Visible or vulnerable?: An exploration of the impacts of – and on – role models

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Visible or vulnerable?: An exploration of the impacts of – and on – role models

Author: Merryn McKinnon – Australian National University, Australia, Australia

Co-authors:

  • Christine O’Connell – Stony Brook University New York; Riley’s Way Foundation, United States

What does a scientist look like? The well documented stereotypical answer to that question is under renewed focus. In recent years many countries have shown considerable attention to equity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). This has seen the emergence of more engagement and development programs drawing upon the use of role models. Arguably this has correspondingly enhanced the potential contribution of science communication and science communicators in transforming the ‘face’ of STEM. The perceived positive influence of role models on women in STEM is the rationale for many initiatives which aim to support the attraction, retention and progression of girls and women in STEM studies and careers. However, recent research suggests making women more visible may also trigger the same stereotypes these role models are meant to address, resulting in making the role models more vulnerable. This presentation will describe the stereotypes that are attributed to women who speak publicly about their work and the potential implications for science communication.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Insight talk
Theme: Transformation

Building Public Understanding of Population Health Science – Insights from a unique new collaboration

Author: Merryn McKinnon – Australian National University, Australia

Co-authors:
Anita Beck – Questacon – The National Science and Technology Ce
Will Grant – Australian National University
Christine O’Connell – Stony Brook University New York
Andrew Pleasant – Health Literacy Media
Samantha Rowbotham – University of Sydney

If science communication theory and practice were applied to population health science, what would happen? This roundtable discussion explores an innovative partnership between the Australian Prevention Partnership Centre and the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at the Australian National University. The first of its kind internationally, this project is attempting to build a new field of population health science communication.

The purpose of public health policies is to keep people healthy and out of hospital. But do the public accept this premise? Indeed, do they think about health policy at all? Population health science aims to provide equitable health outcomes for all publics, but the communication originating from population health tends to focus on policy makers. Science communicators may work with policy makers, but their primary audience are the various publics. This project aimed to blend the two audiences via a variety of internships, producing communication outputs about population health science created by professionals external to population health.

These internships have explored the use of podcasts as a mechanism for telling the stories of the science which underpin policy; how fundamental concepts of public health can be explored via a science centre exhibit, and the sometimes curious relationship between science communication and journalism. This roundtable discussion will explore the utility of ‘population health science communication’ as a field, and the assumptions, barriers and opportunities that were discovered along the way.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Roundtable discussion
Theme: Society
Area of interest: Applying science communication research to practice

Science communication for citizen scientists – Fostering community capacity for environmental leadership

Author: Merryn McKinnon – Australian National University, Australia

Co-authors:
Angela Dean – Australian National University
Jennifer Loder – ReefCheck Australia
Karen Vella – Queensland University of Technology

Reef Check Australia (RCA) has a legacy of citizen science activities, having coordinated and trained volunteers to undertake reef health surveys across Queensland for over 15 years. Through the collaborations with these citizens and partners, RCA has a validated data set on indicators of reef health which can be used to complement traditional research and monitoring. Now, through a new Reef Ambassador community outreach program, RCA aims to develop a more holistic version of citizen science. Can citizens also become effective advocates for the science they do? Can they empower local communities to take action?

Between 2015 and 2017 RCA recruited and trained 37 Reef Ambassadors. Each ambassador attended a workshop which provided training in reef science, science communication and event delivery. After the completion of the workshop, the Reef Ambassadors coordinate or contribute to community outreach events to build community awareness about local reefs and RCA’s work. The Ambassadors also provide information and opportunities to empower local individuals to contribute to reef conservation.

This presentation will outline the key findings from preliminary evaluations of the Reef Ambassador program based on pre- and post-training surveys and interviews with the Ambassadors. To explore the potential impact of outreach activities, short surveys were also conducted with community members who engaged with Reef Ambassadors at events. The results presented here are part of an ongoing program which seeks to translate citizen science into a means of fostering community capacity for environmental leadership. It provides insights into how citizen science and science communication can ‘join forces’ to enact positive outcomes for communities, science and the environment.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Visual talk
Theme: Science
Area of interest: Influencing policies through science communication

Science communication and gender – Challenges, opportunities and stereotypes

Author: Merryn McKinnon – Australian National University, Australia

Co-author:
Christine O’Connell – Stony Brook University

Does gender matter when it comes to science communication? Does the development of science communication skills influence men differently to women? This session will first present preliminary findings of an international research collaboration between the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University and the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at the Australian National University. This collaboration is exploring the potential impacts of gender on the development of science communication skills. One study looked at how communication skills such as empathy and focus, two cornerstones of effective communication practice, manifest differently in men and women. Another involved focus groups and workshops for women in STEM, identifying issues and solutions, and exploring exercises that target self-perception and reframe gender stereotypes.

This session will examine current perceptions and stereotypes in science communication and demonstrate the interactive and engaging exercises used in these studies. These exercises are drawn from well-established improvisation for theatre techniques and grounded in science communication theory and practice. Participants will gain an understanding of their own gendered communication stereotypes, how they may manifest in practice, and perception of others. This workshop will highlight how to make effective choices in how we communicate, as well as identify strategies for empowering effective communication. This workshop is recommended for any science communicator, teacher or trainer of science communication.

The author has not yet submitted a copy of the full paper.

Presentation type: Visual talk
Theme: Science
Area of interest: Influencing policies through science communication

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