The SciComm Collective

The SciComm Collective
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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. 19h ago

    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

  2. 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

  3. 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

  4. 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

  5. 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

  6. Jul 20

    Why make a science podcast?

    “I was always interested in the storytelling element. I was really interested in how people create a place where people can just be themselves and talk.” – Crystal Ngo Welcome to the final episode of our Winter Shorts series 2026! In this special wrap-up, Camila and Heather chat with UWA Master of Science Communication alumnus Crystal Ngo, whose journey has taken her from nutrition, public health, and being a model to science communication in the disability sector. She reflects on navigating career uncertainty, discovering science communication as a creative home for art and science, and conducting research on the motivations of Australian science podcasters as part of her Masters degree. She shares what she learned about the identity of science podcasters, the persisting deficit-model thinking, and the importance (and absence!) of strategic audience engagement. Crystal also shares how her current role at Kiind supporting families raising children with disabilities has deepened her passion for community, equity, and inclusion. Joined by Camila and Heather, together they break down what inclusive science communication looks like in practice and explore how individual positionality shapes the way we communicate. “I just really appreciate community and the strength and power of community, and how that makes such a big difference in people’s lives.” – Crystal Ngo   Episode Links UWA Master of Science Communication Read Crystal’s article (Open Access) here: “It's having conversations that I like with people I like": Exploring the motivations of Australian science podcasters Learn more about Kiind and their podcast, Kiind Conversations Find out what motivates The SciComm Collective Catch our previous episode about how we approach podcasting Listen to our student roundtable discussion about the deficit model Revisit Camila’s reflection about positionality and community Read Dr Ann Grand’s reflection about inclusive science communication Further Reading: Amarasekara & Grant, (2019). Exploring the YouTube science communication gender gap: A sentiment analysis. Marjadi et al., (2023). Twelve Tips for Inclusive Practice in Healthcare Settings.   Episode Credits Episode Hosts: Camila Pardo Uribe, Dr Heather Bray Special Guest: Crystal Ngo Producers: Camila Pardo Uribe, Dr Heather Bray Editing: Ke Yuan Audio Engineering: Matthew Gill Show notes: Ke Yuan Audiogram: Adobe Podcast

    Why make a science podcast?

  7. Jul 13

    Hidden Identities

    "Kathakars were known as storytellers, and these are ways of telling mythological stories: they convey meanings through the form of dance, and you can think about it in sociological terms - the dancer is conveying a story." – Hari Krishna Gami In this Winter Shorts episode, science communication student Hari Krishna Gami shares his short podcast about Kathak, a traditional North Indian dance form, with hosts Avantika and Emma – discussing how this connects to science communication, hybrid identities, and intersectionality. Drawing on their lived experiences, Krishna and Avantika muse about what it means to wear multiple hats in multicultural Australia and how culture, language and community shape the way we see ourselves and others. The conversation explores the challenges and strengths of holding multiple identities and the role of cultural practices in maintaining connections. They also reflect on the importance of listening across different perspectives and how embracing diverse experiences can help create more inclusive science communication. "The conversation needs to be less around ‘do you belong to a certain community?’ and instead ‘do you belong to multiple communities of cultural identities?’" – Hari Krishna Gami Episode links Master of Science Communication: The University of Western Australia Learn more about the art of Kathak dancing here Read about the role of identity and culture in science communication here Read about inclusion in science communication here Learn about interculturalism and choreography here   Episode Credits Hosts: Avantika Menon and Emma Gill Special Guest: Hari Krishna Gami Produced and Edited by: Emma Gill Audio Engineering: Matthew Gill Show notes by: Avantika Menon and Camila Pardo Uribe

    Hidden Identities

  8. Jun 29

    Voices in our heads: Explaining the science of self-handicapping

    “Next time you find yourself avoiding the work you should be doing, remember: your values hold the key to success.” – Tom Carbery Are you ever so worried about failing at something that you actively seek out other activities to do instead… and then ‘blame’ those as the reason you fail? You might be 'self-handicapping'. On this episode, UWA psychology student Tom Carbery shares his mini-podcast about self-handicapping with our host, Emma. They discuss how self-sabotaging behaviours can affect academic performance, the psychology behind maladaptive coping strategies, and the importance of self-affirmation. Tom also shares his creative process: why he chose the topic, how he aimed to reduce ATAR students’ anxiety about assessments, what’s good – and not so good – about recording inside a closet, AI tools for podcasting, and the importance of authority, evidence, and appropriate guests when sharing psychological science. “You need to show all parts of the spectrum… the empirical evidence, the case study, as well as the more personal feel. I think that creates the best balance. Self-help advice is great, but you need to have evidence for what you’re saying.” – Tom Carbery Episode links Tom talks about this paper: Steven Berglas and Edward Jones (1978). Drug choice as a self-handicapping strategy in response to noncontingent success. Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 36: 405–417. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-3514.36.4.405 For more information about the consequences of self-handicapping behaviour, check out the SAGE Encyclopedia of Social Psychology: https://sk.sagepub.com/ency/edvol/socialpsychology/chpt/selfhandicapping#_ SciShow Psych cover self-handicapping in this YouTube video: https://youtu.be/d1YYgY0etrU If you or someone you know is living with anxiety or self-destructive behaviour, help is available. Connect with Beyond Blue or your local counselling services: https://www.beyondblue.org.au/ Credits for this episode Episode Host: Emma Gill Special Guest: Tom Carbery Produced & Edited by: Emma Gill Audio Engineering: Matt Gill Show notes by: Emma Gill Audiogram by: Adobe Podcast

    Voices in our heads: Explaining the science of self-handicapping
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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.

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  • Creator
    The SciComm Collective
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    32
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © The SciComm Collective
  • Show Website
    The SciComm Collective