The Australian Science Communicators (ASC) is the national forum for science communicators and science journalists.

We are a diverse national not for profit membership association, with more than 400 financial members and thousands of subscribers including researchers, educators, leaders, journalists, broadcasters, writers, entertainers, students and other communicators who engage Australians (and people overseas) with science, technology and innovation. The ASC has been running since 1994.

Our members communicate scientific research and promote interest and participation in science through a range of formats and activities, from publications and media, to educational, fun events and performing arts. We are drawn together by a desire to improve our skills, exchange ideas and collaborate, and in general to advance the profession of science communication.

Key aims of the ASC include:

• Supporting our members;
• Strengthening the network and knowledge in the community of professionals who make science accessible;
• Delivering a national conference for our community;
• Being the go to organisation for talent in the communication of science for science, government and communication agencies; and
• Working on key national and international projects.

Read more about us.

About ASC conferences

ASC conferences are the premier networking and professional development opportunity for those making science and technology accessible for the broader community.

ASC2017 is being held in Adelaide on Thursday 23 and Friday 24 February 2017.

ASC2016 was held in Brisbane on 11 March 2016. Conference Convenor: Joan Leach. Conference Director: Kali Madden. The program committee consisted of Joan Leach, Kali Madden and Ruth Neale. ASC2016 was a plenary conference with the theme ‘Better Future Together’ scheduled to coincide with the World Science Festival.

ASC2014 was held in Brisbane from 2-5 February 2014. Conference Convenor: Claire Harris. Conference Director: Kali Madden. The program committee consisted of Kali Madden, Jesse Shore, Claire Harris, Nancy Longnecker. ASC2014 featured a range of speakers and special events, including The Storytelling of Science and the launch of the Science Art Exhibition: SPECTRUM as well as the first ASC conference proceedings.

ASC2012 was held in Sydney in February 2012. Conference Convenor: Rod Lamberts. Conference Director: Kali Madden. The conference planning committee. With the Theme: Getting science where it’s needed, ASC2012 featured:

• Prof Ian Chubb AO, Chief Scientist of Australia
• All state and territory Chief Scientists
• Professional development sessions on communication planning, writing for the media, and playing the consultancy game
• Science communication research stories from the academy and beyond
• A serious look at the evolving and maturing face of social media and science communication
• Science, politics, and some insight from the world of science lobbyists.

ASC2010 was held in Canberra in February 2010. Conference Convenor: Tim Thwaites. Conference Director: Kali Madden.

• Then Minister for Science, Hon Kim Carr launched the Inspiring Australia Report as well as opened ASC2010
• 3 days of stimulating, relevant and varied sessions attended by over 275 people
• Monday: National science communication strategy, good/bad science, research, professional development workshops
• Tuesday: Hot Air Symposium, communicating complex issues, research, professional development workshops
• Wednesday: art and science, new ways of communicating science, research, professional development workshops.

In April 2007, the Australian Science Communicators hosted the 5th World Conference of Science Journalists in collaboration with the World Federation of Science Journalists. Conference Director: Niall Byrne. Executive Officer: Sarah Brooker. More information about this event.

The first three national conferences included:

• ASC’s first national conference, a joint event with PCST in Melbourne in 1996
• 2001 at the Powerhouse Museum in Sydney
• 2004 in Coolangatta (Gold Coast, QLD)