econnect Communication works with science, environment,
ecotourism and natural resource management agencies to:
•
evaluate and develop communication strategies
•
write and design products that meet audience needs
•
train staff and management in communication skills
Contact us: phone 07 3846 7111; email
admin@econnect.com.au
Website:
http://www.econnect.com.au
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