SciComm Stories

In this week’s episode, Scarlett catches up with the Astrophysicist and Science Communicator Sophie Burley on her time working with the European Space Agency and her travels to Canada during her MPhys year abroad. They explore the nature of awe and wonder in space PR, celebrate the achievements of women in physics and question the weird and wonderful misnomer that is space weather. Disclaimer - may contain space spoilers and some god tier music references.   European Space Agency website: http://www.esa.int/   Sophie’s article in I,Science Issue 48, page 15: https://issuu.com/iscience/docs/iscience_good_v_evil_final__single_page_   Sophie’s video on becoming an astronaut the I,Science YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PRt7Ju5Vf4Q   Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week Chris is joined by Consensus, a rapper and science communicator, who has worked with researchers at CERN to create an album that plays with language and helps explain the secrets of the universe through allegory, humour, and universal ideas.  Consensus talks about his love of music, getting physicists to rap, and how his upcoming album will be used to share cutting edge physics research and bring these ideas into the science classroom.  Consensus website: http://consensus.avr-music.com/Consensus on Bandcamp: ​https://consensus1.bandcamp.comCredits:       Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.   http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177   

Do you have an idea for a book that covers a contemporary science communication issue? This week, Amanda speaks to the editor of a new book series looking for proposals in exactly that area. Dr Clare Wilkinson, as well as editing the series is also an academic in the field and co-directs the science communication unit at the University of the West of England.  Clare explains what kinds of proposals they're looking for,  as well as  gives her insights on some of the current issues we face as science communicators. Book series:   https://bristoluniversitypress.co.uk/contemporary-issues-in-science-communication  Neglected Spaces Collection:   https://jcom.sissa.it/archive/20/01/JCOM_2001_2021_C01  Credits:       Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.   http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177   

This week Chris speaks to an award-winning futurist, researcher, writer, speaker, consultant, and teacher who works in the field of higher education’s future. Bryan Alexander talks to us about the collaborative nature of working as a futurist, how technology will change the face of schools, and the impacts that COVID will have on education.Find out more about at: https://bryanalexander.org/  Join the conversation on the Future Trends Forum: http://forum.futureofeducation.us/   Credits:       Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.   http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177   

In this week’s episode, Scarlett chats with the Vet and Science Communication master’s student Alexia Yiannouli about diversifying in STEM. They discuss Alexia’s work as Editor of one of the UK’s biggest veterinary publications, Vet Report, as they explore the benefits of breaking the mould and translating clinical practice into science journalism.   Vet Report:   https://www.vetreport.net/category/interviews/   I, Science writing competition 2021:  http://isciencemag.co.uk/i-science-writing-competition-2021/   Alexia’s Journo Portfolio:  https://ay00054.journoportfolio.com/  Credits:       Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.   http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177   

What happens when you put a scientist and artist on stage, with no script and let them loose on a topic? That's the recipe for an augmented lecture - a concept born out of the Jet Propulsion Theatre project. This week, join Amanda and Jet Propulsion Theatre Director Andrea Brunello, as they explore how this innovative format can make lectures more evocative, thought-provoking and even trust-inducing.   Jet Propulsion Theatre:  https://www.jetpropulsiontheatre.org/    The Curious Project:  https://www.projectcurious.eu/    Credits:       Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.   http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177   

This week Chris chats to Alice Gray, the brain behind the Mindful of Science blog and Gray Matter youtube channel. Alice talks about her passion for promoting women in STEM and the challenges she has faced building her own science communication platforms as well as the personal challenge of staying creative (and sane) during lockdown.Mindful of Science:  http://www.mindfulofscience.org/  Gray Matter Youtube channel:  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCOTHuvig3KwvKDAjksnkhHw  Inside the petri dish:   https://open.spotify.com/show/16tCJkAO45or2UjId0a51   Credits:       Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license.   http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177   

In this week’s episode, Scarlett chats with Dr. Tom Crawford – a Mathematician, YouTuber and Teacher, known as TomRocksMaths on social media. They explore the stories behind Tom’s maths tattoos and his comedic Naked Mathematician persona and dissect the term ‘infodemic’. This is the second instalment of a two-part series on communicating maths in the modern world. Tom’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomRocksMaths/videos The Tom Rocks Maths website: https://tomrocksmaths.com/ Teddy Rocks Maths Essay Competition: https://tomrocksmaths.com/teddy-rocks-maths/ Follow Tom on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tomrocksmaths?s=20 Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

In this week’s episode, Scarlett catches up with Dr. Tom Crawford – a Mathematician, YouTuber and Teacher, known as TomRocksMaths on social media. They explore maths on the football pitch. the philosophy of maths and the science of black holes. This is part one of a two-part mini-series on communicating maths in the modern world. Stay tuned for more. Tom’s YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/c/TomRocksMaths/videos The Tom Rocks Maths website: https://tomrocksmaths.com/ Teddy Rocks Maths Essay Competition: https://tomrocksmaths.com/teddy-rocks-maths/ Follow Tom on Twitter: https://twitter.com/tomrocksmaths?s=20 Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week Amanda talks to Dr Fergus McAuliffe about his diverse career in science communication. Starting with his success winning the international FameLab competition, we explore what makes an impactful talk. Fergus then tells us about some of the exciting science and arts projects he's done as part of iCrag science centre. From poetry about 'bog bodies', to geological sculptures, to choir music inspired from geoscience! Finally, we learn from his tv and radio work how to target different senses through different platforms.iCRAG Geoscience Centre: https://www.icrag-centre.org/Inception Horizon performance: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=liCuV4U3y-Q10 Things to Know About: http://10thingstoknowabout.ie/Futureproof: https://www.newstalk.com/shows/futureproof-234909 Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week we are joined by Jonathan McCrea, the multi-award winning broadcaster and host of Newstalk’s flagship science programme, Futureproof. Jonathan shares stories about his journey into science communication as well as hints about how to get the best out of your interviews. Chris and Jonathan talk about their love of podcasts and radio and Jonathan gives us a sneak preview of SCI:COM, a virtual science communication conference happening 9-10 March.Futureproof: https://www.newstalk.com/shows/futureproof-234909SCI:COM Conference: https://www.scicom.ie/ Whipsmart Media: https://whipsmartmedia.com/Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

In this week’s episode, Scarlett chats to Dr. Paige Jarreau, Co-Founder of the science and art platform Lifeology and Vice President of science communication at LifeOmic, the precision healthcare software company. They discuss the perception of scientists as being competent but lacking in warmth, the disappearance of the trained science journalist and the ways in which information can be lost in translation from the lab bench to the newspaper article. For more from Dr. Paige Jarreau, click the links below:The Lifeology blog: https://lifeology.io/blog/ LifeOmic precision healthcare: https://lifeomic.com/ From The Lab Bench blog: http://www.fromthelabbench.com/ Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

Join Chris Styles in his first SciComm Stories interview! This week Chris is talking with Dr Melanie Stegman. While working in a Tuberculosis research laboratory as a biochemist, Melanie was also dreaming of finding new ways to connect people with the wonders of biochemistry. She realised there was a link between science and solving puzzles, such as the similarity between discovering answers within science and finding the right path in the adventure video games she enjoyed as a child. This is the untapped potential of science education through video games, not just gamifying lesson plans but creating a truly immersive experience. Learn how Melanie made the move from the lab to creating educational video games with her Molecular Jig Games. Molecular Jig Games: https://www.molecularjig.com/ Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

We're back for season three! And kicking off the new year thinking about environmental activism and how we can reach those who normally don't listen. This is something the team at Incredible Oceans have really focused on, embedding social science into their engagement and training. We speak to the Director Ian Rowlands and Science and Education lead Russell Arnott about how we as science communicators can put this into practice, as well as hearing about some of their fantastic science and arts projects!Incredible Oceans: https://www.incredibleoceans.org/ Siren: https://sirencalling.org/ Beneath the Stream Podcast: https://www.beneaththestream.com/ Kids Against Plastic: https://www.kidsagainstplastic.co.uk/ Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

Get a sneak preview of season three as our hosts Amanda and Scarlett chat about their upcoming episodes - plus a bonus guest!

In this week’s episode, we chat to freelance Producer, Trainer and Science Illustrator Hana Ayoob about how the events industry is adapting to the Covid-19 pandemic. Hana talks to us about her work with the Cheltenham Science Festival and The Talent Factory and what we can learn from the digitisation of events. We explore the benefits of going online to accessibility and flexibility of events programming. Hana’s website: https://www.hanaayoob.co.uk/ Cheltenham Science Festival: https://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/science-/ The Talent Factory: https://showofftalentfactory.wordpress.com/ Why Aren't You A Doctor Yet? Podcast: https://www.smartmaterialcollective.net/whynotadoc Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week we talk to the brilliant director of Science Ceilidh, Lewis Hou. Science Ceilidh started out engaging rural communities with science through traditional Scottish dance. But the term 'Ceilidh' is associated with much more than dancing and similarly, Lewis and his team have expanded their activities into all areas of engagement under the banner of 'social justice'. In this episode we explore what social justice means and how we can embed this into our science communication work. Lewis Hou: https://www.lewishou.com/ Science Ceilidh: https://www.scienceceilidh.com/ Culture and Wellbeing Community Network Scotland: https://www.facebook.com/groups/culturewellbeingscotland Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

In this week’s episode, we chat to the wonderful Simon Clark, known in the world of YouTube for his channel SimonOxfPhys, where he posts regular videos on climate physics, his PhD journey and exploring popular physics questions! Tune in to listen to us chat about the creative power of collaboration, storytelling in science, keeping humanity at the core of your content and the importance of accountability in building public trust in science!Simon’s YouTube channel and latest video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aiZ-ui0lK-U&t=156s SimonOxfPhys website: https://www.simonoxfphys.com/ Simon’s TED talk on ‘Creating videos for digital eyes’: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPZWAFX8YRE Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week we chat to artist and Director of Human Space Flight Operations for the Unlimited Space Agency; Jon Spooner. After dabbling in various science and arts projects, Jon found a way to ‘hack himself into space’, backed by a mixture of scientists, astronauts, and members of the public. This has spiralled into some fantastic immersive projects, theatre shows, escape rooms and interactive missions, all led by the Unlimited Space Agency. Through his anecdotes we explore the importance of being playful with science and how this can lead to engagement, not only of children but also researchers!Unlimited Theatre: https://unlimited.earth/ Unlimited Space Agency: https://unspaceagency.earth/ How to Save the Earth: https://howtosavethe.earth/ Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week we chat to the fantastic Priya Pallan about her work engaging the local community with Imperial College London's new White City campus. Priya has a wealth of experience in building mutually beneficial relationships with the wider public. In this episode, we hear some great tips on how to move from tick-box engagement to having real, long-term impact and the power of coffee conversations! Imperial's White City Community Website: https://www.imperial.ac.uk/white-city-campus/community/ Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week we're back and kicking things off with a chat to the fantastic Wyn Griffiths. Wyn is the co-director of the award-winning science festival SMASHfestUK, which is known as an outstanding example of how community engagement can be done. We talk to Wyn about how a 'co-design methodology' allows this festival to embed itself in underserved communities and achieve broader reach, as well as exploring some of the ins and outs of planning a science festival. SMASHfestUK website: https://smash-uk.org.uk/ Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

Join us for the second part of our interview with maths engagement professional Katie Steckles as we move onto her school activities, her television work and how she's dealing with moving maths engagement online!Katies website: http://www.katiesteckles.co.uk/ The Aperiodical: aperiodical.com Mathematical Objects podcast: aperiodical.com/category/main/podcasts/mathematical-objects/ Talking Maths in Public: talkingmathsinpublic.uk Talking Maths in Lockdown events: talkingmathsinpublic.uk/#tmil Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week we share the first part of our interview with the fantastic Katie Steckles. From Rubik's thumb, to maths busking, to taking maths down the pub with MathsJam. Tune in for engagement tips and some great outreach anecdotes! Katies website: http://www.katiesteckles.co.uk/ The Aperiodical: aperiodical.com Mathematical Objects podcast: aperiodical.com/category/main/podcasts/mathematical-objects/ Talking Maths in Public: talkingmathsinpublic.uk Talking Maths in Lockdown events: talkingmathsinpublic.uk/#tmil Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week we chat to the award-winning STEM Response Team (Dr Martin Khechara, Ellesse Janda, Phoebe Hinton-Sheley and Heather Angell) from the University of Wolverhampton about their mission to make science accessible to local communities and underprivileged parts of the country. With bitesize workshops, theatre shows and STEM-themed Christmas pantomimes, the team enhances the curriculum, bringing a sprinkle of comedy to science. We hear all about inspiring young people to embrace science through the transformative power of higher education. Plus one or two hilarious anecdotes! STEM Response team website: https://www.wlv.ac.uk/schools-and-institutes/faculty-of-science-and-engineering/wlv-stem/stem-response-team/ Credits: Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week we chat to YouTuber Sophie Ward about engaging people through science video. Sophie is the creator of a successful science and comedy channel Soph's Notes as well as a regular on the A Piece of String Podcast. We hear her tips for making engaging videos and building audiences online. Plus one or two helpful mantras!Soph's Notes: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC-Qj80avWItNRjkZ41rzHywA Piece of String Podcast: https://www.stringpodcast.com/Credits:Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week we chat to Rebecca Buttigieg about her work at Esplora Interactive Science Centre in Malta. Rather than education, the centre focuses on inspiring audiences to love science through fun, engaging exhibits and activities. Rebecca talks us through some of those, as well as what the centre has been doing during lockdown and how she's been coping with her work while single-handedly looking after her two children! Later she gives us a performance of her original song: The Science Communicators Lament.Esplora: https://esplora.org.mt/Credits:Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week we talk to Global Science Opera (GSO) founder Oded Ben-Horin about his fantastic initiative. Not only is this a project that brings opera music into the science classroom but it reaches students from multiple continents around the world. We talk to Oded about how the project works and his advice for mixing science with music. We also explore the idea of global classrooms and how we can benefit from moving our science communication to the digital landscape.GSO: www.globalscienceopera.comGSO4School: http://gso4school.eu/Credits:Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week we talk to FameLab champion Dina el Zohiry about her experience of the competition. Dina won the Egyptian nationals in 2016 and reached the semi-finals in the international competition. Since then she has spoken at conferences and events around Europe about the importance of science communication and how to make science talks engaging. We hear about the impact FameLab has had on her career as well as her tips for speaking your mind!Credits:Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week we talk to freelancer Dr Jamie Gallagher about career development in science communication. Jamie has had a varied and exciting career, starting with small activities on the side of his PhD to freelancing as a performer, trainer and consultant. We explore what there is to learn from Jamie's experience, as well as hearing how he managed to get star trek actors wearing some of his enamel pin badges!Later, we discuss training in science communication. Should we be training more researchers to communicate science or do we need more science communication professionals? How are new science communication courses changing the professional landscape? And is there such a thing as too much training?Jamie's website: https://www.jamiebgall.co.uk/Credits:Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week we talk to Dr Jean-Christophe Denis, a public engagement professional at the University of Edinburgh. JC has done some fantastic work engaging the public with the popular universe of Harry Potter, linking science with the magical elements of that world and drawing in new audiences in the process. We chat about how those projects came about and the key features that made them successful.Later, we discuss the potential impact of the Covid-19 pandemic on public engagement support. Will funding be impacted by diminishing budgets? How do we protect ourselves against this?Links to JC's resources can be found on our website: http://scicommstories.com/Credits:Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

This week we talk to Dr Jana Wendler, game designer and lecturer at the University of Manchester. Jana has been designing science-based games since 2015, some of which include large street games where players explore the city with live actors! She has set up the company Playfuel which produces bespoke science-based games for researchers. We chat to her about how she started in science games and some of her tips for designing a science game well.Later, we discuss the use of play as an engagement tool. What are the features of play that make it great for engagement? How can we use these to advantage in our science communication? And on the opposite side, what does it mean to be bored?Jana's company: https://www.playfuel.co.uk/The rest of Jana's links can be found on our website: http://scicommstories.com/Credits:Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177 Super Mario Bros.: The 8-Bit Opera by Jon & Al: The Legolambs Musicalshttps://music.apple.com/us/album/jon-al-the-legolambs-musicals/744949905

This week we talk to Dr Peter Bickerton, resident poet at Thought for Food and Science Communications and Outreach Manager at the Earlham Institute. Peter has run a poetry blog The Juggling Doctor for over a decade and has enjoyed a spotlight in the mainstream media as 'the crazy guy who eats bugs'. Since then he's performed his poetry at numerous public engagement events. We chat to him about how he got involved in all this, his tips for writing poetry, as well as enjoying a performance of a poem from his book: Millennial: a decade of dreams, nightmares and perspective.Later, we discuss the intersection between science and the arts. Are the two fields so different? What can we learn from the arts to benefit science communication? And how can researchers partner with artists to engage people with their research?Peter's blog: https://www.jugglingdoctor.com/The rest of Peter's links can be found on our website: http://scicommstories.com/Credits:Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177

The SciComm Stories podcast is a new series exploring innovative projects in science communication and the people behind them. Each week Amanda will be joined by a science communicator to chat about their work and a general topic in the field. So listen in for an hour every Monday, have a relaxing break and enjoy a new SciComm story!www.scicommstories.comDon't forget to continue the conversation on:FacebookTwitterCredits:Dream of the forest (jazzy mix) by articom (c) copyright 2020 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution (3.0) license. http://dig.ccmixter.org/files/articom/61177