Amplifying Research

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/46-jaelea-skehan    You've done the research. You've run the trial. You've published the paper. So why isn't anything changing? Dr Jaelea Skehan has spent more than 25 years translating research into real-world programs in mental health and suicide prevention — and she's seen firsthand why so many evidence-based innovations never make it past the journal. In this episode, she makes a compelling case that proving something works is just the beginning, and shares hard-won lessons from programs spanning 18 months to 25 years on what it actually takes to get research into practice — and keep it there. Jaelea is the Director of Everymind and was awarded an Order of Australia medal for her work in community mental health. A psychologist, researcher, and policy advisor, she leads a multidisciplinary team that does what she calls "priority-led research" — designing programs not for journals, but for the systems and people they need to serve. Her PhD focused on what actually works when trying to change practice in sectors outside of health, built on Everymind's decades of implementation experience. What makes Jaelea's perspective distinctive is that she lives at the intersection of research, practice, and community — and she's unflinching about what she's seen from that vantage point. She argues that the system incentivises proving things work in controlled settings while neglecting the messy, relational work of getting them into practice. And she backs it up with detailed case studies from programs her team has built, implemented, evaluated, and adapted over decades. "All of the work and all of the effort you put into designing a program and proving that it works or that it's got some good outcomes… It is not the end of the journey. If anything, it's a ticket to the starting line." — Dr Jaelea Skehan This episode is essential listening for anyone who cares about whether research actually reaches the people it's meant to help — whether you're designing interventions, funding them, evaluating them, or trying to get them implemented. If you've ever felt frustrated by the gap between evidence and practice, Jaelea offers both a diagnosis and a way forward.   Our conversation covers: Why the research-practice gap in mental health and suicide prevention is a matter of life and death — and what it's doing to public trust in research The voltage drop: why interventions that work in controlled trials lose effectiveness in the real world Why proving something works is "a ticket to the starting line, not the end of the journey" Designing for the implementation environment, not just the innovation itself The Mindframe program: 25 years of lessons on changing media reporting of suicide across an entire sector Why resources and guidelines don't change practice on their own — and what does Designing for 80% alignment rather than word-perfect evidence translation Co-producing with lived experience advisors and disseminating findings to the people who need them before publishing in journals Priority-led research vs investigator-led research: how Everymind decides where to put its effort How to think about evaluation and evidence-building when your funding comes in two-year cycles What senior researchers and funders can do to set up the next generation to work differently   Find Jaelea online: LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaelea-skehan-oam-2a720323/ Everymind — https://everymind.org.au   Things mentioned: Episode 39: Implementation Science — Dr Robyn Mildon on the 17-year research-practice gap Episode 36: Practical Impact Planning and Evaluation — Dr Sarah Morton on the Matter of Focus framework Everymind – www.everymind.org.au Lived experience workshop reports - Workshop outcomes from a Lived Experience of Suicide Summit | Everymind Mindframe program Our stories matter resources: Sharing lived and living experiences of suicide publicly Our stories matter: a mixed methods survey of lived and living experience perspectives of media and public communication of suicide in Australia | BMJ Public Health Minds Together – www.mindstogether.org.au Conversations Matter – www.comversationsmatter.org.au Life in Mind – www.lifeinmind.org.au Life in Mind Implementation Hub - Suicide prevention implementation hub Centre for Evidence and Implementation

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/45-dickon-bonvik-stone     There's so much research that could genuinely make the world better — healthier communities, smarter policy, a more sustainable planet. And yet, when it comes to getting people to actually listen and act on that research, we often default to explaining harder or criticising current practices. Neither of which tend to work. Dickon Bonvik-Stone joins us to share how the NØKO team found success taking a radically different approach, and how we can use the AIM framework to bring hope to our own research communications. Dickon is a strategic communications specialist focusing on climate and social change. He spent 15 years in marketing and digital media before retraining with advanced degrees in sustainability and social change — and committing to bridging the gap between marketing expertise and the social change space. He led the communications module of UNCC Learn's Becoming a Climate Champion learning pathway, distributed to more than 1 million youth climate advocates, and created the foundational climate communications e-learning course for the Creatives for Climate community — a network of more than 50,000 marketing and advertising professionals committed to using their skills for good. He also hosts the Communicating Climate Change podcast, where he interviews experts at the intersection of communication and climate action. In this episode, Dickon unpacks how he and the NØKO team took a different approach to communicating about degrowth economics — leading with aspiration instead of argument — and sold out a major event that brought activists, economists, public servants, and business leaders into the same room. He walks us through the AIM framework (Audience, Intent, Message) and makes a compelling case for why the most important step in any communication effort is the one most people skip. "If you lead with the things that the changes you're promoting can actually create in society, the opportunity that they provide, people are able to follow a lot more easily." — Dickon Bonvik-Stone This episode is essential listening for anyone who wants their communications to actually shift behaviour, not just inform. --- Our conversation covers: Why "more information" rarely leads to behaviour change — and what to do instead The AIM framework: Audience, Intent, Message — and why message comes last Building audience personas based on values and psychographics, not just demographics Finding common values across very different audience segments How the NØKO team attracted activists, economists, public servants, and business leaders to the same event Hope-based communications: shifting from what you're against to what you're for Why "Degrowth. It's not what you think." is a masterclass in what not to do Show, don't tell — using aspirational imagery and video to set the tone before a single slide is shown The tension between domain experts wanting technical accuracy and communicators pushing for clarity Testing messages instead of guessing — and building internal support for doing so Why working with communicators and creatives is an investment, not a luxury --- Find Dickon online: LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dickonbonvikstone/ Communicating Climate Change podcast — https://communicatingclimatechange.com --- Things mentioned: Dickon’s LinkedIn post that inspired this episode NØKO Hope-based communications with Thomas Coombes (Communicating Climate Change episode) Switch: How to Change Things When Change Is Hard — Chip and Dan Heath Don't Think of an Elephant — George Lakoff Less Is More: How Degrowth Will Save the World — Jason Hickel Houston, We Have a Narrative — Randy Olson The Psychology of Collective Climate Action Climate Visuals (Climate Outreach) Episode 12: Dr Mark Boulet on behaviour change Episode 24: Dr Jennifer Beckett and Dr Eloise Faichney on boosting engagement with marketing know-how Episode 32: Brendon Bosworth on finding the right training approach for your team Episode 35: Professor John C. Besley on strategic science communication  

Read along here as Julie and I step through the Impact Literacy Workbook.   View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/44-julie-bayley  A/Prof Julie Bayley is one of the world's leading voices on research impact, and she's on a mission to make sure that the pathway from academic inquiry to meaningful societal change isn't just left to chance. She joins us to unpack impact literacy — a practical framework and step-by-step workbook that helps researchers find their place in the impact puzzle, and helps institutions build the culture to make it all possible. Julie is currently the Director of Research Impact and Culture at Northeastern University London. Previously, she was Director of Research Impact Development and Director of the Lincoln Impact Literacy Institute, both at the University of Lincoln, UK. She's the author of Creating Meaningful Impact: The Essential Guide to Developing an Impact Literate Mindset, one of Emerald Publishing's bestselling books of 2023. Julie's passion for impact is deeply personal. A blood clot in 2008 left her unable to walk without pain for ten years — until research-developed vascular stents gave her mobility back. That experience cemented her commitment to ensuring research reaches the people who need it. Together with David Phipps (Director of Research Impact Canada and Assistant Vice President, Research Strategy and Impact at York University), Julie has developed a suite of freely available tools including the Impact Literacy Workbook and the “Are you Impact Healthy?” Institutional Health Check Workbook — practical resources designed to help researchers and institutions plan for, deliver, and evaluate impact. "The more we put impact as an extra, a burdensome extra, the less we're going to grow it, the less change we're going to make, and the more ill-equipped our researchers will be to do it… In academia, we have the most incredible opportunity to make a difference… Impact literacy is not about being an impact expert. It’s is being able to judge where you fit into that picture." — Julie Bailey This episode is essential listening for anyone responsible for driving or supporting research impact — whether you're an individual researcher trying to understand where you fit, a team leader building impact capability, or an institutional leader looking to create a culture where impact is genuinely enabled, not just expected.   Our conversation covers: The impact literacy model: why, how, who, and what Walking through the Impact Literacy Workbook step by step: from framing your problem to assembling your impact plan Why researchers should start thinking about impact much earlier than they typically do Identifying stakeholders and beneficiaries — and why it's about assembling the right team, not listing everyone Why jumping straight to methods ("we'll build an app") is the wrong approach to knowledge mobilisation Co-producing impact: bringing stakeholders in as early as possible The skills researchers need — and why you don't need all of them yourself What a healthy impact culture looks like at the institutional level The five C's framework: commitment, connectivity, co-production, competencies, and clarity Using the institutional health check to diagnose priorities and track progress Why the approach to impact in an institution is often a mirror of leadership's view of it   ind Julie online: LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-bayley-impact Website — https://juliebayley.blog     Resources mentioned: Impact Literacy Workbook “Are you Impact Healthy?” Institutional Health Check Workbook Creating Meaningful Impact: The Essential Guide to Developing an Impact Literate Mindset Research Impact Glossary (CERCA) Relationships for Impact framework

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/43-sofia-oliveira    What if leaving academia isn't failure – but the path to work that actually fulfils you? Sofia Oliveira finished her PhD, spent six months applying for 140 jobs, and discovered a career in science communication that she finds more rewarding than anything she experienced in the lab. She joins us to share the real numbers behind her transition, the mindset shifts that made it possible, and how LinkedIn became her secret weapon for finding opportunities. Sofia is a science communication and marketing specialist focusing on life sciences, biotech startups, and nonprofits. After completing her PhD in 2021 and working as a project manager at university, she made the leap to industry in 2023 – tracking every application, interview, and offer along the way. Today she's a freelancer with over 10,000 LinkedIn followers, where she regularly shares remote job opportunities to help other researchers explore their options. "To be honest, I am much happier now than when I was back at academia, and I think that's all about it. You know, you want your career to be fulfilling and that looks different for different people. But for me, what I'm doing now, it's fulfilling." – Sofia Oliveira Whether you're a PhD student wondering what comes next, an early-career researcher eyeing the grim odds of landing a professorship, or simply curious about what else is out there, this episode offers honest data, practical strategies, and a refreshing perspective on career exploration. ... If you enjoy this episode and want to go deeper, check out Sofia’s Career Hub on Patreon – featuring the actual CVs she used to land interviews, live Q&A sessions, and group mentoring. ... Our conversation covers: The stigma around leaving academia – and how to move past it Sofia's job hunting data: 140 applications, 11% interview rate, 8 offers How academic success rates (grants, professorships) compare to industry job hunting Types of roles researchers can transition into: science communication, technical writing, project management, consulting, and more How to identify and articulate your transferable skills The case for applying while you're still employed Freelance vs part-time vs full-time: finding the model that suits you Building a LinkedIn presence that attracts opportunities (in just 2-3 hours per week) Why treating your career like an experiment might be the most scientific approach ... Find Sofia online: LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/oliveira-ss Sofia’s Career Hub on Patreon — https://patreon.com/Oliveira_ss    

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/42-sarah-mclusky    Be honest: how many meetings, workshops, or conferences have you attended that felt like a waste of your time? Dr Sarah McLusky argues that most academic gatherings fail not because of bad content, but because no one stopped to ask why they were bringing people together in the first place. Sarah is a research communicator, facilitator, and host of the Research Adjacent podcast — and she's spent years helping teams design gatherings that build trust, spark collaboration, and leave people feeling their time was genuinely well spent. In this episode, we unpack how to move beyond inherited templates and create in-person experiences that actually achieve what you need them to. "What makes people turn up in the room on the day is the agenda, the talks, the subjects they're interested in — that's what gets people through the door. But actually what people remember afterwards, what they take away from it, is the people that they met." — Dr Sarah McLusky Sarah brings extensive experience helping research teams, charities, and other organisations design meaningful in-person experiences — from stakeholder engagement workshops to patient involvement sessions to team away days. She's particularly passionate about creating spaces where different voices can genuinely be heard, and where power dynamics don't shut down the very contributions you're trying to invite. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who organises meetings, runs workshops, or plans events — and suspects there might be a better way. Whether you're rethinking your team's regular catch-ups or planning a major stakeholder engagement session, Sarah offers practical wisdom on making gatherings that genuinely matter.   Find Sarah online: LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarahmclusky/ Newsletter: Gathering with Purpose — https://sarahmclusky.com/gathering-with-purpose Research Adjacent podcast — https://researchadjacent.com/podcast/

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/41-michael-wheeler  Wish more people knew about your team’s amazing research, but worried you don’t have natural charisma or the “gift of the gab”? Never fear! Sci comms expert Dr Michael Wheeler argues that powerful communication comes down to two fundamentals: the quality of your ideas and the order in which you present them. In this episode, Michael introduces the hourglass method — a simple framework for structuring any research communication, from conference talks to grant applications to casual conversations at the pub. Michael is a research fellow at the Institute for Physical Activity and Nutrition at Deakin University, part of the University of Melbourne Science Communication Teaching Program, and co-host of the podcast Let's Talk SciComm with A/Prof Jen Martin. In this episode, Michael walks through the hourglass method in practice, sharing examples from rocket scientists bursting through doors to heart disease statistics that make entire lecture theatres sit up and pay attention. "Context before detail. If you jump straight into the detail, you're gonna lose people immediately. The way I like to think about a piece of communication is like an hourglass. You start off big picture, you provide some context, then you narrow down into the detail, and then you return to something big picture at the end as a way of having a strong finish." — Dr Michael Wheeler Whether you're preparing for your next conference talk, writing a grant application, or simply want to explain your research more clearly to colleagues outside your field, this episode offers a practical framework and actionable advice you can start using immediately. For research leaders, Michael's insights on building diverse communication skills can help you think about professional development for your team. And for early-career researchers uncertain about your career path, Michael’s "academic Christmas tree" philosophy offers a refreshing perspective on keeping your options open. Find Michael online: LinkedIn Let’s Talk Sci Comm podcast Deakin University profile University of Melbourne profile      

View the full show notes, including the poster Leanne and Steph collaborated on here: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/40-leanne-rees   "I never wanted to do a PhD only for it to sit as a thesis and no one to ever read it." If you’re a listener to this show, then I’m willing to bet you’ve probably had similar thoughts about your own work. Dr. Leanne Rees’ solution? To team up with creative professional Steph Hughes to craft a compelling comic-book-style visual based on the very words of the community members she partnered with for her research. The result: a vibrant piece of knowledge mobilisation that's now spreading across international networks, hanging on hospital walls, and empowering newly injured patients to see beyond limiting stereotypes — and a collaborative model I’d love to see more researchers and creative professionals embrace. Dr. Leanne Rees has been a clinician for more than 20 years and is a research officer at MCRI with Prof Megan Munsie in the Stem Cell Ethics and Policy team. Her PhD explored the media portrayal of spinal cord injury, drawing on her extensive experience as a physiotherapist working with people with spinal cord injuries in rehabilitation, community, and acute care settings. Steph Hughes is a multidisciplinary creative who's worked as a professional artist and visual communicator for more than 10 years. She also works at the Australian Broadcasting Corporation as a radio producer and specialises in communicating complex topics to broad audiences. Her background spans commercial illustration, community group projects, and museum collaborations. Together, they've created an illustration that transforms Leanne's research findings into an accessible visual story - one that's been endorsed by international spinal cord injury organisations and adapted into an animation featuring the voices of people with lived experience. "It's the relationships that you build over time not to ever let go of maybe a little dream that you've had at the back of your head and it's those relationship-building opportunities that can lead you to a path of okay, now's your chance!" — Dr. Leanne Rees Whether you're sitting on research that deserves a wider audience, struggling to translate complex findings into accessible formats, or wondering how to build authentic partnerships with creative professionals, this episode offers a practical roadmap for community-centred collaboration that amplifies impact while empowering the voices at the heart of your work.    

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/39-robyn-mildon   Imagine discovering a breakthrough that could transform lives, only to watch it sit unused for nearly two decades. Sadly, this is the stark reality that faces researchers in many fields today — for example, $200+ billion is spent annually on healthcare research, but 85% of it never results in changes to practice, and the interventions that do make it to practice often take between 15 and 17 years to do so! Dr Robyn Mildon, CEO of the Centre for Evidence and Implementation, has dedicated her career to collapsing this devastating timeline through the systematic study of what gets in the way — and what helps — when moving research from lab to field. Robyn is a global leader in implementation science who has seen firsthand both the devastating failures and remarkable successes that can occur when working to translate research into practice. A pivotal moment came early in her career when, despite training 800 practitioners in evidence-based programs for parents with intellectual disabilities, only 9% actually implemented them as intended. This experience deepened her commitment to implementation science and understanding not just what works, but how to make it work in real-world settings. "There are things that are well evidenced that aren't getting implemented. Then there's things that are well evidenced, getting implemented poorly, and then there's things that are well evidenced being ignored.” Implementation science transforms the traditional "spray and pray" method of research dissemination into a strategic, evidence-based process that ensures breakthrough research actually reaches the people who need it most. The Centre for Evidence and Implementation, which Robyn leads, operates across 18 countries and focuses on closing what implementation scientists call the "know-do gap." They're also gearing up for their 2025 Evidence and Implementation Summit in Melbourne this October, bringing together researchers, policy makers, and practitioners with the shared goal of bridging the research-practice divide.   Our conversation covers: Why the traditional "spray and pray" approach to research dissemination fails The systematic barriers that prevent evidence from reaching practice How to use stakeholder engagement and implementation planning to dramatically improve success rates Real-world case studies from healthcare, education, and social services Practical steps researchers can take today to increase their impact   Find Robyn online: Centre for Evidence and Implementation 2025 Evidence and Implementation Summit Robyn on LinkedIn

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/38-megan-munsie  Instead of spending years building your own audience from scratch, what if you could partner with organisations and voices that already have your target community's trust and attention? Professor Megan Munsie has spent two decades mastering this approach — what she calls "amplification strategy" — to reach patients, policymakers, and the public with critical stem cell research insights. Rather than standing at lecterns delivering one-way presentations, she's learned to embed herself within the very networks her research aims to serve, from patient advocacy groups to media organizations to policy circles. Her approach transforms researchers from isolated communicators into collaborative partners within established community networks—multiplying impact while making the most of limited time and resources. Megan is a professor at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute and a renowned expert in stem cell research who has dedicated her career to exploring the ethical, legal, and social implications of the field. Her amplification approach emerged from a practical realisation: "It doesn't really make a lot of sense if I'm just going to answer individual patient inquiries. So it's much more impactful if I work with those in the community who are already talking to the people I want to reach." "It comes back to this idea of where is the best way to spend your time. What's the most impactful way to reach the audience and who can you partner with? Why would you want to start up your own YouTube channel when you could perhaps appear on something that already has a following?" — Professor Megan Munsie Over two decades, Megan has built strategic partnerships across diverse sectors—from working with spinal cord injury peer leaders to collaborating with policy officers at the Australian Academy of Science, from appearing on ABC's 7.30 to writing for The Conversation. Her methodology centers on long-term relationship building, authentic collaboration, and the crucial insight that effective communication requires being invited into communities rather than imposing yourself upon them. Whether you're overwhelmed by the thought of building your own social media following from scratch, struggling to connect with the communities your research aims to serve, or looking to multiply your impact without multiplying your workload, this episode offers a practical roadmap for finding and partnering with the voices that can amplify your message to the right people.   Our conversation covers: Understanding amplification strategies and how they differ from traditional outreach Building authentic partnerships with patient advocacy groups and community organisations Working effectively with mainstream media, policy organisations, and social media platforms The importance of humility, curiosity, and adaptation in all stakeholder relationships Practical steps for identifying and approaching potential amplification partners Why starting small and learning from colleagues is more effective than trying to "conquer the world"   Find Megan online: 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

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/37-phillip-dawson Imagine having an exceptional talk in your back pocket that you can confidently deliver anywhere, anytime... A talk that consistently wows audiences and builds your reputation as a go-to expert in your field... A talk that might even turn into a book one day. Prof Phillip Dawson shares how developing repeatable talks can transform speaking from a last-minute scramble into a sustainable career-building practice. Phillip is the co-director of the Centre for Research in Assessment and Digital Learning at Deakin University, and he's given talks at nearly every Australian university, as well as countless institutions worldwide. What makes his approach unique is that he's developed a sustainable speaking strategy built around just 1-2 exceptional presentations that he continuously refines and reuses—a stark contrast to the academic norm of creating unique talks for every opportunity. "If you book me to give a talk, you're going to get something good. And I just don't know if I have it in me to keep on creating brand new good things," Phillip explains. "The badge of honour is quality." This approach evolved organically from Phillip's research practice. While working on a big project, his team developed a slide deck that kept getting requested at different venues. "Eventually it became part of my strategy on big projects to say to the team, Hey let's collaborate on making one really good slide deck for this thing," Phillip explains. He now maintains two signature talks — one on assessment security and AI, another on feedback literacy — each refined through dozens of presentations and evolved into career-defining assets. Whether you're struggling with speaking preparation burnout or looking to transform your occasional talks into career-defining presentations, this episode offers a practical roadmap for developing sustainable speaking practices that build your reputation while saving your sanity.   Our conversation covers: The strategic process of developing your signature talk topics How to iterate and refine presentations through low-stakes testing Balancing customisation with consistency across different audiences Structuring talks for maximum impact and audience engagement Handling difficult Q&A sessions and challenging audiences Negotiating speaking opportunities and setting boundaries The unexpected career benefits of repeatable excellence   Find Phill online: https://philldawson.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/philldawson https://experts.deakin.edu.au/14967-phillip-dawson

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/36-sarah-morton How can we move beyond hoping for impact to systematically creating it? What tools can we use to plan for the impact we want to see in the world, evaluate whether it's happening, and tell compelling stories about the change we're contributing to? Dr Sarah Morton takes us through the Matter of Focus framework and software designed to do just that. (We’re releasing this ep a little early, between our usual monthly drops, to coincide with the ARMA UK conference. If you’re in Edinburgh, drop by the conference to say hi to Sarah and give OutNav a try in person! We’ll be back to our regular release schedule on July 1st with a new episode featuring returning fan-favourite guest Prof Phillip Dawson — all about his approach to crafting killer academic talks.) Sarah spent 16 years working in knowledge exchange at the University of Edinburgh before co-founding Matter of Focus. Her team's approach to impact planning and evaluation stands out for its focus on using plain language and breaking things down in ways that are really easy to understand, and they’ve developed the software tool OutNav to help make all this practical.. "I think where the approach works best is if it becomes really part of the way you work. We've got to have more of a feedback mindset because people are doing great things, but they're often not reflecting on them and people are making huge assumptions about engagement, for example, that they're engaging the people who are most important to the change that they see, and quite often they're not." -- Dr Sarah Morton Sarah walks us through Matter of Focus' four-step process: setting out your theory of change using plain language headings, auditing what evidence you already have, identifying gaps and collecting meaningful data, and building your impact narrative over time. We explore how this cyclical approach transforms impact work from bureaucratic afterthought to strategic advantage. Our conversation covers: Why contribution analysis beats attribution thinking for complex change The four-step Matter of Focus process for impact planning and evaluation How to map pathways to impact using plain language frameworks Practical data collection methods that busy researchers actually use Moving from "broadcast mode" to strategic stakeholder engagement Embedding impact thinking into daily research practice How institutions can better support systematic impact work Find Sarah online: Website: Matter of Focus LinkedIn: Dr Sarah Morton Resources discussed: Software: OutNav Article: The Matter of Focus framework Article: An overview of the Matter of Focus approach Article: 3 feedback tools to help you track your outcomes and impact Article: How to bring different voices into your evaluation Article: 4 simple steps to start evidencing your research impact Case Study: Using OutNav to assess the impact of the Global Kids Online research initiative Book: How Do You Know If You Are Making a Difference? A Practical Handbook for Public Service Organisations   

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/35-john-c-besley Passionate about sharing your research and want to ensure your comms efforts deliver meaningful results? Professor John C. Besley shares insights from his book Strategic Science Communication, and the SCREE framework, to help you move beyond hoping for impact to designing for it. In this conversation, he reveals why many research communication efforts fall short – not because researchers aren't trying, but because they haven't been asked the fundamental question: what specific behaviour do you want to change? John and I discuss how to identify clear goals, understand the beliefs that drive behaviours, and align your communication activities accordingly. Whether you’re the director of research org, working in comms/operations, or an individual researcher, John shares practical tips that can help you start improving the outcomes of your comms and engagement today. John is a Professor at Michigan State University's College of Communication, Arts, and Sciences, where he's spent more than 20 years researching public views about science and scientists' views about the public. His mission is to help science communicators be more effective by encouraging evidence-based and strategic communication choices. "Often the scientists I'm talking about, if they have research that maybe they think somebody could use, they want people to use it. They want people to consider that science when making decisions. And if you want that to happen, you can just hope that it happens. Just hope for it. Or you can start making the choices that increase the likelihood that people will consider that research." — John C. Besley The SCRREE framework emerged from John and his colleagues' recognition that while many researchers are committed to communication, few have ever been asked what they hope to achieve from their efforts. SCRREE stands for Strategic, Cumulative, Reflexive, Reciprocal, Equitable, and Evidence-based — principles that transform ad-hoc outreach into sustained impact. Through their consulting work with research organisations, they've developed a practical process that helps teams move from vague aspirations like "increasing awe and wonder" to specific behavioural goals like "getting policymakers to consider evidence in environmental decisions." Our conversation covers: Why strategic communication matters for researchers in today's funding and impact landscape How to identify “audience-specific behavioural goals” that actually matter for your research The practical process of asset mapping: aligning your existing activities with your goals Why "engagement" really means giving people time to stop, think, and form beliefs Common mistakes like focusing only on risks while ignoring benefits, norms, and efficacy Building trust through demonstrating expertise, caring, integrity, shared values, and openness The importance of cumulative thinking: why one-off activities rarely create lasting change Practical tips for researchers at any level to start being more strategic today How organisations can better support strategic communication through hiring and infrastructure Find John online: Website — strategicsciencecommunication.com Resources — http://strategicsciencecommunication.com/resources LinkedIn — linkedin.com/in/john-besley

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/34-lisa-grocott Imagine stepping into a future where your research is creating the impact you've always hoped for. That's exactly what happens in a Tomorrow Party – an innovative method where researchers and stakeholders physically experience their desired futures rather than just planning for them. In this episode, Prof Lisa Grocott explains how this approach helps close the "imagination gap" that often prevents meaningful change. By creating spaces where people collectively imagine themselves already living in their preferred futures – speaking, feeling, and celebrating as if those futures are real – Tomorrow Parties generate the emotional connection and collective hope that traditional planning methods rarely achieve. Lisa is Professor and Co-Director of WonderLab at Monash University and an Honorary Professor of Play at Design School Kolding (DSKD) in Denmark. Born in Aotearoa, New Zealand, Lisa is of Ngāti Kahungunu descent on her mother's side, with whakapapa from the UK on her father's side. Her approach to designing for impact draws on both her co-design practice and Indigenous knowing, and is centered on creating transformative experiences that shift perspectives and unsettle everyday norms. "What we realized at the end of the three days together was that almost every good idea we'd come up with had been seeded in that 30 minutes of us goofing around at the beginning... We realized that every time we tried to make it look a bit more like this intentional strategy it took away from something that the guests were telling us was the most important part of it, which was this idea that they never got to practice engaging with the future with their imaginations." -- Lisa Grocott The Tomorrow Party began as a playful exercise before a funding application and evolved into a formal methodology supported by the Wellcome Foundation Trust. Unlike traditional planning methods that use scenarios or economic models, Tomorrow Parties invite participants to speak and act as if they're already living in futures 1, 3, or 5 years ahead. As Lisa describes it, participants don't just envision these futures cognitively – they actually feel them, creating emotional connections that drive genuine motivation and action. Whether you're looking to align your research team around impact goals, engage meaningfully with diverse stakeholders, or simply break free from ineffective planning approaches, this episode offers a practical methodology you can start using immediately. Lisa walks us through the three-act structure of a Tomorrow Party and shares powerful stories of transformation – from Aboriginal community leaders finding their voice to cynical academics surprised by their own capacity for hope – demonstrating why this playful yet profound approach might be the missing element in your impact strategy. Our conversation covers: How researchers can use imagination to bridge the gap between knowledge and meaningful action The origins and evolution of the Tomorrow Party methodology How emotional engagement and "felt experiences" create more memorable and motivating visions for the future The connection between imagination, hope, and collective action How to host your own Tomorrow Party to align teams, engage communities, or develop partnerships Why unsettling established perspectives is critical for transformation How to transform the feeling of possibility into practical action Ways to keep the energy and vision of imagined futures alive in daily work Find Lisa online: WonderLab (Monash University) -- https://www.monash.edu/mada/research/project/wonderlab The Tomorrow Party -- https://tomorrowparty.org

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/33-mike-schafer   How is generative AI transforming the way research is communicated and understood by different audiences? Prof Mike S. Schäfer gives us a state of the union on the rapidly evolving world of AI and science communication. Mike is a professor of science communication, the director of CHESS (Centre for Higher Education and Science Studies), and head of the Department of Communication and Media Research at the University of Zurich. "In science communication, dialogue often, by many, is seen as the best way of doing science communication, but the challenge is having a dialogue with people who are not interested in science to begin with... It's difficult to scale up if you actually want to do face-to-face dialogue. And AI is great at that." -- Mike Schäfer Whether you're a research leader looking to build your team's communication capacity or an individual researcher seeking to develop your skills, this episode offers practical advice on making training work for the long term.   Our conversation covers: How the general public is increasingly using tools like ChatGPT to get answers about science The characteristics of early AI adopters and concerns about digital divides in AI literacy How AI hallucinations and "pink slime" could impact scientific knowledge The ways that ChatGPT and other models conceptualise and communicate science Practical applications for researchers to experiment with AI in their communication efforts The future of AI in science communication and the importance of keeping "humans in the loop"   Find Mike online: LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikesschaefer CHESS — https://www.chess.uzh.ch/en.html

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/32-brendon-bosworth    Looking to implement communication training that creates lasting change? Communication specialist Brendon Bosworth shares practical insights on choosing the right trainer, designing effective programs, and embedding communication skills in your research team. Brendon Bosworth is a science communication trainer and principal consultant at Human Element Communications. He works with leading international organisations, research institutes, and universities including the UN Environment Program, FAO, and the University of Cape Town to make research on topics of global concern more accessible to non-specialists. "My encouragement here is to really make science communication part of your mandate and your vision so that it's woven into the institutional way of doing things right from the start." -- Brendon Bosworth Whether you're a research leader looking to build your team's communication capacity or an individual researcher seeking to develop your skills, this episode offers practical advice on making training work for the long term. Our conversation covers: How to choose the right trainer and training approach for your needs The four S's framework: Strategy, Simplicity, Storytelling, and Solutions Why most one-off workshops don't create lasting change Tailoring communication training to your organization's goals The importance of practice and ongoing support Building science communication into organizational culture Creating internal networks to maintain momentum Practical ways to keep developing skills after training   Find Brendon Bosworth online: Linked In — https://www.linkedin.com/in/brendonbosworth/ Human Element Communications — https://www.humanelementcommunications.com  

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/31-cameron-mcknight    Looking to run events that researchers actually want to attend? Cameron McKnight shares practical insights on building sustainable research communities and running events that deliver real value. Cameron McKnight is a PhD candidate at the Murdoch Children's Research Institute, where his research focuses on modeling mitochondrial diseases using CRISPR-edited human pluripotent stem cells. He's also a passionate advocate for building better research communities, having led several successful programs designed to support researchers at all career stages. "In the end, all of this is volunteer work for scientists. We don't get paid to run these events... But if you're going to do it, you're better off making a huge effort and changing it more dramatically." -- Cameron McKnight From scheduling that works for busy researchers to documentation that ensures long-term success, Cameron offers practical advice you can start implementing today to make your research events and communities more impactful. Our conversation covers: Why research networks and collaborations are crucial in modern science Common pitfalls in running research events (and how to avoid them) Practical strategies for organizing sustainable events on a budget How to build consistency and continuity into volunteer-run programs Making events accessible and valuable for all participants Simple tools and systems for effective event organization Building communities that extend beyond single events The importance of proper handover documentation Find Cameron McKnight online: Linked In — https://www.linkedin.com/in/cameron-mcknight-78740b44

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/30-ken-and-dani   When Dr Kenneth Strahan developed research-backed archetypes to help understand how different people respond to bushfires, Danielle Teychenne and her colleagues saw an opportunity to create real change. Together, they embarked on an ambitious project to translate this research into practical tools for communities. In this episode, they share candid insights about what it takes to build successful research translation partnerships - from finding the right collaborators to navigating real-world implementation challenges. Ken is a researcher with 30+ years of experience in bushfire research in Australia, and Dani is currently a learning designer at BehaviorWorks, and she has a background in digital learning.  So in this episode, we'll hear from Ken about how his work identified seven distinct archetypes that reflect different ways people respond to bushfires — research that could save lives if effectively implemented. We’ll then discuss the implementation or translation piece, how Danielle and her colleagues tapped into Ken's research, collaborated with him and put together a new project centered on helping communities better prepare for bushfires. "People wanted to see tailored education... They wanted to feel empowered. They didn't want to have their autonomy taken away from them. They didn't want to be told what to do." – Danielle Teychenne Whether you're a researcher hoping to see your work create change, or someone looking to adapt research for real-world use, this episode offers valuable lessons on building bridges between research and practice — including frank discussion of what worked, what didn't, and how to navigate the challenges that emerge along the way.   Our conversation covers: The journey from research insight to practical application Creating archetypes or user profiles as part of your research Build productive research translation partnerships Strategies for tailoring research for different audiences Navigating implementation challenges and roadblocks Tips for measuring real-world impact The importance of starting small and building incrementally Balancing rigour with practical constraints   Find Dr Kenneth Strahan online: Linked In — https://www.linkedin.com/in/dr-kenneth-strahan Find Danielle Teychenne online: LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/danielle-teychenne Bluesky — https://bsky.app/profile/lisagiven.bsky.social More details on the project: https://climatethrive.com.au/bushfire-tool https://climatethrive.com.au/noosa https://climatethrive.com.au/penrith-cald  

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/29-lisa-and-wade    Looking to make 2025 your most impactful year yet? Prof Lisa Given and Dr Wade Kelly share practical tips for planning ahead to make impact manageable - from carving out time in your calendar to building the right relationships. Lisa is Director of RMIT's Social Change Enabling IMPACT platform, and Wade is a Senior Lecturer in Deakin University's Researcher Development Academy. Together, they unpack how researchers can balance career progression with their impact goals, and tap into opportunities within their university. "It's about understanding how organisations work. Most people can only see one system below them, one system above them, maybe two. So if you're within a lab, you might understand your school and faculty, but you really aren't looking at what's going on in the university. Keeping abreast of all of those levels to be an empathetic researcher is important because it'll allow you to pitch your work in ways that respond to those different levels." – Dr Wade Kelly This episode is essential listening for any researcher wanting to make impact a sustainable, practical part of their work. From protecting your time to building the right relationships, Lisa and Wade offer actionable advice you can start implementing today.   Our conversation covers: How to carve out time and energy for impact when juggling multiple commitments Balancing career progression goals with impact goals Finding and creating opportunities within your university Protecting your time and learning to say "no" Building relationships that support your impact goals Making impact work manageable and sustainable Planning for the year ahead while staying flexible The importance of face-to-face connections Finding your community and support network   Find Dr Wade Kelly online: Linked In — https://www.linkedin.com/in/wade-kelly/ Bluesky — https://bsky.app/profile/wadekelly.com Find Prof Lisa Given online: LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisagiven/ Bluesky — https://bsky.app/profile/lisagiven.bsky.social

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/28-reema-harrison   Today’s episode is a deep dive with Prof Reema Harrison on how to embed diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) throughout the entire research process — from study design to dissemination. Prof Harrison leads a program of research at the Australian Institute of Health Innovation, focusing on how increasing stakeholder engagement can contribute to improved healthcare quality, experiences, and outcomes, and she has published extensively on the use of peer support, mentorship, and co-design approaches to create impactful change in healthcare. We discuss practical strategies for building diverse research teams, effectively engaging with various communities, and ensuring that your research outputs are truly relevant and impactful. "Diversity, inclusion, impact, stakeholder engagement are all part of a research approach. They're not something to add on after you've designed a project. They are how you develop work and a program of work and sustain it." — Dr Reema Harrison If you’re a researcher committed to making your work more inclusive and impactful, or if you’re part of a research organisation looking to better support DEI in your projects, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable advice!   Our conversation covers: Why meaningful co-design and stakeholder engagement should start from the very beginning of a research project Practical strategies for building diverse research teams and why diversity in the research team matters The importance of ongoing stakeholder relationships and community engagement as standard practice, and how it contributes to improved outcomes Approaches for effectively engaging with diverse communities, ensuring their voices are heard and respected Practical advice on handling conflicts and power dynamics in diverse teams and stakeholder groups The role of research institutions in supporting DEI initiatives Tips for early career researchers on building networks and engaging with diverse stakeholders How to use peer support, mentorship, and co-design methods to foster inclusivity in research How to navigate challenging conversations and build emotional intelligence in research settings Ensuring that research outputs are relevant and impactful for all community groups, not just the majority. Challenges researchers may face when trying to embed DEI into their work and how to overcome them.   Resources: CanEngage project website “Providing review and feedback as a co-author – a guide for consumers“ “Visual summary of a national analysis about multicultural consumer engagement practices“ “Audit for Consumer Engagement (ACE) Tool“ Find Dr Reema Harrison online: LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/reema-harrison/ Macquarie University — https://researchers.mq.edu.au/en/persons/reema-harrison  

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/27-david-crisante    Apply for David’s Science Comedy Program Looking to build stronger research partnerships and make your work more accessible? Science comedy expert David Crisante shares how strategic humour can help you connect with stakeholders, improve team dynamics, and boost your impact. David brings a unique perspective to research communication, combining his experience as director of both Future Science Talks and the Sydney Comedy School. His groundbreaking Science Comedy Program has helped over 200 researchers from across Australia master storytelling techniques and develop their public speaking skills through comedy. Through this pioneering program, researchers have gone on to feature in major arts festivals across Australia, transforming the way they communicate their work to diverse audiences. David's approach draws on his extensive career experience as a journalist, diplomat, and crisis response specialist, including time as a speechwriter for Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. "When we talk about humor, we actually want to make that person feel stimulated, excited, like they're finding a new connection... because that then can lead to a whole bunch of other doors opening." – David Crisante This episode is essential listening for any researcher looking to make their work more approachable and build stronger professional relationships. Whether you're preparing for a conference presentation, trying to improve team dynamics, or looking to engage better with stakeholders, David offers practical techniques you can start using today.   Our conversation covers: Why comedy skills are valuable for researchers and science communicators The role of humor in building authentic connections and partnerships Using comedy techniques to improve public speaking and presentations How to modulate status effectively in professional settings Strategies for making your research more relatable and engaging Techniques for fostering positive team dynamics through humor The importance of preparation and practice in public speaking How to adapt humor for different cultural contexts Tips for finding your authentic comedic voice Building confidence through comedy training Using humor to make complex research more accessible Balancing professionalism with personality   Find David online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davidcrisante https://www.davidcrisante.com https://www.futuresciencetalks.com.au

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/25-dr-julius-wesche   Check out Julius’ free email course here! https://juliuswesche.kit.com/6190218e2e   Not sure where to start with social media? Dr. Julius Wesche gives us a masterclass on how to build a powerful online presence and boost your research impact while doing it. Julius is a researcher based at the Norwegian university of science and technology, who's an expert in science communication — especially when it comes to leveraging social media and podcasts for research comms. He regularly shares amazing tips for researchers on his LinkedIn profile, and he's the host of three great podcasts: the science communication accelerator podcast, the NTNU’s energy transition podcast, and the enPower podcast (which has more than 800,000 listens). “Attention is the prerequisite for impact. And if you want to have impact, you have to make your stuff available. And I think social media right now is the cheapest way of doing that.“ – Julius Wesche This episode is a must-listen for any researcher looking to expand their reach online. From tailoring content for different platforms to analysing key metrics that matter, Julius offers practical advice you can start implementing today.   Our conversation covers: Why having an online presence is essential for researchers today How to get started with social media as a researcher, even if you're a beginner Building your social media strategy incrementally (and keeping it alive) How to define and prioritise the key audience for your research communication efforts. Tailoring content to different platforms: LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram, and beyond Practical tips for making sure your social media strategy is practical and sustainable Coming up with great hooks for your posts/content Tracking metrics Common mistakes researchers make on social media (and how to avoid them)   Find Dr Julius Wesche online: LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnes-mukurumbira-68314798 Science Communication Accelerator Podcast Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/science-communication-accelerator-scicomx-scicomm-social/id1583294091 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2uO8pxtd1vL7zHBIa7NVpk?si=7ef2b4f0b5014ab6 Things mentions: “Do things that don’t scale” by Paul Graham “Steal like an artist” by Austin Kleon “Document, don’t create” by Gary Vaynerchuk        

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/25-michlle-chen    Video games for research?!? Dr Michelle Chen explains how games can be powerful tools for knowledge mobilisation, and how you can get started making them. Michelle has a PhD in design from RMIT University and she's the founder of Mental Jam, a platform for sharing lived experiences of mental health struggles through video game co creation. She shares insights on why researchers should consider video games as a medium for translation and dissemination, and provides a step-by-step guide on how to create games from research — even if you're not a coder or designer. "Unlike traditional media, which is like TVs or movies or books, where you're just reading something and consuming something passively, the interactive nature video games really helps people become more immersed… You can go even deeper, and really break things down, and see how you can find common things from games that can be applied to your research and help people learn it in a more fun way." — Michelle Chen This episode is a must-listen for any researcher looking to make their work more engaging and accessible. Even if you’ve never considered making a game before, Michelle offers practical advice on how to get you started.   Our conversation covers: Why video games are an effective medium for research dissemination How to start designing a game based on your research The benefits of co-design and participatory research in game development Practical steps for researchers with no game development experience How to find collaborators for your game project Platforms for distributing your finished game The pros and cons of the startup route versus traditional academic pathways   Find Dr Michelle Chen online: Mental Jam — https://purplelilgirl.com/mentaljam Michelle’s website — https://purplelilgirl.com LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/purplelilgirl Things mentioned: Twine (for narrative games) Yarn Spinner Unity game engine Itch.io (game distribution platform) Games for Change Festival

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/24-jennifer-becket-eloise-faichney   We dive into the worlds of marketing and pop culture with Dr. Jennifer Beckett and Dr. Eloise Faichney. They share lessons from industry that researchers can apply to engage the public, boost their research visibility, and foster interdisciplinary collaboration. Jen and Eloise are both lecturers in media and comms at the University of Melbourne who spent time out in the industry before becoming academics. They were key figures behind the Swiftposium, a hybrid academic conference on the cultural impact of Taylor Swift, which garnered media attention from outlets like the BBC, CNN, Rolling Stone, Marie Claire, and more. Together, we unpack the lessons they learned on how to make research resonate with broader audiences, leveraging pop culture to spark interest and communicate complex ideas in engaging ways. Whether you're aiming to connect with the public or build meaningful interdisciplinary collaborations, this episode is packed with actionable insights and real-world examples to help you amplify your research.   Our conversation covers: How researchers can apply marketing and media strategies to engage the public and increase visibility The importance of agility, creativity, and playfulness in academic communication How to bridge the gap between professional staff and academics Strategies for effective interdisciplinary collaboration Lessons learned from organising the viral Swiftposium Tips for researchers on crafting their career narrative The value of being open to unexpected opportunities How to balance academic rigour with public engagement Supporting early-career researchers with media training to amplify their impact   Find Dr. Jennifer Beckett and Dr. Eloise Faichney online: Jen — https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/686177-jennifer-beckett Eloise — https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/825855-eloise-faichney Swiftposium — https://swiftposium2024.com Things mentioned: Swiftposium Pursuit articles: https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/topics/swiftposium Professor Skye reviews: Run The Jewels, JPEGMAFIA, Billy Woods, and Kendrick Lamar’s “Not Like Us”

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/23-dr-agnes-mukurumbira    Let's take a deep dive into the art of condensing complex research into presentations that are both concise and compelling. Dr. Agnes Mukurumbira — winner of the 2023 Three Minute Thesis (3MT) Asia-Pacific Final and People's Choice — shares her journey to success and breaks down her winning presentation. Agnes is the co-founder of the startup Food Protect and a researcher at Deakin University's CASS Food Research Center. She discusses how winning the 3MT has opened doors and shaped her career, and takes us through the storytelling techniques that have helped with her 3MT and beyond. We break down her 3MT moment-by-moment, pulling out practical takeaways you can apply to your own research communication. Whether you're preparing for a competition like the 3MT, honing your elevator pitch, or simply looking to communicate your research more effectively to laypeople, this episode offers invaluable insights on making your work more accessible.   Our conversation covers: The impact of winning the 3MT on Agnes's career and visibility as a researcher Agnes’ process of preparing for the 3MT, including key storytelling techniques Strategies for explaining complex scientific concepts to non-specialist audiences How to structure a compelling short presentation The importance of relatability and using analogies in science communication Balancing technical details with broader impact in presentations Tips for presenting to both live audiences and on camera The value of the competitions like the 3MT in developing crucial science communication skills   Find Dr Agnes Mukurumbira online: LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/agnes-mukurumbira-68314798    

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/21-nicholas-van-dam    Today’s episode is a deep dive with Professor Robert Fitzgerald, on how to incorporate human-centred design into your research practices to boost impact for the communities you’re hoping to serve. Rob has held several leadership roles, including as the Head of the Canberra School of Professional Studies at UNSW, Pro Vice Chancellor of Education Strategy at Charles Darwin University, and Director of the University of Canberra's Inspire Centre for Innovation in Education and Training. With over 35 years of experience in education and digital transformation, Rob is passionate about human-centred design. In this episode, we explore how to move beyond just filling out a couple of paragraphs in a grant application to actually working with communities to ensure your research not only provides the right solutions but also tackles the right questions. Rob shares insights from international collaborative projects, illustrating the importance of listening, empathy, and co-design in research. We also discuss how to uncover the impact metrics that truly matter to the communities you’re working with, and how to keep engaging with them throughout the project to ensure you’re on the right track. If you’re a researcher looking to make a real difference with your work, or if you’re part of a team aiming to bridge the gap between research and community needs, this episode is packed with practical insights and strategies that can help you achieve more meaningful and impactful outcomes.   Our conversation covers: The importance of human-centred design in research and how it can significantly enhance the impact of your work. Moving beyond basic grant application requirements to fully engage with the communities your research aims to serve. How human-centred design requires researchers to stop talking and start asking questions, truly listening with empathy and curiosity. Strategies for effective listening and empathy in research settings, especially when working with diverse and international communities. The participatory and collaborative nature of HCD, involving not just community representatives but also other researchers and organizations. The role of co-design in formulating research questions that are truly relevant to community needs. Uncovering and understanding the impact metrics that matter most to the communities involved in your research. The importance of having fun and making sure everyone feels respected and actively involved during research engagements. Techniques for maintaining ongoing engagement with community partners throughout the research project. Insights from Rob’s international collaborative projects, highlighting real-world applications of human-centred design. The ethical considerations and challenges of conducting research that is both respectful and impactful.   Find Prof Robert Fitzgerald online: LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertnfitzgerald   Mentioned in the episode: Gavin Blake, scribe — https://gavinblake.com.au  

View the full show notes, including a summary of practical tips on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/21-nicholas-van-dam    Today’s episode is a deep dive with Associate Professor Nicholas Van Dam on how he raised $10M in philanthropic funding for the University of Melbourne's Contemplative Studies Centre. Nicholas shares how he reframed his thinking to land that significant donation, and we discuss the importance of diversifying your funding portfolio, building connections with the right people, and effectively pitching your vision to potential donors. If you’re a researcher or part of a research organisation looking to tap into philanthropic funding, this episode is packed with practical advice and strategies you can apply to your own work.   Our conversation covers: Strategies for reframing your thinking to attract significant donations. The importance of diversifying your funding sources and not relying solely on traditional grants. How to build and maintain connections with potential donors and key stakeholders. Listening and self-reflection — the importance of listening to potential donors and understanding their priorities while also reflecting on your own passions and long-term satisfaction before committing to funding agreements. The value of dedicating time to develop the necessary skills for securing funding and taking meetings, even when uncertain about the outcomes. Effective pitching techniques to communicate your vision and its impact compellingly. The role of media appearances in building your reputation and increasing your visibility to potential donors. The significance of surrounding yourself with the right people, seeking mentorship, and consciously building a strong, supportive team. Tips on leveraging your existing networks to open doors to new funding opportunities.   Find A/Prof Nicholas Van Dam online: https://www.nicholastvandam.com UniMelb — https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/796489-nicholas-van-dam LinkedIn — https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholas-van-dam-7784a85/

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!   Our conversation covers: 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.   Find Dr Jo Antoniades online: 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! Our conversation covers: 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 Find Prof Megan Munsie online: 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 Find Chris Pahlow online: 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! Our conversation covers: 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 Find Geoff Paine online: 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 Find Chris Pahlow online: 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! Our conversation covers: 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 Find Bonnie and Anna online: https://socialsciences.org.au [email protected] 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/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. If you have an important presentation, conference, or meeting coming up, this episode is a must listen! Elizabeth provides incredibly powerful and granular tips on how to be present and get in touch with your body during high stakes communications and engagements. 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 https://www.linkedin.com/in/yee-lian-chew-739440ba https://chewwormlab.wordpress.com  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/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 https://www.behaviourworksaustralia.org/team/mark-boulet https://www.monash.edu/msdi/about/people/research/mark-boulet Resources: BehaviourWorks INSPIRE framework https://www.behaviourworksaustralia.org/blog/inspired-communications Find Chris Pahlow online: 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 Contemplative Studies Centre https://psychologicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/CSC PsychTalks Podcast https://psychologicalsciences.unimelb.edu.au/engage/psychtalks/podcasts Find Chris online: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispahlow

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/10-hanie-yee-on-commercialisation   Today's episode is a deep dive with Hanie Yee, an industry leader with over 23 years of international experience working in the commercialisation for biotech, pharmaceutical, and medical device industries.  Right now, she's the COO of Alimentary, which is a digital health and diagnostic devices startup based in Auckland. And she's also involved in helping researchers get into the startup space.  She's an investment committee chair of the MedTech and Surgical Committee for Return on Science. This is a national research commercialisation program in New Zealand, that leads the establishment of best practice to deliver new research to market from universities research institutes and private companies as well. On top of that and the many other amazing things she does She's a judge and mentor for velocity, which is the university of Auckland's innovation and entrepreneurship program... Our conversation covers:  How commercialisation can lead to impact Defining your pitch and problem statement Talking about IP Finding common ground between you and your stakeholders The importance of authenticity Defining and talking about strategy And a whole lot more... Find Hanie Yee online: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haniey https://returnonscience.co.nz/hanie-shahpari-yee https://www.alimetry.com/our-team Find Chris online: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispahlow

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/9-jacinta-bowler-on-how-to-be-a-journalists-best-friend   Today's episode is a deep dive with science journalist Jacinta Bowler. Jacinta has well over 1,000 articles published for outlets like the ABC, SBS Science, Cosmos, the SMH, and Science Alert... And they've also been published in Best Australian Science Writing in 2021 and 2022. Our conversation covers: Preparing for your interview Building an ongoing relationship with journalists Mitigating risks Writing about your work for a general audience How to approach different mediums And a whole lot more... Find Jacinta Bowler online: https://twitter.com/jacinta_bowler https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacinta-bowler-ab3a64103/ Best Australian Science Writing 2023 https://unsw.press/books/best-australian-science-writing-2023  Best Australian Science Writing 2022 https://unsw.press/books/the-best-australian-science-writing-2022  Resources mentioned: Adrian Smith (the "bug guy") https://www.youtube.com/antlab  Find Chris online: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispahlow

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/8-alanta-colley-on-storytelling-listening-and-iterating-your-research-comms   Today's episode is a deep dive with comedian, science communicator, and storyteller, Alanta Colley. Alanta has translated her background working in international public health into a series of incredible comedy shows, including "Trick or Treatment" debuting at the 2024 Melbourne International Comedy Festival (https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/trick-or-treatment). She also hosts workshops on science communication and storytelling, and our conversation covers —  Putting the researcher back into the story The power of failure as a communication tool The importance of listening and asking questions Iterating your message as you get feedback And a whole lot more... Get tickets for Alanta's show "Trick or Treatment: https://www.comedyfestival.com.au/2024/shows/trick-or-treatment Find Alanta online: https://www.alantacolley.com https://www.scifight.com.au  https://www.linkedin.com/in/alanta-colley-2a018843  Find Chris online: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispahlow

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/7-prof-dan-woodman-on-promoting-your-entire-field   Today's episode is a deep dive with Prof Dan Woodman. Dan is a TR Ashworth Professor of Sociology in the School of Social and Political Sciences at the University of Melbourne. He founded Social Sciences Week, and has been the president the Council for Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences in Australia. Dan spoke about representing not only your own research but your entire field when conducting comms and engagement activities. Our conversation covers: What it's like conducting comms and engagement with peak bodies Aligning multiple voices around a north star, and doing so in a way that allows for nuance and a diversity of perspectives The benefits of making engagement a core part of what you do As well as plenty of tips about conducting comms and engagement — including dealing with radio interviews, what to do when things go wrong, using your teaching as a practice ground for public engagement, and a whole lot more... Find Prof Dan Woodman online: https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/19920-dan-woodman http://twitter.com/drdanwoodman  Find Chris online: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispahlow

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/6-dr-simona-carbone-on-communicating-effectively-as-a-leader   Today's episode is a deep dive with Dr Simona Carbone. She's a co-director of the integrated neurogenic mechanisms lab in drug discovery biology at the Monash Institute of pharmaceutical sciences (MIPS). In addition to her research work, she is also the host and producer of the podcast, The Lead Candidate, a show that aims to understand what qualities and experiences make a great leader in different fields of science.  Our conversation covers:  Aligning your team behind a central mission How to operationalise things like values and ensure they have a real tangible benefit to your organisation And nitty gritty tips for running effective meetings, how to have effective conversations with the people you're leading, and a whole lot more... Find Dr Simona Carbone online: https://theleadcandidate.com  https://twitter.com/sim_scientist  https://au.linkedin.com/in/simona-carbone-phd-77121a62  https://research.monash.edu/en/persons/simona-carbone  Resources mentioned: Dare to Lead by Brené Brown https://brenebrown.com/book/dare-to-lead Dare to Lead list of values https://brenebrown.com/resources/dare-to-lead-list-of-values  Find Chris online: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispahlow

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/5-andy-matthews-amp-alasdair-tremblay-birchall-on-using-comedy-to-make-your-research-more-approachable   Today's episode is a deep dive with comedians Andy Matthews and Alasdair Tremblay-Birchall. Andy and Alasdair host the science comedy quiz show "The Pop Test" on Radio National and inject their love of science into so much of the comedy they've produced — including their incredible live shows "Magma" and "Teleport". Our conversation covers: How jokes, playfulness, and great metaphors can help you hook your audience The importance of understanding and representing your audience's point of view Putting together a team for your comms/engagement project, and a whole lot more... Find Andy online: https://twitter.com/stupidoldandy  Find Alasdair online: https://twitter.com/Alasdairtb https://www.instagram.com/atremblaybirchall Their comedy: The Pop Test https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/the-pop-test  Magma https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHp3rH6AzPg Teleport https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJWzVvI6d6s Two in the Think Tank podcast https://shows.acast.com/two-in-the-think-tank Gustav & Henri — Andy's sci-fi children's book series https://gustavandhenri.com Find Chris online: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispahlow  

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/4-aprof-suzie-sheehy-on-reaching-a-large-audience   Today's episode is a deep dive with A/Prof Suzie Sheehy. She's both an accomplished accelerator physicist and an absolutely incredible science communicator. Her TED talk, "The case for curiosity driven research" has almost 2 million views as of posting date, she's partnered with The Royal Institution to deliver lectures with hundreds of thousands of views on YouTube, and she's the published author of the book, "The matter of everything: 12 experiments that changed our world". Our conversation covers: Finding partners that can amplify your voice Finding your personal presenting style Adapting your message to different formats and mediums Why your comms don't need to be perfect Getting comfortable representing your field, and a whole lot more... Find A/Prof Suzie Sheehy online: https://www.suziesheehy.com https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/99747-suzie-sheehy https://twitter.com/suziesheehy https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsuziesheehy Some of Suzie's lectures: https://www.ted.com/talks/suzie_sheehy_the_case_for_curiosity_driven_research?language=en  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLmciZdh5j4  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V_hirIK9eFs Resources mentioned: EDGE tool https://www.publicengagement.ac.uk/resources/guide/assess-your-institutional-culture-introducing-edge-tool Find Chris online: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispahlow

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/3-prof-phillip-dawson-on-becoming-a-key-person-of-influence   Today's episode is a deep dive with Prof Phillip Dawson.  Phill is a co-director at the Centre for Research in Assessment and Digital Learning in Deakin. As you'll hear, Phill has made it part of his job to become a key person of influence in his field. Our conversation covers:  The potential benefits of a KPI strategy — both to individual researchers and research organisations How to find your niche Creating your pitch The importance of publishing journal articles, other research dissemination, and a whole lot more... Find Prof Phillip Dawson online: https://philldawson.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/https://www.deakin.edu.au/about-deakin/people/phillip-dawsonphilldawson https://twitter.com/phillipdawson Resources mentioned: Key Person of Influence https://www.keypersonofinfluence.com The Problem/Gap/Hook Heuristic by Lorelei Lingard https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4602011 Find Chris online: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispahlow

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/2-aprof-jen-martin-on-the-importance-of-science-communication   Today's episode is a deep dive with A/Prof Jen Martin.  She's dedicated her professional life to teaching researchers how to communicate effectively. She founded the science communication teaching program at the University of Melbourne, and is one of the hosts of the Let's Talk SciComm podcast. Jen's also an incredible science communicator in her own right. She's currently the vice president of Australian science communicators. She's been talking weekly about science on RRR for more than 15 years. And she's also the author of popular science book, "Why am I like this?"  Our conversation covers: Why effective communication is so important for researchers who want to generate impact How you can build your confidence when starting out How research organisations can create a safe space for communication and connection Her work with Homeward bound, and some specific advice for female and non-binary researchers And a whole lot more... Let's Talk SciComm podcast: https://pod.link/1590937440 https://blogs.unimelb.edu.au/science-communication/blog-posts/podcast/ Find Prof Jen Martin online: https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/6492-jen-martin https://twitter.com/scidocmartin https://www.instagram.com/scidocmartin/   https://www.linkedin.com/in/jen-martin-scicomm Buy Jen's book, "Why Am I Like This?": https://www.booktopia.com.au/why-am-i-like-this--jen-martin/book/9781761450426.html?source=pla&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAt5euBhB9EiwAdkXWOykxTXFZhFZNevivr-G9oS0fw_nesnaPE92mU__qzwomIpQWp37u8RoCznAQAvD_BwE https://www.amazon.com.au/Why-Am-Like-This-Weirdest/dp/1648961738#:~:text=Book%20overview&text=With%20answers%20to%20some%20of,our%20strangest%20thoughts%20and%20habits. Resources mentioned: "Dare to Lead" by Brene Brown https://brenebrown.com/book/dare-to-lead  Find Chris online: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispahlow  

View the full show notes on the Amplifying Research website: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com/podcast/1-prof-andrew-pask-on-becoming-the-thylacine-guy-and-raising-40m   Today's episode is a deep dive with Prof Andrew Pask — the thylacine guy. He's head of the TIGRR lab at the University of Melbourne, and he's already raised around $40 million to support his lab's work to de extinct the thylacine. As you'll hear, he's incredibly passionate about conducting comms and engagement and our conversation touches on everything from how his side hustle turned into a $40M research endeavour, to dealing with criticism and when things go wrong, and the importance of community engagement. It's a great conversation, so enjoy and stay tuned for next week's episode with A/Prof Jen Martin. We'll be releasing weekly for the first 12 episodes, and then switching to every other week to give us a bit more time to release some of the other exciting Amplifying Research projects we have in store for you. Find Prof Andrew Pask online: https://tigrrlab.science.unimelb.edu.au https://findanexpert.unimelb.edu.au/profile/4401-andrew-pask https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/individuals/professor-andrew-pask  Find Chris online: https://www.amplifyingresearch.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrispahlow Resources Mentioned: "How to Clone a Mammoth" — https://press.princeton.edu/books/paperback/9780691209005/how-to-clone-a-mammoth

Welcome to Amplifying Research.  After 15 years working as a professional storyteller, I’m now on a mission to help make sure that incredible research all around the world generates real impact with the help of effective engagement and communication. This series features deep dive conversations with incredible research communicators from all around the world. Guests include researchers who make engagement a core part of their job, to professional science communicators, as well some folks you might not expect... Like screenwriters, directors, brand strategists, actors, and even comedians who have a passion for research communication. Our first episode drops February 7th 2024, and features Prof Andrew Pask discussing how we became "The Thylacine Guy" and raised $40M. We'll be releasing weekly for the first 12 episodes, and then switching to every other week to give us a bit more time to release some of the other exciting Amplifying Research projects we have in store for you. Stay tuned, and you can find out more at http://amplifyingresearch.com