Let's Talk SciComm

Being invited to speak with a journalist is both exciting and a little nerve-wracking. In this episode, Jen and Michael chat about how to approach media interviews with confidence while staying in control of your message.

They emphasise the importance of knowing your key points before you begin, while also being prepared for conversations to take unexpected turns. Michael shares a “walking the dog” analogy to capture this balance: having a clear direction, but knowing how to guide things back when needed.

The episode also explores how interviews are often edited into short grabs, making clarity essential, and highlights the importance of setting boundaries when questions stray beyond your expertise.

If you’re preparing for a media interview, this episode offers practical advice to help you stay focused, flexible, and confident.

You can find more great advice here:

• https://sciencemediasavvy.org/

• https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2666869625000016

• https://www.sciencemediacentre.co.nz/wp-content/upload/2014/04/SMC-Desk-Guide-for-Scientists.pdf

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/hs72

Welcome to Season 18 of Let’s Talk SciComm! 

We’re excited to be launching our new season with a fantastic conversation with scicomm guru Emma Donnelly. Emma is a science communication specialist, leadership trainer and coach with more than 25 years’ experience helping researchers and technical experts translate expertise into influence.

She is Manager of Inspiring Victoria at the Royal Society of Victoria, works with the Association for Tertiary Education Management, and runs her consultancy, Comm-it: Training and Communication Solutions. Emma has worked across the higher education sector nationally, including with the University of Melbourne, Monash University, UNSW, the University of Sydney, Curtin University, UWA and RMIT. She’s coached Prime Minister Science Prize winners and been the national FameLab consultant and trainer for several years.

Her work in citizen science, research translation and engagement has been recognised through national and state awards, including the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes and the WA Premier’s Science Awards. Earlier in her career, she brought food science into mainstream media through work connected with My Kitchen Rules, and developed Eat Drink Think, a cookbook and program translating the science of food and flavour for public audiences.

Today, Emma works with founders, scientists, researchers and university leaders to elevate pitching, storytelling, stakeholder engagement and leadership presence. Her warm, inclusive and evidence-based approach has supported thousands of professionals to build confidence, build trust and amplify their impact. Emma believes that great ideas only travel as far as your communication allows them to.

You can follow Emma and find out more about her work here: 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/emmadonnelly1  

• https://www.linkedin.com/company/comm-it-aus/ 

• https://www.youtube.com/@comm-it 

• https://x.com/commitAUS https://www.facebook.com/commitaust/ 

• www.comm-it.com.au

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/2s72

Everyone tells you networking is essential for your career. But what if the idea of walking into a room full of strangers and “working the room” makes you want to hide?

In this short episode, Jen and Michael unpack why networking can feel uncomfortable and how reframing what networking actually is can make it much easier.

Our key message: networking isn’t about collecting contacts or performing in crowded rooms. It’s about building genuine relationships over time.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why it helps to rethink what “networking” really means

• A simple approach to conversations at conferences and events

• Why a short, practiced response to “What do you do?” can make things easier

• How to spot others in the room who might feel just as overwhelmed

• Why humour and honesty can break the ice (“Networking is a bit awkward, isn’t it?”)

• The often-overlooked importance of networking with your own colleagues

Networking doesn’t have to mean working every corner of the room. Sometimes it’s as simple as introducing yourself, asking a thoughtful question, and following up later for a coffee or a conversation.

And remember: most people in the room are probably feeling just as awkward as you are.

You can find more great advice here: 

• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/21-networking-tips-i-just-gave-my-future-bosses-shane-o-leary-7fzwe/

• https://www.comm-it.com.au/training/7-tips-for-easy-and-effective-networking/

• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/networking-tips-early-career-scientists-lessons-from-science-tpfke/

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/cph2

This week we had the pleasure of speaking with Clancy Lester aka "Bee Man" - a nature lover and founder of Bees and Blossoms.

Through growing up on Yorta Yorta Country in regional Victoria, Clancy developed an early fascination with the natural world that later evolved into community-focused biodiversity education through social media and hands-on workshops.

His work empowers young people and communities to engage with local biodiversity, and learn about indigenous knowledge, especially through watching his '7Seasons' documentary.

You can follow Clancy and find out more about his work here:

• Clancy's website: https://beesandblossoms.org/
• Clancy's bee hotel website: https://nativebeehotels.com/
• Clancy's pursuit article: https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/fighting-to-save-our-aussie-bees-one-bee-hotel-at-a-time
• Clancy's ABC news article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-09/bee-hunter-saving-native-species-one-hotel-at-a-time/104881770
• Bees and Blossoms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beesandblossoms.aus/
• Bees and Blossoms LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beesandblossoms/
• Clancy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-clancy-lester/
• 7Seasons documentary Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7seasonsdocumentary/

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/wph2

Everyone keeps telling you to “tell a story” about your research… but what if you genuinely can’t see one?

In this short episode, Jen and Michael tackle one of the most common (and quietly stressful) challenges in science communication: finding the story in your own work.

Their reassurance? If you’re looking for a story, you’re already on the right track.

In this episode, we explore:

• Why story = a problem–solution dynamic

• How to identify the real problem your research is addressing

• A simple sentence starter: “This matters because…”

• The powerful question: “What has changed because of my work?”

• Why your personal motivation might be part of the story

• How brainstorming, sticky notes, conversations (and even AI tools) can help uncover new angles

• Why audience and purpose determine which story you should tell

One research project can contain dozens of possible stories. The trick isn’t finding the story — it’s choosing the right one for the people you’re speaking to.

And most importantly: there is always a story. It might just take a little curiosity and creativity to uncover it.

You can find more great advice here:

• https://reshub.uts.edu.au/whats-on/news/how-nail-your-research-story

• https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/find-hero-energy-story-your-research

• https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsocialsciences/2018/05/21/writing-a-page-turner-how-to-tell-a-story-in-your-scientific-paper/

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/yrs2

This week we spoke with Dr Chloe Lim who is a trained molecular biologist, professional balloon artist, and science communicator with over 20 years of experience in medical research and regulatory science. She is the founder of Twistyfic, where she merges science, storytelling, and balloon art to spark curiosity and inspire young minds through engaging STEAM shows and workshops. Chloe also runs Giggly Wiggly Balloons, delighting audiences with her balloon artistry at events across Canberra. A top 5 finalist on Channel 7’s Blow Up and a TEDx speaker, she brings a unique blend of creativity and fun to everything she does to make science accessible, inclusive, and memorable.

You can follow Chloe and find out more about her work here:

LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchloelim/⁠

Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/drchloelim/⁠ 

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drchloelim/⁠

Website: https://drchloelim.com/ 

TEDx talk: Find your hidden talent and unlock your potential | Dr Chloe Lim | TEDxCanberra 

Blow Up TV show: https://7plus.com.au/blow-up

Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/author/drchloelim

Giggly Wiggly Balloons

Website: www.gigglywiggly.com.au

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gigglywigglyballoons

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gigglywigglyballoons

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gigglywigglyballoons

CALD Voices in STEM podcast

Website: https://drchloelim.com/podcast/

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cald-voices-in-stem/id1702014079

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ekS0zhlfXXIYJ2DCgY4K1

Twistyfic

Website: https://twistyfic.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twistyfic

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twistyfic

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/ysj2

Rejection hurts -  whether it’s a journal decision, a grant outcome, or yet another “unsuccessful” email landing in your inbox. In this short Listen to This If episode, Jen and Michael talk honestly about the emotional rollercoaster of academic rejection, why it’s not a reflection of your worth (or your work), and how to keep going when the disappointment hits hard.

They share practical strategies for making the most of the effort you’ve already put in, learning from feedback (when you’re ready for it!), and normalising rejection as a part of the research cycle, not a personal failure.

If you’re feeling frustrated, deflated, or questioning yourself after a knockback, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why rejection is a normal (but still awful) part of academia

• How low funding rates and high competition skew outcomes

• The importance of venting and feeling miserable - briefly!

• Turning reviewer feedback into your next stronger submission

• Why trying again (and again) really does get easier

You can find more great advice here:

• https://patthomson.net/2020/08/31/dealing-with-rejection/

• https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/how-to-do-academia/202207/coping-with-rejection-in-the-academic-world

• https://researcher-hub.sydney.edu.au/funding/plan-for-funding/reframing-rejection.html

• https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/six-steps-overcoming-setbacks-and-rejection

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/osj2

This week we have a wonderful conversation with Tina Katsaros who is a PhD student at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, working under Dr Sarah Annesley and funded by ME Research UK. She is a cell biologist investigating abnormalities in mitochondrial function, metabolism and signalling in cells from people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). 

Beyond the lab, Tina also has a strong passion for science communication and making research accessible to all. Alongside her research career, Tina has actively promoted both her research and research journey through radio shows, interviews, and blog posts. She has also organised a range of science communication workshops aimed at strengthening oral and written communication skills for researchers. In addition, she has participated in outreach programs such as In2Science and STEMpals, which are designed to encourage primary and high-school students to explore and pursue careers in STEM. Her commitment to clear and responsible science communication has been recognised through multiple awards, including wins in the Visualise Your Thesis (VYT) and 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) competitions. She has also been invited to speak at conferences internationally, delivering oral presentations both nationally and abroad. Tina is a huge advocate for effective science communication and believes science shouldn’t be siloed within academia, but instead be shared openly whenever and wherever possible, and in ways that empower public understanding. 

You can follow Tina and find out more about her work here: 

• https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/tkatsaros 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinakatsaros

• https://x.com/tinakatsaros

• https://bsky.app/profile/tinakatsaros.bsky.social 

• https://www.rrr.org.au/shared/broadcast-episode/29013/898000/1074000

• VYT 2024 Entry: Cause-and-effect in cells from people with ME/CFS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guy6zS9QRxQ

• https://www.meresearch.org.uk/interview-with-tina-katsaros/

• https://www.meresearch.org.uk/research/cause-effect-relationships/

• https://www.meresearch.org.uk/spend-christmas-with-me/

• https://www.meresearch.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Breakthrough_Autumn_2024.pdf

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/5sj2

A 100-word lay summary sounds simple, but getting every word to count is harder than it looks. In this episode, Jen and Michael share practical tips for writing summaries that actually make people care. From finding a strong hook to focusing on impact (not methods), they talk through how to make your research clear, engaging, and accessible for non-expert readers. Perfect for anyone tackling grant applications, scholarships, or research submissions.

You can find more great advice here:

• https://www.elsevier.com/en-au/connect/in-a-nutshell-how-to-write-a-lay-summary

• https://researcher.life/blog/article/how-to-write-a-lay-summary-10-tips-for-researchers/

• https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1500882112

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/z9x2

We’re so excited to welcome you to Season 17 of Let’s Talk SciComm. We have some fabulous episodes in store and can’t wait to share them with you. 

What better way to get the season started than a conversation with the multi-talented Dr James O’Hanlon? James is a scientist, author, artist and communicator with a background in behavioural ecology. He has published over 30 academic papers and his popular science writing has appeared in ABC News, Australian Geographic, The Guardian, and The Sydney Morning Herald. He has travelled around Australia and the globe uncovering the secret lives of insects, spiders and other mysterious animals. If it is small, elusive, and lacks a backbone, James has an insatiable desire to find out what it is and what it does. His debut popular science book “Silk and Venom: The incredible lives of spiders” was released in 2023 through New South Publishing and his public art installations can be found across country New South Wales from Forbes to Boggrabri.

You can follow James and learn more about his work here: 

• https://jamohanlon.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/jamohanlon/

• https://www.facebook.com/jamohanlon/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-o-hanlon-1b817582

• https://unsw.press/authors/james-ohanlon/

Check out all of James’ books here: https://jamohanlon.com/books/

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/9cx2