Science with Benefits

Rod Lamberts
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In each episode of Science with Benefits, a different STEMM sector insider shares insights, perspectives and personal stories from their career and life experience.  In conversation with OG science communicator Dr Rod Lamberts*, guests aren't always "the usual  suspects" in STEMM, but they all share one thing: a unique perspective on the sector you haven't heard before. Whether you're en experienced insider or at the beginning of your STEMM career, there's always something interesting on Science with Benefits.  *Rod has been a science communication academic and practitioner for nearly 30 years. Check out his much more NSFW podcast "A Little Bit of Science" wherever you get your podcasts. And stay tuned for a new one coming in late 2026!

  1. 4d ago

    Mark Hutchinson - Pro Vice Chancellor, Research Performance at Adelaide University

    Keywords Mark Hutchinson, research performance, interdisciplinary collaboration, pain research, communication in science, misinformation in healthcare, research impact, leadership in academia, imposter syndrome, work-life balance Summary In this conversation, Rod Lamberts speaks with Prof Mark Hutchinson, the Pro Vice Chancellor of Research Performance at Adelaide University . They discuss Hutchinson's journey to his current role, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in research, and the challenges of communicating complex scientific concepts. Hutchinson shares his insights on pain research, the impact of misinformation in healthcare, and the necessity of translating research discoveries into practical applications. He also reflects on his transition from researcher to leader, the experience of imposter syndrome, and the importance of maintaining a work-life balance. Key Topics Mark Hutchinson emphasizes the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in research.   He believes that communication of complex concepts should not be simplified but made accessible.   Pain is understood as both a biological and psychosocial construct. There is a need for a robust evidence base to test new pain treatments.   Matching treatments to specific types of pain is crucial for effective management.   Hutchinson advocates for curated serendipity in research impact.   He acknowledges the role of imposter syndrome in his professional journey.   Maintaining a balance between work and personal life is essential for well-being.   Hutchinson enjoys British comedies and values family time.   He stresses the importance of storytelling in conveying research impact. Timestamps 00:00 Introduction and Background of Mark Hutchinson 01:32 Transition to Pro Vice Chancellor of Research Performance 03:12 Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Research 06:17 Communication of Complex Concepts 09:07 Researching Pain: Personal Experiences and Challenges 15:18 Misinformation and Disinformation in Pain Management 23:40 Impact of Research: From Discovery to Utilization 28:14 Navigating Leadership and Imposter Syndrome 30:23 Balancing Work and Personal Life

  2. Sep 30

    Liam Smith - Co-founder and Director, BehaviourWorks Australia

    Keywords Behaviour Works Australia, Behaviour Change, Public Good, Social Good, Trust, Ethics, Team Dynamics, Interventions, Challenges, Sustainable Development Goals Summary In this conversation, Liam Smith talks with Rod Lamberts about the work of Behaviour Works Australia, focusing on the importance of understanding behaviour change, the dynamics of team collaboration in behavioural science, and the ethical considerations involved in interventions aimed at public good. The dialogue explores the challenges faced in implementing behaviour change strategies, the significance of trust in these projects, and the ongoing mindset of professionals in the field. The conversation concludes with reflections on the complexities of defining public good and the necessity of addressing systemic issues in behaviour change efforts. Takeaways Behaviour change is a complex and multifaceted field. Understanding the audience is crucial for effective communication. Public good is a contested concept that requires careful definition. Trust is essential for the success of behavioural interventions. Ethical considerations must guide behaviour change efforts. Team dynamics play a significant role in project success. Challenges in accessing expertise can hinder progress. Sustainable development goals are integral to behaviour change initiatives. The mindset of professionals often revolves around identifying change opportunities. Simple solutions to complex problems are often unrealistic. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Behaviour Works Australia 02:49 Understanding Behaviour Change 05:57 Team Dynamics in Behavioural Science 08:56 Challenges in Behavioural Interventions 12:12 Public Good vs. Social Good 15:06 Defining Public Good 20:12 Ethics in Behaviour Change 24:06 Building Trust in Behavioural Projects 27:08 The Constant Mindset of Change 30:07 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  3. Sep 23

    Kate Delmo - Head of Discipline for Strategic Communication in the School of Communication @ UTS

    Keywords strategic communication, public relations, crisis communication, risk communication, trust, uncertainty, higher education, stakeholder relationships, organizational communication, COVID-19 crisis communication, trust, uncertainty, academia, interdisciplinary, personal growth, communication strategies, public relations, impact, decision making   Summary In this engaging conversation, Kate Delmo, head of discipline for strategic communication at the University of Technology Sydney, shares insights into her multifaceted role, the evolution of public relations, and the critical importance of crisis communication. She discusses her journey from media to academia, the complexities of managing stakeholder relationships, and the necessity of proactive communication in times of crisis. The dialogue emphasizes the intertwined nature of risk and crisis communication, the challenges of maintaining trust, and the need for organizations to learn from past crises to improve future responses. This engaging conversation explores the intricate dynamics of crisis communication, emphasizing the importance of trust and uncertainty. Kate shares insights on defining success in academia, balancing work and personal life, and the significance of choices in shaping one's career path. The dialogue highlights the evolving landscape of communication and the need for authenticity and adaptability in crisis situations.   Takeaways ·       Kate Delmo oversees strategic communication degrees at UTS. ·       Her role involves managing academic programs and research. ·       Crisis communication is crucial when organizations face issues. ·       Public relations has evolved beyond its glamorous stereotype. ·       Understanding stakeholders is key in public relations. ·       Crisis communication requires timely and transparent messaging. ·       Organizations often forget to learn from past crises. ·       Trust is built through proactive communication during crises. ·       Short memory can lead to repeated mistakes in crisis management. ·       Apologizing can be a part of effective crisis communication. Trust and uncertainty are intertwined in crisis communication. ·       The initial communication sets the tone for trust during a crisis. ·       Fear of changing messages can hinder effective communication. ·       Crisis communication should prioritize interpersonal communication. ·       Taking a step back simplifies crisis communication strategies. ·       Communication borrows from various disciplines, enhancing its effectiveness. ·       A good day in academia is defined by personal impact and engagement. ·       Balancing work and personal life is essential for well-being. ·       Career paths are shaped by a series of decisions and reflections. ·       Understanding the 'why' behind our work can motivate us through challenges.     00:00 Introduction to Kate Delmo's Role 03:02 The Journey into Strategic Communication 05:58 Understanding Public Relations Today 08:58 Crisis Communication: The Interplay of Risk and Crisis 12:09 The Importance of Proactive Communication 15:03 Trust and Uncertainty in Crisis Management 20:05 Trust and Uncertainty in Crisis Communication 24:45 The Journey into Academia and Crisis Communication 26:41 Interdisciplinary Approaches to Communication 28:38 Defining a Good Day in Academia 30:43 Balancing Work and Personal Life 33:25 Reflections on Choices and Career Paths

  4. Sep 16

    David Waugh - Dean of Health Innovation, Precincts & Partnerships - Adelaide University

    Keywords health research, consumer engagement, university partnerships, impact measurement, science communication, trust in science, cancer research, health literacy, clinical trials, innovation   Summary In this conversation, David Waugh discusses his role in building health research ecosystems at Adelaide University, emphasizing the importance of partnerships, consumer engagement, and effective communication in health research. He reflects on the impact of consumer involvement in research, the challenges of communicating scientific concepts to the public, and the necessity of trust in science. Waugh also shares insights from his experience in cancer research and the importance of history in understanding current challenges in the field.   Takeaways Building partnerships is crucial for health research success. Consumer engagement enhances the impact of research. Effective communication is key to overcoming public skepticism. Trust in science must be earned through transparency. Health literacy is essential for informed public participation. Collaboration between academia and industry drives innovation. Measuring impact involves understanding patient outcomes. Navigating communication challenges requires honesty and clarity. History provides valuable lessons for current research practices. A connected ecosystem can elevate research participation.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to David Waugh's Role 02:59 Building Health Research Ecosystems 05:49 Engaging Consumers in Health Research 09:01 Measuring Impact in Health Research 11:59 Navigating Communication Challenges 15:12 The Importance of Trust in Science 17:54 The Role of History and Personal Interests

  5. Sep 9

    James Harland - Director, STEMM Digital Innovation Hub (HuDINi) @ RMIT

    Rod Lamberts speaks with James Harland, professor of computational logic and director of the STEM hub for digital innovation (HuDIni) at RMIT, about how technologists are at their best when they’re thinking beyond just new-and-shiny tools and focusing on real-world problems. They cover practical uses of virtual reality, mixed reality, robotics, and AI, plus why collaboration with designers, educators, and other specialists matters more than tech evangelism. Key topics In this episode, James Harland explains his role at HuDIni: managing a technical team while also building partnerships across the university, industry, and student communities.He argues for a problem-first approach to innovation: start with a real need, then choose the technology that fits, rather than forcing technology to look for a use.James describes “low hanging fruit” projects such as using virtual tours to improve university orientation and make campus information available year-round.He contrasts that with “high hanging fruit” such as large-scale projects involving remote training, including support for people delivering care and services in places where travel is difficult.The conversation returns repeatedly to the danger of technology evangelism, where enthusiasm for a tool can outrun its usefulness.James says technologists have a responsibility to raise awareness of what is possible without trying to own the solution or dictate the agenda.They discuss how often clients or collaborators think they know the answer before they have fully diagnosed the problem, and how the discovery process usually changes the brief.James gives examples of immersive learning in STEM, including a virtual journey through digestion and interactive 3D teaching for engineering and chemistry concepts.The episode also explores the gap between innovation labs and everyday teaching, especially the cultural and institutional barriers that slow adoption.Later, they turn to trust, arguing that skepticism toward technology is healthy when it is evidence-based, not knee-jerk.James closes with a broader view of history and context, including how technologists need to understand society beyond their own specialty.Timestamps (00:00) Why Rod wanted to talk to James Harland (00:36) What the Houdini hub actually does (01:18) Bringing people together across university silos (02:16) Virtual tours as a simple, practical innovation (03:32) “High hanging fruit” and larger impact projects (05:23) Why technologists should not drive social change (06:23) Selling the possibilities without becoming an evangelist (07:47) The role and risk of tech evangelism (10:30) Why predictions about technology age badly (11:27) Concepts stay, interfaces change (12:51) AI and the pace of technological change (14:17) Why clients often need help naming the real problem (15:56) The same diagnosis problem in science communication (17:14) Digital natives still do not necessarily understand systems (17:43) Speech interaction and underused interfaces (19:05) Creativity as part of technological innovation (20:06) Why designers unlock new uses for tech (21:32) Technologists as collaborators, not lone experts (22:25) Virtual reality for teaching digestion and nutrition (23:51) Turning 2D concepts into 3D understanding (25:36) The challenge of moving from showcase to classroom scale (27:58) Trust in technology, and trust in technologists (30:28) Comfort, familiarity, and learning to use new systems (31:12) Healthy skepticism and the need for evidence (33:47) Old-school teaching, new tools, and what counts as learning (34:16) How quickly “normal” technology becomes invisible (36:30) Resistance to the internet in the classroom (37:17) Why people resist change when the present feels good enough (38:05) Music formats, disruption, and public adoption (39:40) Life outside tech: gardening and singing (40:50) What technologists should learn from history and society (43:14) Acknowledgement of country and long time horizons (44:40) Why technologists should step outside their own bubble

  6. Sep 2

    Elanor Huntington - Deputy Chief Exec, Commonwealth Industrial, Scientific and Research Organisation

    Keywords Elanor Huntington, quantum optics, STEM, leadership, impact, accountability, trust in science, research, engineering, CSIRO STEM, diversity, education, engineering, trust in science, imposter syndrome, cultural challenges, personal growth, safe spaces, community engagement Summary In this engaging conversation, Elanor Huntington discusses her journey from a PhD in experimental quantum optics to becoming a leader in STEM at CSIRO. She emphasizes the importance of practical applications of research, the significance of impact at scale, and the complexities surrounding trust in science. Elanor shares her insights on leadership, accountability, and the need for transparent communication in the scientific community. Rod and Elanor explore the importance of acknowledging mistakes in science and the barriers to diversity in STEM fields. They discuss the cultural challenges faced by students and professionals in engineering, the need for safe spaces, and the impact of imposter syndrome. Elanor shares her experiences in promoting diversity and creating welcoming environments in STEM education. The conversation also touches on personal interests outside of work and the critical issue of trust in science as a societal challenge.   Takeaways Elanor Huntington has a PhD in experimental quantum optics. She emphasizes the importance of practical benefits from scientific insights. Elanor identifies strongly as an engineer, valuing the E in STEM. Her leadership journey was in some ways accidental but driven by a desire for impact. She finds joy in creating opportunities for others to thrive. Elanor believes in aiming for impact at scale in research. She acknowledges the importance of small wins in daily work. Accountability and transparency are crucial for building trust in institutions. Elanor critiques the way universities measure success and impact. She advocates for a better understanding of the scientific method to restore trust.  Admitting mistakes fosters trust in science. Diversity in STEM is crucial for innovation. Cultural barriers impact students' confidence in STEM. Creating welcoming environments is essential for diversity. Imposter syndrome affects many professionals in STEM. Engagement in community activities enriches personal growth. Trust in science is built through personal connections. Problem-solving should drive STEM education. Cultural safety is vital for diverse engineers. Balancing professional and personal interests is important.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Elanor Huntington 00:54 Exploring Quantum Optics 03:07 The Journey to Leadership in STEM 06:11 Impact at Scale: A New Perspective 09:00 Measuring Success and Accountability 11:51 Trust in Science: A Complex Discussion 19:49 The Importance of Acknowledging Mistakes 21:36 Diversity in STEM: Breaking Barriers 23:59 Cultural Challenges in STEM Education 26:05 Creating Safe Spaces for Diverse Engineers 28:41 Imposter Syndrome and Personal Growth 30:28 Balancing Professional Life with Personal Interests 31:33 Trust in Science: A Societal Challenge

  7. Aug 26

    Fabien Medvecky - President, Public Communication of Science & Technology Network (PCST)

    Rod Lamberts speaks with Fabien Medvecky, Associate Professor at the Australian National University and president of the PCST network, about the real work of science communication. They dig into why policy influence is often less about formal submissions and more about relationships, why “trust in science” is a slippery phrase, and how impact can show up in unexpected places. They discuss the difference between science as a field and science as a public debate, the policy “mating ritual” that often surrounds decision-making, and how international context changes everything from engagement styles to terminology. Key topics Fabien Medvecky explains what the PCST network is: an international representative body for science communication that serves both researchers and practitioners.The conversation covers PCST’s advocacy role, including support for academic programs under threat and engagement with institutions when science communication itself is challenged.Fabian traces his path into science communication from philosophy of economics, especially through work on intergenerational justice, climate policy, and the social discount rate.He argues that climate debates are often framed as science disputes when the deeper issues are actually ethics, economics, and distribution.Rod and Fabian discuss why policy submissions often matter less for direct persuasion and more as part of a broader process that legitimizes and enables conversations.Fabian describes policy engagement as a kind of “mating ritual” - awkward, indirect, but sometimes necessary to create the conditions for influence.The discussion turns to impact, with Fabian distinguishing between citation-based academic impact, personal influence, and changes in real-world practice.A New Zealand lake-health project becomes a concrete example of impact: shifting community engagement away from tense town halls toward more effective informal consultation.Fabian warns against assuming science communication methods travel neatly across borders, noting that context, safety, and political conditions shape what works.He challenges the phrase “trust in science,” arguing that trust attaches to people and institutions, not science as a single thing.The episode closes with Fabian reflecting on the need for a broader community across science-related and knowledge-related fields, not just within science communication alone.Chapters  ·      Introducing Fabien Medvecky and the PCST network  ·      What the PCST network does and who it serves  ·      From philosophy of economics to science communication  ·      Climate change as an economics and justice problem  ·      Why public debate often misses the real issue  ·      Policy submissions versus real policy influence  ·      The “policy mating ritual” idea  ·      How Fabien thinks about impact  ·      The New Zealand lake-health engagement example ·      Why town halls can fail and barbecues can work ·      Why context matters in science communication  ·      Is trust in science actually declining?  ·      Why “trust in science” is a category mistake  ·      What PCST does day to day  ·      International differences in science communication  ·      PCST as a truly global network  ·      Food, books, and life outside work  ·      A broader community across science-related fields

  8. Aug 19

    Carissa Bonner - Deputy Director of the Sydney Health Literacy Lab

    Keywords health literacy, risk communication, heuristics, COVID-19, trust in science, implementation science, public health, nudges, shared decision making, health awareness  Summary In this conversation, Rod Lamberts speaks with A/Prof Carissa Bonner about the complexities of health literacy and risk communication, particularly in the context of COVID-19. They explore the role of heuristics and biases in decision-making, the importance of building trust in health communication, and the application of implementation science in public health. Carissa shares insights on innovative communication strategies, the impact of nudges in health behaviour, and the significance of shared decision-making in health interventions. The discussion concludes with personal reflections and future directions in health literacy.   Takeaways Health literacy is crucial for effective risk communication. Heuristics help people process complex health information. COVID-19 highlighted the need for clear risk communication. Trust in health professionals is essential for public health. Implementation science focuses on applying research in real-world settings. Collaborative approaches enhance health research outcomes. Humor can be an effective tool in health communication. Nudges can influence health behavior positively. Shared decision-making respects patient values in health care. Engaging the public is key to improving health awareness.   Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Health Literacy and Risk Communication 02:56 Understanding Heuristics and Biases in Health Decisions 06:04 The Role of Risk Communication in COVID-19 08:57 Building Trust in Health Communication 12:01 Implementation Science in Public Health 15:02 Collaborative Approaches in Health Research 18:01 Innovative Communication Strategies During Crises 20:56 The Impact of Nudges in Health Behaviour 23:53 Shared Decision Making in Health Interventions 27:03 Engaging the Public in Health Awareness 30:00 Personal Insights and Future Directions

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About

In each episode of Science with Benefits, a different STEMM sector insider shares insights, perspectives and personal stories from their career and life experience.  In conversation with OG science communicator Dr Rod Lamberts*, guests aren't always "the usual  suspects" in STEMM, but they all share one thing: a unique perspective on the sector you haven't heard before. Whether you're en experienced insider or at the beginning of your STEMM career, there's always something interesting on Science with Benefits.  *Rod has been a science communication academic and practitioner for nearly 30 years. Check out his much more NSFW podcast "A Little Bit of Science" wherever you get your podcasts. And stay tuned for a new one coming in late 2026!

Information

  • Creator
    Rod Lamberts
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    15
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Science with Benefits
  • Show Website
    Science with Benefits