Connecting, supporting and growing at the Australian Science Communicators conference

In June, Scientell’s Simon and Cintya made their way to sunny Perth, joining hundreds of scientists, communicators, and journalists from across the nation to talk all things science communication. The 2024 Australian Science Communicators conference was a fantastic event that embodied its theme: connect, support, grow. From engaging keynotes and interactive workshops to insightful panel sessions and lively social events, the conference was a great way to connect with friends and colleagues, old and new.

Conference highlights

One of their highlights was presenting in the SciComm Careers session. In their talk, ‘How to Move from Science to SciComm: 2 Journeys’, Simon and Cintya compared their experiences going from PhD researchers to science communicators (exactly 30 years apart), considering differences and drawing parallels. They discussed what their research backgrounds brought to the table, what they’ve gained from working in the science communication field, and whether it’s possible to do both.

‘We see our journey as one towards science communication, but not one away from science. Understanding the culture and methods of science is important when working with scientists to help increase their impact,’ said Simon.

Their talk encouraged lively discussion amongst the attendees, who shared their own stories and pathways of how they ended up in science communication.

The hands-on workshops were another highlight, particularly the sessions focused on AI and its applications in science communication. In such a rapidly developing field, participants came away with new insights into tools and strategies to enhance productivity and streamline processes.

The panel sessions were equally interesting, highlighting important topics like the role of science communication in enabling human rights, the power of narrative in science communication, and the role of solutions journalism for public good.

Finally, it’s no surprise that in a community of such vibrant and inclusive science communicators, the social events were an absolute blast. From the demo extravaganza to the gala dinner held in the beautiful Hackett Hall at the WA Museum, delegates were amongst great food and even better company.

This year’s Australian Science Communicators conference was a wonderful experience that left the team feeling inspired and energised. It was a reminder of the power of connection, the value of support, and the importance of growth in our profession.

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