Do you have some scientific knowledge you need to convey clearly to a lay audience? Is there an event happening that you wish to promote to people who may be reluctant to participate? Are you stuck finding the right words to resonate and be relevant to your target audiences?

Then this message design workshop is for you!

Based on a scientifically proven risk communication approach for ensuring clarity, this session will include opportunities for you to design and test messages for your target groups.

The presenters will illustrate the principles of effective message creation with real life examples. We will end the session with a short discussion on cutting through the noise of social media and AI with clear messaging.

Join ASC members and expert workshop facilitators Jenni Metcalfe and Michelle Riedlinger for a practical two-hour session on designing clear science communication messages.

The session will be followed by informal networking with snacks and drinks. The cost is $10 for ASC members, and $30 for non-ASC members to cover costs of venue and catering.

Spaces are limited!

The Presenters

Dr Jenni Metcalfe is a former ASC President, PCST Network President and is Director of Econnect Communication. She developed media skills workshops tailored for scientists with her colleague Toss Gascoigne when both were working at CSIRO in 1992. Over the past 30 years, Econnect has run many hundreds of media and other communication skills workshops across Australia and internationally.

Associate Professor Michelle Riedlinger has been part of the ASC for many years. She joined QUT's School of Communication in July 2020. Her research interests include the emerging environmental, agricultural and health research communication practices, roles for “alternative” science communicators, online fact checking and public engagement with science. Her research is informed by theories of media, cultural approaches to science, social identity, and pragmatic linguistics. As a communication consultant, she has worked on projects focussed on climate variability, dryland salinity, ecology, catchment management, and river health. She has facilitated over two hundred communication training workshops for researchers.

Michelle is the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Science Communication (JCOM). She is a member of the Scientific Committee of the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) Global Network, and she chairs the Finance Sub-Committee.

Location:

In person at QUT Gardens Point. Exact location will be provided to attendees.

Who should attend?

Science communication and marketing professionals, scientists and researchers who want to communicate complex topics clearly and with impact.

Agenda:

5.45 pm arrival and registration

6pm workshop starts

8pm workshop ends, networking and food begins

8.30 pm workshop ends

Cost

$10 for ASC members

$30 for non-ASC members

Price includes light food and refreshments.

Learn now to become an ASC member: https://www.asc.asn.au/join/

Questions?

Please contact jo.savill@asc.asn.au or office@asc.asn.au with any questions.

About the Australian Science Communicators (ASC)

The Australian Science Communicators is the peak body for science communicators and science journalists in Australia. Established in 1994, the Australian Science Communicators has grown to a national network of more than 1650 subscribers and 450 financial members working in science and technology communication, including science journalists and writers, public information officers for academic and research organisations, scientists, museum professionals, science educators, science film-makers, and many other diverse professions united by the common theme of making science accessible. We are a not-for-profit organisation.

Learn more and register to become a member: https://www.asc.asn.au/join/

The South East Queensland ASC branch aims to create a social and thought-provoking experience by organising get-togethers, professional development workshops, and fun and interesting science and communication events for local ASC members.

We invite knowledgeable and relevant professionals to speak on current issues relating to science communication at our get-togethers and events.