Australian training resources
This website offers you a quick one-stop shop for that sudden media opportunity, or an overview if you’d like to be prepared for the media if they come knocking.
For a more in-depth explanation of how media works and what they are likely to want from you download our general advice tipsheet.
And if you want to get some face to face experience or personal coaching, it’s a good idea to look for services tailored to the needs of science and scientists. Here is a selection of companies that focus on training scientists to work with the media.
Uncanny Media
Uncanny Media is a collective of working journalists. We believe everyone stands to benefit if scientists are better able to explain themselves and their work in the media. Our broadcast training and media performance workshops are designed for small groups or individuals and offer challenging hands-on experience to help scientists become better communicators. Uncanny Media was involved in the development of ScienceMediaSavvy.org
Contact: Annie Hastwell
Ph: 0408 030 662
Email: annie@uncannymedia.com.au
Science in Public
Science in Public holds regular media training courses for scientists in Melbourne, Canberra and Sydney. These courses are fundamentally different to corporate media training. They are designed to help you understand what the media needs to bring your work to life, and to help you work out how to help the media tell your story accurately.
If you’re interested in attending, or have any questions, please contact Niall Byrne – niall@scienceinpublic.com.au or by phone:(03) 9398 1416 or 0417 131 977
Talking Science with the Media, Econnect Communication
Econnect has been running media skills workshops designed for scientists since 1992, both across Australia and internationally. Our workshops are highly practical because we bring in three working journalists, one each from TV, radio and print, to give intensive individual interview practice. The aim is to help scientists take control of their media exposure and get their stories out accurately. Australian Antarctic Division researcher, Miguel de Sala summed it up: “The practice of interviews with journalists was fantastic. I loved the insights from the mind of a news editor.”
Contact: Jenni Metcalfe, phone 07 3846 7111; 0408 551 866; jenni@econnect.com.au
Science Media skills with Julian Cribb & Associates (JCA)
Handling the media well is vital to science today. It influences successful adoption, commercial outcomes, research funding and the public reputation of scientists and their institutions. In JCA’s one-day media skills program researchers share the experience and insights of top Australian science media experts, in the areas of print, TV, radio, the internet and social media. Julian Cribb is an author, journalist, editor and one of Australia’s most experienced science communicators and writers.
Contact: Prof. Julian Cribb FTSE Ph 02 6242 8770 or 0418 639 245 Email: jcribb@work.netspeed.com.au
Science Media Space - Social media training for scientists
Science Media Space gives scientists the practical knowledge needed to use social media to communicate more effectively. This 3-week course from Bridge8 and Econnect Communication shows you how to use popular social media tools so that your communication efforts have more impact. In small private forums you will learn how to create a powerful social media profile, write a perfect blog, compose a retweetable tweet, and use images to engage your audience. You’ll also gain a lot of good tips from popular science bloggers and social media savvy scientists.
For further information or to register for an online course, visit their website.
SciDev.net how-to guides
UK-based SciDev.net brings science and development together through news and analysis. Their website includes a series of practical how-to guides written by experts with tips and support for scientists and researchers as well as journalists, science communicators and policymakers.
SciDev.Net involves a wide range of individuals working together towards common goals across the globe. Their website is a leading source of news, views and analysis on information about science and technology for global development.