The SciComm Collective

The SciComm Collective

How do we tell science stories - and why?  The SciComm Collective digs into the social conversation around science through discussions and interviews with experts, amateurs, alumni, and more. Join us to learn about science communication skills, careers, and practices... and stay for the new ideas and fresh, diverse perspectives from student voices. www.thescicommcollective.com - Check our website for blogs & follow @thescicommcollective on Insta to stay updated! Created and run by science communication students at The University of Western Australia.

  1. 5d ago

    Science Communication as Social Epistemology

    "If science communication is the social conversations around science ... I think we are the curators of these conversations." – Fabien Medvecky  How do we draw the limits of knowledge and expertise – and what's the role of science communication in it?  Join Camila and Dr Heather Bray as they deep dive into what science communication as social epistemology is from the perspective of science communicator academic Fabien Medvecky. Fabien offers his insights about being a social scientist in the discipline of science communication, and why physical sciences are usually privileged in a space with a clear social component.  Fabien discusses why "not everything goes" when it comes to epistemic inclusion and bringing multiple worldviews and knowledges in the conversation around science, as well as the reasons why it's important to consider the why of working with diverse knowledge holders. Camila draws on her experiences working with First Nations and the importance of epistemic humility, and Fabien reflects on his role as president of the Public Communication of Science and Technology (PCST) Network and what the position has taught him about the importance of curating culture in workspaces.    "The idea of doing good science communication is often defined in terms of effectiveness. My interest is how we do it morally well ... and the moral implications of what we do." – Fabien Medvecky.     Episode links:    Find about more about Fabien here    Read about the third order of science communication here    Watch Fabien discuss social epistemology here    Find out more about PCST here    Become a member of PCST here    Read more about science communication as the social conversation around science here    Find out about the Master of Science Communication here     This episode was brought to you by:    Hosts: Camila Pardo Uribe, Dr Heather Bray    Guest: Fabien Medvecky    Producer: Camila Pardo Uribe    Content editor: Camila Pardo Uribe    Sound editors: Hari Krishna Gami, Camila Pardo Uribe    Audio engineering: Matt Gill    Research: Camila Pardo Uribe    Show notes: Camila Pardo Uribe    Follow The SciComm Collective on Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/thescicommcollective/

    Science Communication as Social Epistemology

  2. Oct 19

    Getting Science Seen: Communicating for Engagement and Impact

    “You’ve got to get your research to the people who are going to use it… You’ve got to go to where the community is.” – Sarah Brooker   How do scientists create impact with their research? In this episode, Science in Public’s Sarah Brooker talks to Camila and Emma about her work at “Australia’s Science PR Company” and why Public Relations (PR) isn’t a dirty word – it’s a proactive one. She shares how important it is to share the processes of science along the way in any project, and about knowing how to reach the right people. Sarah draws on her years of experience helping researchers shape their stories to reach their intended audience. From changing animal handling practices to instigating policy change, Sarah and her team help tailor messages for different audiences and purposes, with a focus on collaboration so everyone has a share in the story. Camila and Emma discuss the ins and outs of working with media and scientists, and how science communication careers can play a role in many different ways.  “Putting your story out there… you have control over how you position it. And the more preparation you can do, telling your story in your own words – that’s you owning that landscape.” – Sarah Brooker   Episode links: Science in Public - https://www.scienceinpublic.com.au/ Public Relations and Science – in the SAGE Encyclopedia of Science and Technology Communication – https://sk.sagepub.com/ency/edvol/scienceandtechnology/chpt/public-relations-science New research that considers how AI and changes in trust may be changing media-science relationships – by de Jong and Dijkstra (2026), Open Access – https://doi.org/10.1177/02704676261452144 UWA Master of Science Communication – https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/courses/master-of-science-communication   This episode was brought to you by: Hosts: Emma Gill, Camila Pardo Uribe Guest: Sarah Brooker Producer: Ke Yuan Content Editor: Ke Yuan Sound Editor: Matt Gill Research: Ke Yuan, Camila Pardo Uribe, Emma Gill Show notes: Emma Gill, Ke Yuan Audiogram created using: Adobe Podcast  Socials: Follow The SciComm Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescicommcollective/

    Getting Science Seen: Communicating for Engagement and Impact

  3. Oct 12

    SciComm Values in Nature Settings

    “My favourite thing about nature conservation and science is sharing it with people and connecting with people about it.”  – Owen Cumming  Welcome back to The SciComm Collective! In this episode, UWA Master of Science Communication alumni Ximena Shaw and Owen Cumming chat about Owen's journey after studying science communication and experiences that have shaped his career as an ecologist and guide with the Australian Wildlife Conservancy.   Ximena and Owen explore the role of science communication in working in conservation and the outdoors and what makes communicating science in nature settings different. Owen shares his experience studying wallabies for the first time, dealing with outdoor elements, and how he values connecting people with the places and species around them on guided tours to tailor their experience.  Tune in to hear about different ways that science communication skills can be used beyond 'traditional' science communication roles, and the values that shape science communication in nature settings!    “Saying less is such an important part of it as well… just knowing when to stop and be in the moment.”  – Owen Cumming  Episode links: Australian Wildlife Conservancy – https://www.australianwildlife.org  Owen Cumming – https://www.owencumming.com.au/  Owen’s previous episode ("Gossiping Geology")– https://thescicommcollective.com/podcast/summer-shorts-ep5 UWA Master of Science Communication – https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/courses/master-of-science-communication  This episode was brought to you by: Host: Ximena Shaw   Guest: Owen Cumming  Producer: Ximena Shaw  Content Editor: Ximena Shaw  Sound Editor: Matt Gill  Research: Ximena Shaw, Camila Pardo Uribe   Show Notes: Ximena Shaw, Emma Gill  Audiogram created using: Adobe Podcast  Images created using: Canva AI, Adobe Express, and supplied image (Owen Cumming/Australian Wildlife Conservancy)  Follow The SciComm Collective on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/thescicommcollective/

    SciComm Values in Nature Settings

  4. Oct 5

    First Aid Communication

    “It’s about empowering the kids to feel like they can step in and help in an emergency.” – Suchi Kalia How can science communication enhance emergency responder training? This episode features two special guests, UWA SciComm alumni Suchi Kalia and Samantha Crampton, who design and deliver innovative first aid training at the St. John’s WA Youth Academy. Sam and Suchi chat with Camila and Emma about inclusive health science communication, cultural sensitivity in first aid training, teaching diverse age groups, mental safety for first responders, CPR with Kura the Bear, and more! Tune in to explore the intersection of sciencecommunication with training the next generation to save lives. “Understanding different learning styles is so important.” – Samantha Crampton Episode Links St. John WA - https://www.stjohnwa.com.au/ St. John Youth Program - https://youth.stjohn.org.au/youth/ Science Communication at UWA – https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/courses/master-of-science-communication Episode Credits Hosts: Camila Pardo Uribe, Emma Gill Guests: Suchi Kalia, Samantha Crampton   Producer: Ke Yuan, Emma Gill Editor: Annisa’ Eskahita Azizah Audio Engineer: Matthew Gill Researcher: Ke Yuan Shownotes: Emma Gill Follow The SciComm Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescicommcollective/reels/

    First Aid Communication

  5. Sep 28

    Science centres and inclusion

    “A really important part of inclusion is understanding your audience, understanding their needs, but also understanding their assets… What knowledge do they already have? … Science capital is about recognising what people already bring to the table.”  – Shanii Phillips Welcome back to Season 3 of The SciComm Collective! In this season we’re talking about how science stories get into public spaces like news, magazines, theatre, parks, museums, science centres, and youth groups. In our third episode, Avantika and Ximena dive into the exhilarating world of science centres with Shanii Phillips, PhD student at the Australian National University's Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, and Audience Research Manager at SciTech. They explore what inclusion in science centres really looks like, how it can be understood through the idea of science capital, and why engagement through informal science learning is more like a springboard than a pipeline. Shanii also shares her own learning journey – from the experience that first sparked her love of science communication, to her current goal as a doctoral researcher on a National Industry PhD scholarship. Tune in now to find out more! “It's not just those one-off events, it's everything throughout your life. I like to think of it as a science engagement ecosystem. So as a science communication community, I think it's really important that we work together… It's about how all of those little experiences over the course of your life can all work together to give you a sense of science identity, or seeing the relevance of science in your everyday.” – Shanii Phillips   Episode Links Learn more about Shanii’s research here – https://researchportalplus.anu.edu.au/en/persons/shanii-phillips/ Read this paper by Shanii Phillips, Tarryn Basden, and Dr Heather Bray:“‘You feel like you’re a good parent if you go and do something sciencey’: The role of science centres in supporting science capital” Visit SciTech’s website here – https://www.scitech.org.au/ Professor Louise Archer and the STEM Participation & Social Justice Research Group – https://www.ucl.ac.uk/ioe/departments-and-centres/education-practice-and-society/research/stem-participation-and-social-justice-research-group Researching the social impact of SciTech– https://www.scitech.org.au/2025/03/pilot-study-measures-the-social-impact-of-scitech/ Life Science Centre in Newcastle upon Tyne – https://www.life.org.uk/ Dr Karina Judd – what is inclusive sci comm? https://researchportalplus.anu.edu.au/en/publications/what-is-inclusive-science-communication/   Episode Credits Hosts: Avantika Menon, Ximena Shaw Williams Guest:  Shanii Phillips Producer: Emma Gill Editor: Hannah Archer Audio Engineer: Matt Gill Research: Avantika Menon, Ximena Shaw Williams Show notes: Hannah Archer Audiogram created using: Adobe Podcast Socials: Follow The SciComm Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescicommcollective/reels/

    Science centres and inclusion

  6. Sep 21

    Futures thinking at the Museum of Discovery

    “It’s being able to create experienceswhere young people feel like they belong.” – Lisa Bailey, MOD.   How can we design better science museumexperiences for 15–25-year-olds? In this episode of The SciComm Collective, Avantika chats with Dr Lisa Bailey, Director of the Museum of Discovery (MOD.), about informal science communication and the importance of engaging young people with science beyond the classroom. They explore what makes MOD. different from a traditional science museum, why the organisation designs experiences specifically for 15–25-year-olds, and the importance of giving young people a voice through initiatives like the MOD. Youth Board. Lisa also shares her reflections on what makes science communication meaningful and memorable, and what excites her about its future. Tune in to find out more.   “We are creating experiences to help young people think about what types of futures we want, or don’t want, and what types of actions we might want to take to go towards or away from those futures.” – Lisa Bailey   Episode Links: MOD. – https://mod.org.au/Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mod_museum/TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/tag/mod_museum Australian Science Communicators – https://www.asc.asn.au/ASC Conference 2026 – https://conferenceasc.asn.au/ Futurium, Berlin – www.futurium.deMuseum of Tomorrow, Rio de Janeiro – www.museudoamanha.org.brMuseum of the Future, Dubai – www.museumofthefuture.ae/en UWA Master of Science Communication – https://www.uwa.edu.au/study/courses/master-of-science-communication   Episode Credits Host: Avantika Menon Guest: Lisa Bailey Producer and Editor: Avantika Menon Audio Engineer: Matt Gill Shownotes: Avantika Menon Audiogram created using: Adobe Podcast Socials: Follow The SciComm Collective on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thescicommcollective/reels/

    Futures thinking at the Museum of Discovery

  7. Sep 14

    Writing and Editing Science Stories

    “There's a lot going on in the world, And I think that sometimes science gets dropped a little bit ... But in terms of media as a whole, it's there. And I think there's a lot more work to do, but I think it's clawing its way ...  There is space for science in breaking news.” - Cat Williams Welcome back to Season 3 of The SciComm Collective! In this season we’re talking about how science stories get into public spaces like news, magazines, theatre, parks, museums, science centres, and youth groups.   Today's episode features Cat Williams, Particle Magazine's Digital Content Editor and science journalist extraordinaire. Join Kelly and Camila as they discuss Cat's  contributions to Australia's science media landscape as a science journalist and editor for one of Western Australia's most prominent digital science outlets. They talk about the joys and challenges of communicating science to different audiences, trying to keep up with their needs and what drew them all to the world of science writing and journalism. Cat shares some insights into what a science story is, what writing and editing for younger audiences entails, helping science writers find their voice and her vision for Australia's current science media ecosystem. Tune in now and click on the links below to find out more about Cat's work!   “In terms of inclusive science communication, it's ensuring everyone has a voice and everyone has access to then read that science ... Anyone can speak to us about science, and anyone can read about that as well.” - Cat Williams Episode Links:  Read Particle Magazine here   Visit Scitech’s website here  Read more of Cat's work here   Get your copy of The Best Australian Science Writing 2025  here  Find out more about Cat’s nomination for the Kat Muscat Fellowship here  This episode was brought to you by:    Host: Camila Pardo Uribe, Kelly Hopkinson  Guest: Cat Williams  Producer: Camila Pardo Uribe  Editor: Camila Pardo Uribe  Audio engineering: Matt Gill  Show notes: Camila Pardo Uribe

    Writing and Editing Science Stories

  8. Sep 7

    Australian science media in the digital age

    Welcome back to Season 3 of The SciComm Collective! In this season we’re talking about how science stories get into public spaces like news, magazines, theatre, parks, museums, science centres, and youth groups. In our first episode, UWA science communication PhD candidate Emma Gill chats with Jasmine Fellows, Managing Editor of Refraction Media, former editor of Cosmos and Double Helix magazines at CSIRO, and science communication PhD candidate at The Australian National University. Jasmine shares how she got into science writing and editing, what she’s currently working on, and how digital versus print isn’t the problem – it’s more about what we’re saying, why, who with, and how long it takes to get a story out. Emma and Jasmine talk about news habits of Gen Z, how funding makes a big difference, long form versus short form (like social) media, inclusion in science media, and the differences between science communication and science journalism. Tune in to learn more about the Australian science media landscape in 2026 and how you can get involved! Episode Links: Refraction Media – https://refractionmedia.com.au/ Double Helix (which did start in 1986 – great memory, Jasmine!) – https://blog.doublehelix.csiro.au/about/ Cosmos Magazine (archive) – https://connectsci.au/news/pages/cosmos-archive Careers with STEM magazine – https://refractionmedia.com.au/careers-with-stem/ Australian videogame magazine CONTINUE? – https://continuemagazine.com/ More about the ‘Deficit Model’ – https://thescicommcollective.com/podcast/episode-4-deficit-model/ The Digital News Report: Australia – https://www.canberra.edu.au/research/centres/nmrc/digital-news-report-australia Gender in Australian science news (open access paper) – https://jcom.sissa.it/article/pubid/JCOM_2503_2026_A03/ Fast Food Versus Veggies: Jasmine’s blog post about news flavours – https://jasminefellows.substack.com/p/its-fast-food-news-with-a-pinata Science Journalist’s Association of Australia – https://sjaa.org.au/ Episode Credits: Host: Emma Gill Guest: Jasmine Fellows Producers: Emma Gill, Camila Diaz Duran Editor: Matthew Gill Researchers: Holly Dear, Camila Pardo Uribe Shownotes: Emma Gill

    Australian science media in the digital age
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About

How do we tell science stories - and why?  The SciComm Collective digs into the social conversation around science through discussions and interviews with experts, amateurs, alumni, and more. Join us to learn about science communication skills, careers, and practices... and stay for the new ideas and fresh, diverse perspectives from student voices. www.thescicommcollective.com - Check our website for blogs & follow @thescicommcollective on Insta to stay updated! Created and run by science communication students at The University of Western Australia.

Information

  • Creator
    The SciComm Collective
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The SciComm Collective
  • Show Website
    The SciComm Collective