Association of Science Communicators

ASC Q&A: Key Takeaways from the First In-Person Science Talk Conference in Three Years

6/16/2022

An interview with Dr. Kiki Sanford, Dr. Allison Coffin, and Jessica McNellis

ASC Q&A: Key Takeaways from the First In-Person Science Talk Conference in Three Years

The annual Science Talk Conference was held in-person for the first time in three years. Over 140 science communicators came together in Portland, Oregon, with another 160 joining virtually, to discuss improving communication between scientists, policymakers and the public, being more strategic in science communications, and advancing diversity, equity and inclusion in the industry.

Dr. Allison Coffin and Dr. Kiki Sanford from the Association of Science Communicators (ASC), formerly Science Talk, sat down with Jessica McNellis from s2s Public Relations and Communications to breakdown their favorite moments from the 2022 Science Talk Conference, the unexpected challenges organizing a hybrid event, and what they have planned for next year.

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Audience, Empathy, and Messenger: My Takeaways from SciTalk ’22

5/11/2022

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By Scott Hershberger

At Science Talk 2022, hundreds of science communicators from around the world shared their expertise and made new connections. In my previous post, I wrote about my experience meeting fellow science communicators in person for the first time. Today, I’m going to share my personal takeaways from the workshops and talks at the conference. Out of the many good ideas bouncing around at the sessions, I noticed three themes that came up again and again: know your audience, be empathetic, and choose your messenger wisely.

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This Is Our Community: My Experience at SciTalk ‘22

4/22/2022

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By Scott Hershberger

Get a group of science communicators in a room, and you’re in for a fascinating conversation. Extend that gathering for two full days, and you’ll gain insights that will reshape how you approach your work. That was my experience at Science Talk 2022.

I arrived knowing almost no one. My shift from physics and math student to science communicator coincided with the arrival of the COVID-19 pandemic—so after more than two years in the field, SciTalk ’22 was my first-ever in-person conference. Through my AAAS Mass Media Fellowship and previous online conferences, I had met other science communicators, but most of those interactions had been brief. So coming into SciTalk ’22, I was especially eager for the longer, more informal conversations that the conference would foster.

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Science Talk Q&A: Challenges Communicating Basic Science in the Shadow of More Popular Applied Sciences

4/7/2022

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In a special guest Q&A, Science Talk’s Dr. Kiki Sanford sat down with Brooke Smith, Director of Public Engagement with Science at The Kavli Foundation, and Rick Borchelt, Director of Communications and Public Affairs for the Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Science, to talk about key themes discussed during last year’s SciPEP (Science Public Engagement Partnership) Conference and what’s next for the partnership between The Kavli Foundation and the DOE.

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Engagement: Effective Communication Requires Audience Engagement

3/16/2022

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By Brian Palermo, Palermo Improv Training

First principles of communication, science-specific or otherwise, require both a transmitter of information and a receiver. And if you are to be successful then it’s vital to create - and maintain - a connection between the two. The internet contains almost all of the information in the history of our species. But if you can’t connect to it, you get nothing!

But why is it so dang hard to connect with audiences?

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Portland Takes Center Stage in the Debate on Science in the Media and Society as 250 Professional Science Communicators Gather for Science Talk ‘22

3/14/2022

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PORTLAND, OR — March 14th, 2022 — The nation’s only conference for professional science communicators convenes with a growing sense of urgency as science literacy and public opinion of science continues to decline. Science Talk ‘22 gathers in person and virtually at the Tiffany Center in Portland, Oregon from March 23rd to 25th, with a focus on the many ways that science communication connects science to society.

“Science without communication is silent at a time when the course of our world is being decided with an undue suspicion of the science that can save lives, combat climate change, and inform decisions for global good,” said Allison Coffin, Science Talk founding member and executive director and associate professor of neuroscience at Washington State University Vancouver. “We’re joining with other science communicators to ensure we’re never silent, and continue to improve the ways we share scientific findings with the widest audience possible.”

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Doing It: When SciComm becomes a Source of Empowerment

3/4/2022

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By Marley Parker

This post is part of series on "The Many Arms of SciComm" which will introduce concepts and ideas leading up to Science Talk '22. Registration is open until March 16th.

Four years ago today I left my position at UNC Research to start my career as a full-time freelance photographer, videographer, and science writer.

Four years. That’s 1,461 days. It is also exactly a quarter of my adult, professional life.

When I left the comfort and security of my state employee job, I told everyone I was excited. But I was mostly stressed. I experienced a lot of self-doubt and sleepless nights. Venturing out on my own to navigate the world of full-time freelance work was daunting to say the least. Everything was a struggle: making enough money, finding enough work, getting enough sleep, exhibiting enough confidence. I lived off coffee, adrenaline, and tenacity.

Phew. Just thinking about those first few months is exhausting.

But I did it. And I’m still doing it.

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FInding compassionate science communication beyond political divides

2/18/2022

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By Sheeva Azma

This post is part of series on "The Many Arms of SciComm" which will introduce concepts and ideas leading up to Science Talk '22. Registration is open until March 16th.

It’s 7 am and I’ve pulled my second all-nighter this week because I can’t sleep. Over the past two years, the COVID pandemic has slowly became my dystopian, anti-science nightmare. As a science communicator, I often lay awake and think about how much I wish that we weren’t nearing the grim milestone of one million COVID deaths.

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Responsible Science Communication - It’s our responsibility

2/10/2022

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By Dr. Kiki Sanford

This post is part of series on "The Many Arms of SciComm" which will introduce concepts and ideas leading up to Science Talk '22. Registration is open until March 16th.

"If we want our public health system to function better—safer, swifter, in ways that more effectively safeguard the lives and livelihoods of all citizens—it must be rooted not in coercion but in confidence, and not only among the majority.” –Norman Doidge

In my mind, the quote above doesn’t just apply to the public health system. As science communicators, it is our responsibility to translate & communicate scientific findings in such a way that “Science” (with a capital S) inspires confidence among anyone who could potentially be impacted by them. Reaching out to those with differing perspectives with the goal of understanding is essential to truly earning trust, especially among those who have been historically ignored or harmed. Climate, environment, health, technology… all the places where science intersects with society require attention from the science communication community.

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Evangelizing the Cosmos: Science Documentaries and the Dangers of Wonder Overload

12/16/2021

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By: David A. Kirby

The end of December often brings a lot of dormant feelings to the forefront. Winter holidays, breaks from work and school, and the culmination of another year can bring peace, excitement, nervousness, and often…wonder.

Have you ever felt, even subconsciously, wonder with science in popular media? Did you know it’s there for a reason? David Kirby takes us into this world, giving us a cautionary tale and advice. A shortened and updated version of his article is below. You can read his full piece on his blog.

Image: Flickr.com

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<<Previous

ASC Q&A: Key Takeaways from the First In-Person Science Talk Conference in Three Years

Audience, Empathy, and Messenger: My Takeaways from SciTalk ’22

This Is Our Community: My Experience at SciTalk ‘22

Science Talk Q&A: Challenges Communicating Basic Science in the Shadow of More Popular Applied Sciences

Engagement: Effective Communication Requires Audience Engagement

Portland Takes Center Stage in the Debate on Science in the Media and Society as 250 Professional Science Communicators Gather for Science Talk ‘22

Doing It: When SciComm becomes a Source of Empowerment

FInding compassionate science communication beyond political divides

Responsible Science Communication - It’s our responsibility

Evangelizing the Cosmos: Science Documentaries and the Dangers of Wonder Overload

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