Keywords

strategic communication, public relations, crisis communication, risk communication, trust, uncertainty, higher education, stakeholder relationships, organizational communication, COVID-19 crisis communication, trust, uncertainty, academia, interdisciplinary, personal growth, communication strategies, public relations, impact, decision making

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Kate Delmo, head of discipline for strategic communication at the University of Technology Sydney, shares insights into her multifaceted role, the evolution of public relations, and the critical importance of crisis communication. She discusses her journey from media to academia, the complexities of managing stakeholder relationships, and the necessity of proactive communication in times of crisis. The dialogue emphasizes the intertwined nature of risk and crisis communication, the challenges of maintaining trust, and the need for organizations to learn from past crises to improve future responses. This engaging conversation explores the intricate dynamics of crisis communication, emphasizing the importance of trust and uncertainty. Kate shares insights on defining success in academia, balancing work and personal life, and the significance of choices in shaping one's career path. The dialogue highlights the evolving landscape of communication and the need for authenticity and adaptability in crisis situations.

Takeaways

·       Kate Delmo oversees strategic communication degrees at UTS.

·       Her role involves managing academic programs and research.

·       Crisis communication is crucial when organizations face issues.

·       Public relations has evolved beyond its glamorous stereotype.

·       Understanding stakeholders is key in public relations.

·       Crisis communication requires timely and transparent messaging.

·       Organizations often forget to learn from past crises.

·       Trust is built through proactive communication during crises.

·       Short memory can lead to repeated mistakes in crisis management.

·       Apologizing can be a part of effective crisis communication. Trust and uncertainty are intertwined in crisis communication.

·       The initial communication sets the tone for trust during a crisis.

·       Fear of changing messages can hinder effective communication.

·       Crisis communication should prioritize interpersonal communication.

·       Taking a step back simplifies crisis communication strategies.

·       Communication borrows from various disciplines, enhancing its effectiveness.

·       A good day in academia is defined by personal impact and engagement.

·       Balancing work and personal life is essential for well-being.

·       Career paths are shaped by a series of decisions and reflections.

·       Understanding the 'why' behind our work can motivate us through challenges.

00:00 Introduction to Kate Delmo's Role

03:02 The Journey into Strategic Communication

05:58 Understanding Public Relations Today

08:58 Crisis Communication: The Interplay of Risk and Crisis

12:09 The Importance of Proactive Communication

15:03 Trust and Uncertainty in Crisis Management

20:05 Trust and Uncertainty in Crisis Communication

24:45 The Journey into Academia and Crisis Communication

26:41 Interdisciplinary Approaches to Communication

28:38 Defining a Good Day in Academia

30:43 Balancing Work and Personal Life

33:25 Reflections on Choices and Career Paths

Keywords

health research, consumer engagement, university partnerships, impact measurement, science communication, trust in science, cancer research, health literacy, clinical trials, innovation

Summary

In this conversation, David Waugh discusses his role in building health research ecosystems at Adelaide University, emphasizing the importance of partnerships, consumer engagement, and effective communication in health research. He reflects on the impact of consumer involvement in research, the challenges of communicating scientific concepts to the public, and the necessity of trust in science. Waugh also shares insights from his experience in cancer research and the importance of history in understanding current challenges in the field.

Takeaways

Building partnerships is crucial for health research success.

Consumer engagement enhances the impact of research.

Effective communication is key to overcoming public skepticism.

Trust in science must be earned through transparency.

Health literacy is essential for informed public participation.

Collaboration between academia and industry drives innovation.

Measuring impact involves understanding patient outcomes.

Navigating communication challenges requires honesty and clarity.

History provides valuable lessons for current research practices.

A connected ecosystem can elevate research participation.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to David Waugh's Role

02:59 Building Health Research Ecosystems

05:49 Engaging Consumers in Health Research

09:01 Measuring Impact in Health Research

11:59 Navigating Communication Challenges

15:12 The Importance of Trust in Science

17:54 The Role of History and Personal Interests

Rod Lamberts speaks with James Harland, professor of computational logic and director of the STEM hub for digital innovation (HuDIni) at RMIT, about how technologists are at their best when they’re thinking beyond just new-and-shiny tools and focusing on real-world problems. They cover practical uses of virtual reality, mixed reality, robotics, and AI, plus why collaboration with designers, educators, and other specialists matters more than tech evangelism.

Key topics

• In this episode, James Harland explains his role at HuDIni: managing a technical team while also building partnerships across the university, industry, and student communities.
• He argues for a problem-first approach to innovation: start with a real need, then choose the technology that fits, rather than forcing technology to look for a use.
• James describes “low hanging fruit” projects such as using virtual tours to improve university orientation and make campus information available year-round.
• He contrasts that with “high hanging fruit” such as large-scale projects involving remote training, including support for people delivering care and services in places where travel is difficult.
• The conversation returns repeatedly to the danger of technology evangelism, where enthusiasm for a tool can outrun its usefulness.
• James says technologists have a responsibility to raise awareness of what is possible without trying to own the solution or dictate the agenda.
• They discuss how often clients or collaborators think they know the answer before they have fully diagnosed the problem, and how the discovery process usually changes the brief.
• James gives examples of immersive learning in STEM, including a virtual journey through digestion and interactive 3D teaching for engineering and chemistry concepts.
• The episode also explores the gap between innovation labs and everyday teaching, especially the cultural and institutional barriers that slow adoption.
• Later, they turn to trust, arguing that skepticism toward technology is healthy when it is evidence-based, not knee-jerk.
• James closes with a broader view of history and context, including how technologists need to understand society beyond their own specialty.

Timestamps

(00:00) Why Rod wanted to talk to James Harland
(00:36) What the Houdini hub actually does
(01:18) Bringing people together across university silos
(02:16) Virtual tours as a simple, practical innovation
(03:32) “High hanging fruit” and larger impact projects
(05:23) Why technologists should not drive social change
(06:23) Selling the possibilities without becoming an evangelist
(07:47) The role and risk of tech evangelism
(10:30) Why predictions about technology age badly
(11:27) Concepts stay, interfaces change
(12:51) AI and the pace of technological change
(14:17) Why clients often need help naming the real problem
(15:56) The same diagnosis problem in science communication
(17:14) Digital natives still do not necessarily understand systems
(17:43) Speech interaction and underused interfaces
(19:05) Creativity as part of technological innovation
(20:06) Why designers unlock new uses for tech
(21:32) Technologists as collaborators, not lone experts
(22:25) Virtual reality for teaching digestion and nutrition
(23:51) Turning 2D concepts into 3D understanding
(25:36) The challenge of moving from showcase to classroom scale
(27:58) Trust in technology, and trust in technologists
(30:28) Comfort, familiarity, and learning to use new systems
(31:12) Healthy skepticism and the need for evidence
(33:47) Old-school teaching, new tools, and what counts as learning
(34:16) How quickly “normal” technology becomes invisible
(36:30) Resistance to the internet in the classroom
(37:17) Why people resist change when the present feels good enough
(38:05) Music formats, disruption, and public adoption
(39:40) Life outside tech: gardening and singing
(40:50) What technologists should learn from history and society
(43:14) Acknowledgement of country and long time horizons
(44:40) Why technologists should step outside their own bubble

Keywords

Elanor Huntington, quantum optics, STEM, leadership, impact, accountability, trust in science, research, engineering, CSIRO STEM, diversity, education, engineering, trust in science, imposter syndrome, cultural challenges, personal growth, safe spaces, community engagement

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Elanor Huntington discusses her journey from a PhD in experimental quantum optics to becoming a leader in STEM at CSIRO. She emphasizes the importance of practical applications of research, the significance of impact at scale, and the complexities surrounding trust in science. Elanor shares her insights on leadership, accountability, and the need for transparent communication in the scientific community. Rod and Elanor explore the importance of acknowledging mistakes in science and the barriers to diversity in STEM fields. They discuss the cultural challenges faced by students and professionals in engineering, the need for safe spaces, and the impact of imposter syndrome. Elanor shares her experiences in promoting diversity and creating welcoming environments in STEM education. The conversation also touches on personal interests outside of work and the critical issue of trust in science as a societal challenge.

Takeaways

Elanor Huntington has a PhD in experimental quantum optics.

She emphasizes the importance of practical benefits from scientific insights.

Elanor identifies strongly as an engineer, valuing the E in STEM.

Her leadership journey was in some ways accidental but driven by a desire for impact.

She finds joy in creating opportunities for others to thrive.

Elanor believes in aiming for impact at scale in research.

She acknowledges the importance of small wins in daily work.

Accountability and transparency are crucial for building trust in institutions.

Elanor critiques the way universities measure success and impact.

She advocates for a better understanding of the scientific method to restore trust.  Admitting mistakes fosters trust in science.

Diversity in STEM is crucial for innovation.

Cultural barriers impact students' confidence in STEM.

Creating welcoming environments is essential for diversity.

Imposter syndrome affects many professionals in STEM.

Engagement in community activities enriches personal growth.

Trust in science is built through personal connections.

Problem-solving should drive STEM education.

Cultural safety is vital for diverse engineers.

Balancing professional and personal interests is important.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Elanor Huntington

00:54 Exploring Quantum Optics

03:07 The Journey to Leadership in STEM

06:11 Impact at Scale: A New Perspective

09:00 Measuring Success and Accountability

11:51 Trust in Science: A Complex Discussion

19:49 The Importance of Acknowledging Mistakes

21:36 Diversity in STEM: Breaking Barriers

23:59 Cultural Challenges in STEM Education

26:05 Creating Safe Spaces for Diverse Engineers

28:41 Imposter Syndrome and Personal Growth

30:28 Balancing Professional Life with Personal Interests

31:33 Trust in Science: A Societal Challenge

Rod Lamberts speaks with Fabien Medvecky, Associate Professor at the Australian National University and president of the PCST network, about the real work of science communication. They dig into why policy influence is often less about formal submissions and more about relationships, why “trust in science” is a slippery phrase, and how impact can show up in unexpected places. They discuss the difference between science as a field and science as a public debate, the policy “mating ritual” that often surrounds decision-making, and how international context changes everything from engagement styles to terminology.

Key topics

• Fabien Medvecky explains what the PCST network is: an international representative body for science communication that serves both researchers and practitioners.
• The conversation covers PCST’s advocacy role, including support for academic programs under threat and engagement with institutions when science communication itself is challenged.
• Fabian traces his path into science communication from philosophy of economics, especially through work on intergenerational justice, climate policy, and the social discount rate.
• He argues that climate debates are often framed as science disputes when the deeper issues are actually ethics, economics, and distribution.
• Rod and Fabian discuss why policy submissions often matter less for direct persuasion and more as part of a broader process that legitimizes and enables conversations.
• Fabian describes policy engagement as a kind of “mating ritual” - awkward, indirect, but sometimes necessary to create the conditions for influence.
• The discussion turns to impact, with Fabian distinguishing between citation-based academic impact, personal influence, and changes in real-world practice.
• A New Zealand lake-health project becomes a concrete example of impact: shifting community engagement away from tense town halls toward more effective informal consultation.
• Fabian warns against assuming science communication methods travel neatly across borders, noting that context, safety, and political conditions shape what works.
• He challenges the phrase “trust in science,” arguing that trust attaches to people and institutions, not science as a single thing.
• The episode closes with Fabian reflecting on the need for a broader community across science-related and knowledge-related fields, not just within science communication alone.

Chapters 

·      Introducing Fabien Medvecky and the PCST network 

·      What the PCST network does and who it serves 

·      From philosophy of economics to science communication 

·      Climate change as an economics and justice problem 

·      Why public debate often misses the real issue 

·      Policy submissions versus real policy influence 

·      The “policy mating ritual” idea 

·      How Fabien thinks about impact 

·      The New Zealand lake-health engagement example

·      Why town halls can fail and barbecues can work

·      Why context matters in science communication 

·      Is trust in science actually declining? 

·      Why “trust in science” is a category mistake 

·      What PCST does day to day 

·      International differences in science communication 

·      PCST as a truly global network 

·      Food, books, and life outside work 

·      A broader community across science-related fields

 Keywords

health literacy, risk communication, heuristics, COVID-19, trust in science, implementation science, public health, nudges, shared decision making, health awareness

 Summary

In this conversation, Rod Lamberts speaks with A/Prof Carissa Bonner about the complexities of health literacy and risk communication, particularly in the context of COVID-19. They explore the role of heuristics and biases in decision-making, the importance of building trust in health communication, and the application of implementation science in public health. Carissa shares insights on innovative communication strategies, the impact of nudges in health behaviour, and the significance of shared decision-making in health interventions. The discussion concludes with personal reflections and future directions in health literacy.

Takeaways

Health literacy is crucial for effective risk communication.

Heuristics help people process complex health information.

COVID-19 highlighted the need for clear risk communication.

Trust in health professionals is essential for public health.

Implementation science focuses on applying research in real-world settings.

Collaborative approaches enhance health research outcomes.

Humor can be an effective tool in health communication.

Nudges can influence health behavior positively.

Shared decision-making respects patient values in health care.

Engaging the public is key to improving health awareness.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Health Literacy and Risk Communication

02:56 Understanding Heuristics and Biases in Health Decisions

06:04 The Role of Risk Communication in COVID-19

08:57 Building Trust in Health Communication

12:01 Implementation Science in Public Health

15:02 Collaborative Approaches in Health Research

18:01 Innovative Communication Strategies During Crises

20:56 The Impact of Nudges in Health Behaviour

23:53 Shared Decision Making in Health Interventions

27:03 Engaging the Public in Health Awareness

30:00 Personal Insights and Future Directions

Keywords

science communication, misinformation, disinformation, media relations, public understanding, uncertainty, science media centres, symposium, evidence-based reporting, public health health misinformation, science communication, trust in science, misinformation solutions, AI in science, public understanding of science, media literacy, combating disinformation, evidence-based research, science literacy

Summary

In this conversation, Rod Lamberts speaks with Susannah Eliott, CEO of the Australian Science Media Centre, about the challenges and responsibilities of science communication in the face of misinformation. They discuss the role of science media centres in bridging the gap between scientists and journalists, the importance of conveying uncertainty in scientific findings, and the impact of misinformation on public perception. The conversation also touches on the recent Science Misinformation Symposium, highlighting the collaborative efforts needed to address the multifaceted issue of misinformation in today's digital landscape. In this conversation, Susannah discusses the pervasive issue of health misinformation and its implications for science. She emphasizes the role of various stakeholders in combating misinformation, including scientists, journalists, and the tech sector. The discussion also highlights innovative solutions being implemented to educate the public, particularly children, about misinformation. Additionally, the conversation touches on the importance of building trust in science, the complexities of health misinformation, and the need for a nuanced approach to science communication. 

Takeaways

The Australian Science Media Centre has been operational for 21 years, focusing on improving science reporting.

Science media centres train both scientists and journalists to enhance communication.

Misinformation is a significant concern, especially during crises when public confusion is high.

Scientists often hesitate to engage with the media due to uncertainty in their findings.

Public communication of science needs to include the concept of uncertainty.

Communicating nuance in science is challenging but essential for accurate reporting.

Misinformation can have serious consequences for public health and trust in science.

Collaboration across sectors is necessary to combat misinformation effectively.

Understanding the scale of misinformation is crucial for developing effective strategies.  Health misinformation is a significant and growing concern.

Algorithms amplify health misinformation, making it more pervasive.

The scientific literature is increasingly being polluted by fake papers.

We all have a role in combating misinformation.

Innovative educational programs can help children identify misinformation.

Building trust in science requires transparency and skepticism.

Health misinformation often serves as a gateway to broader misinformation.

Success in science communication can sometimes mean less coverage of certain issues.

Engaging the public in science requires creativity and nuance.

Passion projects can help balance work and personal interests in science.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context of the Australian Science Media Centre

02:55 The Role of Science Media Centres in Misinformation

06:00 Navigating Uncertainty in Science Communication

08:59 Public Perception of Uncertainty in Science

12:05 The Challenge of Communicating Nuance

15:02 The Impact of Misinformation and Disinformation

18:06 Insights from the Science Misinformation Symposium

21:50 The Impact of Health Misinformation

24:14 The Role of Science in Misinformation

26:39 Innovative Solutions to Combat Misinformation

28:51 Building Trust in Science

31:28 Understanding Health Misinformation

34:55 Navigating Trust and Skepticism in Science

39:20 Measuring Success in Science Communication

41:39 Balancing Work and Passion in Science Communication

Keywords

Public Ideas, Applied History, STEM communication, audience engagement, Historical Context, Humanities, Social Sciences, Uncertainty, Policy, Historical Knowledge, Humanism, Quantitative History persuasion, influence, academia, public engagement, humanities, social sciences, audience, storytelling, success measurement, political agenda

Summary

In this conversation, Rod Lamberts speaks with Frank Bongiorno about the establishment of the Vice Chancellor's Centre of Public Ideas at the University of Canberra. They discuss the role of applied history in contextualizing present issues, the subjective nature of historical narratives, and the importance of uncertainty in historical knowledge. Bongiorno emphasizes the human element in history and the balance between quantitative and qualitative approaches, highlighting the persuasive power of historical narratives. In this conversation, Rod Lamberts and Frank Bongiorno explore the themes of persuasion and influence in academia, particularly within the humanities and social sciences. They discuss the challenges of engaging diverse audiences, the importance of understanding who the public is, and the need for effective storytelling in public engagement. The conversation also touches on measuring success in public engagement efforts and the personal reflections of Bongiorno on his experiences and interests outside of academia.

Takeaways

The Centre of Public Ideas aims to bridge humanities and public discourse.

Applied history involves using historical expertise to address contemporary issues.

Contextualizing the present is crucial for understanding current problems.

History is not just a series of facts; it is constructed and subjective.

Uncertainty in historical knowledge reflects its human and cultural aspects.

Historians must convey the value of uncertain knowledge to policymakers.

Good history is persuasive and connects with evidence.

Quantitative and qualitative histories both have their place in understanding the past.

The art of persuasion is essential in historical narratives.

Historians should train to use language that accurately reflects evidence. Persuasion is a fundamental aspect of communicating expert knowledge.

The humanities often face suspicion regarding political agendas.

Engaging with diverse audiences requires understanding their backgrounds.

Younger audiences are often underrepresented in public discussions.

The rise of social media complicates public engagement efforts.

Storytelling can bridge gaps between academia and the public.

Success in public engagement is measured by audience interaction.

Collective learning experiences are more impactful than lectures.

The humanities have an image problem that needs addressing.

Personal experiences can enrich professional insights.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Centre of Public Ideas

02:46 The Role of Applied History

05:51 Understanding Historical Contexts

09:06 The Nature of Historical Knowledge

11:58 Uncertainty in History and Policy

15:01 The Human Element in Historical Narratives

17:59 Quantitative vs Qualitative History

20:39 The Role of Persuasion in Academia

25:27 Understanding the Public: Who Are They?

29:43 Engaging with Diverse Audiences

31:25 Measuring Success in Public Engagement

35:21 Personal Insights and Reflections

Keywords

climate risk, interdisciplinary research, climate science, behavioral science, policy impact, communication, economic analysis, environmental policy, decision-making, climate response climate change, trust in science, communication, uncertainty, public perception, research advice, interdisciplinary, personal balance

Summary

In this conversation, Ben Newell discusses his role as the director of the New South Wales Institute for Climate Risk and Response, emphasizing the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in addressing climate risk. He highlights the challenges of integrating diverse fields such as psychology, law, and business to create effective climate policies. The discussion also covers the significance of clear communication in climate science, the need for economic analysis in understanding climate impacts, and the importance of engaging with policymakers to drive meaningful change. Newell reflects on the evaluation of success in climate research and the ongoing efforts to influence climate risk disclosure practices. In this conversation, Ben Newell discusses the importance of transformative change in climate action, the complexities of trust in climate science, and the challenges of communicating uncertainty. He emphasizes the need for public trust in science, particularly in controversial areas, and shares insights on navigating interdisciplinary research. Additionally, he highlights the significance of maintaining a work-life balance as a researcher.

Takeaways

The Institute focuses on climate risk and response.

Interdisciplinary collaboration is crucial for addressing climate issues.

Different disciplines have varying perspectives on risk.

Effective communication is key to conveying climate science.

Economic analysis can bridge gaps in climate understanding.

Engaging with policymakers is essential for impact.

Success is measured by academic output and public engagement.

Building a trusted voice in climate discourse is important.

Behavioral insights can enhance policy effectiveness.

Continuous learning is necessary for improving climate risk practices. Transformative change is essential for climate action.

Trust in climate science is influenced by political leanings.

Communicating uncertainty is crucial in climate discussions.

Public trust in science varies across different fields.

The COVID experience highlighted trust breakdowns in science.

Interdisciplinary research requires balancing expertise and collaboration.

Maintaining a work-life balance is important for researchers.

Understanding different perspectives enhances research effectiveness.

The worst case scenario in climate predictions is evolving.

Scientists are still trusted sources of information by the public.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Climate Risk and Response

03:08 Interdisciplinary Collaboration in Climate Science

05:57 Challenges of Interdisciplinary Research

09:04 Communicating Climate Science Effectively

12:03 Bridging Economics and Climate Science

14:57 Policy Engagement and Impact

18:01 Evaluating Success in Climate Research

26:21 Transformative Change in Climate Action

27:24 Trust and Climate Science

28:46 Communicating Uncertainty in Climate Events

32:47 Public Trust in Science

37:04 Advice for Aspiring Researchers

40:15 Balancing Work and Personal Life

Keywords

science communication, freelancing, environmental crisis, academia, qualitative research, writing, editing, academic publishing, communication strategies, public engagement trust in science, imposter syndrome, science communication, advice for writers, navigating disagreement

Summary

In this conversation, Sarah Keenihan discusses her journey back to academia as a postgraduate student in science communication, triggered by an environmental crisis in South Australia. She reflects on her previous experience in science, the challenges of freelancing, and the importance of effective science communication. The discussion also touches on the balance between meeting client expectations and maintaining ethical standards in writing and communication. In this conversation, Sarah K and Rod Lamberts explore the complexities of trust in science, the challenges of imposter syndrome, and the importance of mentorship for aspiring science writers. They discuss the nuances of engaging with differing opinions and the need for transparency in scientific communication. Sarah shares her personal experiences with imposter syndrome and offers advice for those starting their careers in science writing, emphasizing the value of seeking guidance and finding balance in life beyond work.

Takeaways

Sarah is returning to university to pursue a PhD in science communication.

Her interest in science communication was sparked by an environmental crisis.

She has a PhD in a traditional science field, which she refers to as 'legit'.

Freelancing in science writing involves juggling multiple clients and deadlines.

Networking is essential for success in freelancing.

Effective science communication requires understanding the audience's needs.

Academics often forget how much they know and need to simplify their messages.

The importance of structuring stories to hook readers early is crucial.

Trust is built through transparency and accuracy in communication.

Ethical considerations can lead to turning down work that doesn't align with personal values. We need to engage with people we disagree with.

Trust in science varies among different groups.

People want to see real individuals involved in science.

Imposter syndrome is a common experience for many.

Using fear can be a motivator for success.

It's important to find a mentor for guidance.

Physical activities can provide mental relief.

Knowing when to take a break is crucial.

Being human in your work fosters connection.

Asking for advice can lead to valuable insights.

Chapters

00:00 Revisiting Academic Roots

02:58 Navigating Environmental Crises

06:00 The Freelance Journey

08:58 The Role of Science Communication

12:00 Balancing Pragmatism and Ethics

17:21 Navigating Disagreement and Trust in Science

18:25 The Challenge of Trust in Science

24:29 Imposter Syndrome: A Common Struggle

28:38 Advice for Aspiring Science Writers

30:57 Finding Balance Beyond Science