Amplifying Research

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/20-jo-antoniades 

Today’s episode is a deep dive with Dr Jo Antoniades on how to conduct community engagement that builds real and authentic trust.

Jo is a Senior Research Fellow at the National Aging Research Institute in the Division of Social Gerontology, and is a colleague of Professor Bianca Narth, who featured in episode 14.

In today’s episode, we expand on that discussion by delving into the intricacies of co-designing with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

We explore why it’s crucial to involve community members right from the start, how to build authentic relationships, and the logistical challenges researchers might face. Jo shares invaluable insights on maintaining long-term relationships, the power of using the right language, and why employing bilingual research assistants can make a significant difference.

If you’re interested in enhancing your community engagement, this episode is packed with wisdom and practical tips you can start applying today!

The importance of involving community members from the beginning of the research process

Strategies for making the first contact with multicultural communities

Building authentic and long-lasting relationships with community partners

Practical tips for overcoming logistical challenges in community engagement

The importance of understanding the motivations of partner organisations

Ensuring mutual benefit in community-researcher collaborations

The role of language and terminology in effective communication

Ethical considerations in engaging with diverse communities

The benefits of employing bilingual research assistants to bridge cultural gaps

Approaches for maintaining trust and ongoing relationships with community partners

Best practices for co-designing research projects with culturally and linguistically diverse communities.

LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/josefine-antoniades-77a74b67

NARI — https://www.nari.net.au/dr-josefine-antoniades

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/19-megan-munsie

Today’s episode is a deep dive with Prof Megan Munsie on “owning your research” — taking control over the way your research is presented and discussed in public forums.

Megan is a renowned expert in stem cell research who has dedicated her career to exploring the ethical, legal, and social implications of this cutting-edge field. She currently works with the University of Melbourne, Murdoch Children's Research Institute, and the Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Medicine. She’s also a board member of the International Society for Stem Cell Research, the current president of the Australasian Society of Stem Cell Research, and her work has influenced policy reforms and the development of educational resources for over a decade.

In our conversation, we use the development of stem cell research as an example to explore why its so important to “own your research” and find the right balance between hype and hope.

Whether you’re a veteran working in a controversial research field, or an ECR just getting started with comms and engagement, if you’ve ever been frustrated by the significance of your work either being overhyped or underplayed, this episode is a must-listen!

Proactively managing the narrative around your research

Tailoring your message for different audiences

Strategies for early career researchers to build confidence in public engagement

The role of mentorship and collaboration in shaping a research career

Managing the story of your career

Stakeholder mapping

Techniques for effective science communication and public engagement

Engaging with controversial research topics responsibly

LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/megan-munsie-27013136

University of Melbourne — https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/379400-megan-munsie

Murdoch Children’s Research Institute — https://www.mcri.edu.au/researcher-details/megan-munsie

Chris Pahlow on LinkedIn

Amplifying Research

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips, on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/18-geoff-paine

Today's episode is a deep dive with Geoff Paine, senior content curator at BehaviourWorks Australia.

Geoff is an actor and writer who’s entertainment industry experience includes acting on shows like Neighbours and running a studio producing corporate content for major Australian organisations. He now brings his wealth of experience to BehaviourWorks Australia, focusing on creating engaging and impactful content.

In this episode, Geoff shares insights on how to design interactive experiences for impactful engagement. Drawing on his extensive background in storytelling and performance, he discusses the importance of making research communication engaging, interactive, and memorable. Geoff provides practical tips and innovative strategies for researchers to enhance their presentations and public engagements.

Whether you're a researcher, educator, or professional communicator, this episode is packed with valuable insights on using interactivity to drive engagement and impact!

Practical tips for making complex research accessible and engaging

Designing interactive elements to enhance presentations and workshops

Techniques for storytelling and theatrical methods to engage audiences

Practical steps for planning and delivering interactive presentations

The importance of vulnerability in effective communication

Strategies for overcoming public speaking anxiety

Conducting simulation training for behaviour change within organisations

https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-paine-5ba0248

https://www.behaviourworksaustralia.org/team/geoff-paine

https://www.monash.edu/msdi/about/people/professional/geoff-paine

Chris Pahlow on LinkedIn

Amplifying Research

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips, on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/17-bonnie-johnson-and-anna-dennis

Today's episode is a deep dive with Bonnie Johnson and Anna Dennis from the Academy of Social Sciences.

Bonnie is the Academy's Communications Director with over 15 years of diverse experience in comms and marketing, specialising in not-for-profits. Anna is the Academy's Communications Manager with an honours in sociology and experience in the NGO space.

Over the last four years, Bonnie and Anna have achieved incredible things for the Academy, including the Seriously Social podcast reaching more than 100,000 downloads in three years and increasing the Academy's newsletter open rate from 12% to 47%.

In this episode, we use these initiatives as case studies to explore how Bonnie and Anna transformed the comms and engagement approach at the Academy of Social Sciences.

Whether you're the leader of a research org, a professional staff member, or an individual researcher, this episode is packed with actionable insights for boosting your reach!

Setting clear goals for communications strategies

Identifying and understanding your target audience

Developing effective newsletters with high open rates

Creating and refining podcast content

Building and managing an effective communications team

Building trust in comms roles

Implementing and adapting communications strategies

Tracking metrics and providing regular progress reports

Leveraging technology and tools for efficient communication

https://socialsciences.org.au

[email protected]

Chris Pahlow on LinkedIn

Amplifying Research

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/16-prof-greg-ogrady

Today’s episode is a deep dive with Prof Greg O’Grady, a professor of surgery at the University of Auckland who has successfully made the transition from academia to the world of startups.

Greg is the co-founder and CEO of Allimetry. We previously had Hanie Yee, Allimetry's COO, on the show to discuss the nuts and bolts of research commercialization. Building on that discussion, Greg gives us a first-person account of what it was like to make the move, and shares invaluable insights about navigating the unique challenges and opportunities that come with bringing academic innovations to the commercial market.

If you're an academic contemplating a venture into the startup space, this episode is a must-listen!

Our conversation covers:

Challenges and strategies for academics transitioning to the startup environment

Communicating your vision clearly and persuasively to potential investors.

Early market validation to guide product development

Finding and defining your company's narrative.

Tailoring your messages to meet the specific needs and perspectives of various stakeholders.

Techniques to motivate and align your team towards common goals

Celebrating wins and maintaining morale within the team.

Adopting a quarterly approach to strategy to stay agile and responsive.

The benefits and challenges of having a co-founder.

Tracking metrics and keeping the team updated with regular progress reports

Find Greg online:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/greg-o-grady-b9520353

https://profiles.auckland.ac.nz/greg-ogrady

https://www.alimetry.com/our-team

Find Chris Pahlow online:

Chris Pahlow on LinkedIn

Amplifying Research

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/15-elizabeth-davie

Today’s episode is a deep dive with Elizabeth Davie, the coordinator of the University of Melbourne’s Complex Human Data Hub and an accomplished comedy performer, director, and teacher.

Elizabeth shares her insights on the critical role of playfulness in research communication and engagement. She brings unique perspectives from her experience in clowning, improv, and stand-up comedy, emphasising how these art forms can transform workplace culture and enhance researchers’ communication skills.

Join us as we explore how playfulness can lead to more authentic, engaging, and memorable research presentations and why it’s essential to incorporate fun into our professional lives.

Our conversation covers:

The role of playfulness in professional settings and why it matters.

Elizabeth’s journey into clowning and how it influenced her approach to teaching and communication.

Practical tips for researchers to get comfortable with failure and use it to their advantage.

Techniques for becoming more present during presentations — including breathing, how to deal with nervous energy, and what to do right before you step on stage.

How to be playful about serious topics.

The importance of curiosity and how to foster it in your daily work.

Strategies for incorporating play and fun into research organizations to improve team dynamics and productivity.

Elizabeth’s insights on creating engaging and effective communication through humor and play.

Find Elizabeth Davie online:

Elizabeth’s Website

Elizabeth’s Online Stand-Up Skillshare Course

Find Chris Pahlow online:

Chris Pahlow on LinkedIn

Amplifying Research

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/14-prof-bianca-brijnath

Today's episode is a deep dive with Professor Bianca Brijnath, the director of social gerontology at the National Aging Research Institute.

With over $24 million in research funding, much of it focused on cultural diversity, Professor Brijnath leads the Moving Pictures project, the largest website in the world for curating multilingual resources about dementia in various formats, from videos to comics.

Our conversation explores the critical importance of engaging with culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) audiences in research dissemination. Bianca also shares insights on the benefits of using different mediums and the significance of co-designing with your audiences to achieve meaningful and impactful communication.

Our conversation covers:

The importance of engaging with CALD communities

Benefits of co-designing with communities

Responding to feedback from different cohorts

Managing iterations in project development

How institutions can engage more with multicultural communities

Choosing the right medium for your message

Starting with the community for impactful communication

The significance of inclusive science and messaging

Find Prof Bianca Brijnath online:

Bianca Brijnath on LinkedIn

National Aging Research Institute

Find Chris online:

Chris Pahlow on LinkedIn

Amplifying Research Website

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/13-dr-yee-lian-chew-on-becoming-the-worm-lady-and-comms-advice-for-emcrs

Today's episode is a deep dive with Dr Yee Lian Chew.

If you google her, you're likely to come across left-of-field descriptions like Worm Wrangler, Worm Nerd, and Worm Lady — because she's the head of the Chew Worm Lab at the Flinders Health and Medical Research Institute.

In addition to her day job, she's a passionate science communicator. She was part of the superstars of STEM  2022 cohort. She's appeared on ABC Science and given public lectures at great events like National Science Week. 

Today, we're going to be exploring Yee Lian's experience as an EMCR who's passionate about building communication skills, both in terms of comms and engagement efforts with the public as well as in terms of becoming a leader in research.

Our conversation covers: 

Becoming "the worm lady"

Tapping into people's curiosity

Finding the joy in your science

Defining and following your values

Investing in being a better communicator

Institutional support for science communication

Communicating about basic research and the scientific process

Making your science relatable

Uniting your team

Embracing feedback

And a whole lot more...

Find Dr Yee Lian Chew online:

• https://www.flinders.edu.au/people/yeelian.chew

Chris Pahlow on LinkedIn

Amplifying Research

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/12-dr-mark-boulet

Today's episode is a deep dive with Dr Mark Boulet.

Mark is the Environment Portfolio Lead for BehaviourWorks Australia, which is based in the Monash Sustainable Development Institute, and it's the largest applied behaviour change research unit in Australia.

So far on this show, we've talked a lot about communicating and engaging with different types of stakeholders and audiences. But it's one thing to get people to understand your research, to know something new, but what if you want them to do something new? What if you want to actually change their behavior?

This is exactly what Mark and I discussed in today's episode.

Our conversation covers:

Changing behaviour ≠ increasing understanding

A 101 breakdown of behaviour change

Changing the behaviour of a group of people

Being more targeted

Taking advantage of industry partnerships

How institutions can help

When to call in the experts

Find Dr Mark Boulet online:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-boulet-78a65846/?originalSubdomain=au

Resources:

• BehaviourWorks INSPIRE framework
  

Chris Pahlow on LinkedIn

Amplifying Research

Credits:

Hosted and produced by Chris Pahlow

Edited by Laura Carolina Corrigan

Consulting Producers Maia Tarrell and Michelle Joy

Quotes:

"I think even a researcher just taking a little bit of time to inform themselves around how humans tick can give them some insights around how they communicate their research. And that's really at the heart of it."

"One of the things that we often say at Behaviour Works, particularly when we're working with research partners or when we're teaching courses is, you are not your target audience. What motivates you is more than likely not gonna motivate the people that you're engaging with..."

"If you want someone to take up a behaviour, make it easy for them to do so. Make it attractive so they can see the benefits to themselves. Make it social and make it timely."

"It could even be being a little bit more target about when people may actually be paying attention to the thing that you're interested in... This is why a lot of groups talk to people about a particular issue on days, you know, biodiversity day or forest appreciation day or all that sort of stuff. It's because you know that you've got a greater chance of talking to people about your issue when they're actually paying attention to it. "

"We often talk about, we need to create culture shift within an organisation or we need to create a social norm around this sort of thing. You can't create a social norm within a day, right? A social norm is a cumulative thing. And I would say that's the same thing with amplifying research, right? It's a cumulative thing. And most of your guests, you know, when you listen to their stories, it's been repeated attempts to engage, and then as a result, they've had an impact, right? And it's been a big, exciting impact, but it's very rarely just, wow, they just got up one morning and thought I'm going to be really impactful, right?"

"Sometimes with these research partnerships, and suspect it's also when it comes to questions around communicating and amplifying research, we need to take our research hats off sometimes... And realise that the things that motivate your colleagues in the discipline, the things that motivate the reviewers of your papers, the arguments that you have and the things that make you get very excited at conferences are probably the things that are going to bore and annoy the people that are outside of your discipline."

"As a general idea, you know, even being a little bit more nuanced in how universities see and define impact could be helpful. You know, we have this sort of general expectation that we need to be impactful, but what does that mean? Is impactful a conversation article that you've had half a dozen comments on? Or is being impactful the fact that you've worked with a community organisation for two years and you've generated a number of useful reports for them? A little bit more nuance around how we understand and define impact within the university sector, and then obviously how we recognise it... I think the university sector and the research sector talks good game around impact. And yet still it's the traditional metrics of research income and publication that gets you promoted."

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/11-amy-bugeja

Today's episode is a deep dive with Amy Bugeja, Manager of Engagement and Strategy at the Contemplative Studies Centre at the University of Melbourne.

In 2019 the University awarded her the Excellence in Engagement award for the development of PsychTalks, the Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences forum for ideas and discussion.

Our conversation covers:

The importance of engagement

Attracting donors

The importance of close relationships between researchers and comms/engagement staff

Using different formats/mediums for different types of people

Communicating your team's mission

Interdisciplinary communication and collaboration

The benefits of decentralising support teams

Find Amy Bugeja online:

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/amy-bugeja-0151412b

Find Chris online:

• https://www.amplifyingresearch.com