Science in Public worked with journalism students at RMIT University to produce a series of radio pieces about the projects supported by the government’s Inspiring Australia strategy.
Their work are being published online at http://inspiringaustralia.net.au/category/rmit/.
The students were asked to choose a story which explores how scientists and communicators across Australia have engaged with the public and inspired their involvement with science.
The brief to students
Science in Public is commissioning you to produce a series of radio pieces about the projects supported by the government’s Inspiring Australia strategy: www.innovation.gov.au/science/inspiringaustralia
However: you do not represent Inspiring Australia or Science in Public. Introduce yourself as an RMIT journalism student.
You should choose a story which explores how scientists and communicators across Australia have engaged with the public and inspired public involvement in science or helped them to understand science.
Your story idea must be approved by Alex Wake and Tamzin Byrne, and your story must meet the technical requirements laid out in your assignment brief.
Your work will be published online on the new Inspiring Australia website at inspiringaustralia.net.au. It’s a work in progress: over the next few months it will grow and change. There may be opportunities to share your work more widely, but we’ll ask your permission for that. You are also free to use your work anywhere you like.
We do not require that your stories be positive, or that they sell any message about Inspiring Australia or Science in Public. Part of the IA project is to foster debate within the science community about how and why we interact with the public. But if you do go in for a big exposé, make sure you back it up with evidence and expert comment. Try to make it a constructive debate-starter, not just a muck-raking effort.
Story ideas
Unlocking Australia’s Potential grants
The federal government in 2012 awarded $5 million to 63 science engagement projects across Australia.
Read more about the grant program.
Browse the full list of grant recipients.
Science in Public was engaged to help announce the grants, and prepared some background information for the media.
National Science Week: 10-18 August
National Science Week is Australia’s annual celebration of science and technology.
Thousands of individuals – from students, to scientists to chefs and musicians – get involved, taking part in more than 1000 science events across the nation.
Inspiring Australia supports National Science Week in a variety of ways, including through the National Science Week Grants Program.
Browse the National Science Week events calendar.
Fresh Science: 22-25 July 2013
Fresh Science is a national competition which helps early-career researchers share their stories of discovery. Twelve early-career scientists present a discovery which hasn’t been picked up by the media.
The 2013 ‘Freshies’ will present their work to the media and the public in late July and early August.
Now in its sixteenth year, Fresh Science is a national event designed to:
- enhance reporting of Australian science
- highlight and encourage debate on the role of science in Australian society
- provide role models for the next generation of Australian scientists.
Read about past Fresh Scientists and their work.
Inspiring Australia expert working groups
Inspirng Australia convened several expert working groups to make recommendations for how the science community operating in specific areas can work together to improve science engagement.
Five reports have been released so far:
- Science and the Media: From Ideas to Action
- Developing an Evidence Base for Science Engagement
- Science Engagement and Tropical Australia: Building a Prosperous and Sustainable Future for the North
- Marine Science: A Story for Australia
- Inspiration from the Deserts
And a sixth will be released shortly on Indigenous engagement with science.
Inspiring Australia state officers
Each state and territory has an Inspiring Australia state officer who supports science engagement activities in their region.