Programme Day 2: 19 November 2024

Only those sessions labelled LIVE STREAM were available to view online.

See Day 1: 18 November 2024 and Day 3: 20 November 2024

TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2024, DAY 2 – morning session

08:30 – 09:45
Vista venue
Live stream

PLENARY 2: SCHOLARLY PERSPECTIVES ON COMMUNICATING DISCOVERY SCIENCE

Chair: Saahier Parker
Rapporteur: Sabine Heij

PRESENTATION

Does public engagement work? An empirical test

Bruce Lewenstein (Cornell University, USA)

Many of us involved in public engagement believe that it makes science itself better. But what do we mean by that? I’ll describe a discovery-focused scientific research project (about “programmable plants”) where we have embedded research about public engagement as a co-equal research theme to the natural science themes. We’re exploring how to assess what influence public engagement has on the scientists and science itself.

PANEL DISCUSSION

Building the infrastructure for effective discovery science communication

John Besley (Michigan State University, USA)
Marta Entradas (Instituto Universitario de Lisboa, Portugal)
Mike Schäfer (University of Zurich, Switzerland)
Sara Yeo (University of Utah, United States)

Organisations outside of science typically hire staff and develop procedures to build the relationships they need to succeed. Unfortunately, scientists rarely have access to this type of communication infrastructure and most science communication training focuses on helping individual scientists, not scientific organisations. This talk will share insights gained through multiple research projects that are seeking to better understand how scientists and scientific organisations are thinking about how to access engagement support. It will provide ideas on paths forward for both researchers and practitioners

09:45 – 11:00
Vista venue
Live stream

PLENARY 3: SOUTH AFRICAN PERSPECTIVES ON COMMUNICATING DISCOVERY SCIENCE

Chair: Jeanne Garbarino
Rapporteur: Lili Rademan

PRESENTATIONS

The South African Public Relationship with Science Survey: Implications for science communication

Vijay Reddy (Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa) – View report
Isaac Ramovha (Department of Science and Innovation, South Africa)

South Africa recently conducted a comprehensive survey to assess the country’s progress toward becoming a more science-literate and science-aware society. In this presentation, we share results from the South African Public Relationship with Science (SAPRS) survey, covering 27 key measures. We will present the results for two high-level questions: (i) What are the current levels of science engagement measures? and (ii) What socio-demographic characteristics influence who is more and less likely to exhibit higher science knowledge, attitudes, access to science and technology information, participation in science engagement activities, and related behaviours and views? We then describe the unique social fingerprint of the South African public’s relationship with science.

Reimagining public facing, multidisciplinary research and science engagement and communication environments

Beverley Damonse (University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa)

The Wits Faculty of Science places a strong emphasis on enhancing the value of its research-led, public-facing science enterprises. As a result, entities such as the Sterkfontein Caves, Origins Centre, and Digital Dome are reimagining their approaches to communicating research and engaging with public audiences. This rethinking includes the introduction of a new multidisciplinary master’s degree in science communication.

RESPONDENT

Charting a pathway towards engaged research in Africa

Konosoang Sobane (Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa)

11:00 Coffee / tea

11:30 – 13:00
Vista venue
Live stream

PLENARY 4: DISCOVERY SCIENTISTS REFLECT ON SOCIETAL ENGAGEMENT

Chair: Bruce Lewenstein
Rapporteur: Linka Maritz

PRESENTATION

Experiences in Paleo-biology

Anusuya Chinsamy-Turan (University of Cape Town, South Africa)

In this presentation, I will share various strategies I have used to communicate my research in palaeobiology to the wider community. I have found that one needs to consider multiple ways to engage with different audiences, and in this talk, I will highlight some of the different approaches that I have used.

PANEL

Inspiring pupils – potentials and challenges of science communication in schools

Magdalena Eriksröd-Burger (University of Bamberg, formerly OeAD – Agency of Education and Internationalisation, Germany)

Postgraduate students’ perspectives on communicating their basic research

Melissa Vorster, Anika Du Plessis, Karla Redelinghuys (Stellenbosch University, South Africa)

Drawing from our diverse experiences as early-career interdisciplinary scientists, we aim to provide our perspective on the challenges of communicating basic sciences. We will elaborate on the difficulties of conveying abstract concepts in fields such as bioinformatics, computational modelling, and genetics, while maintaining the scientific validity of the research. Additionally, we will highlight the importance of collaboration between scientists and other professionals to bridge the communication gap between science and society.

13:00 Lunch

TUESDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2024, DAY 2 – afternoon session

14:00 – 15:30
Vista venue
Live stream

PARALLEL SESSION 5: CREATIVE AND NOVEL APPROACHES TO ENGAGING AUDIENCES

Chair: Maambele Khosa
Rapporteur: Sabine Heij

What am I looking at? | O que é isto?

John Lee (Champalimaud Foundation, Portugal)
Co-authors: Catarina Ramos, Hedi Young, Carla Emilie Pereira, Marta Correia, João Van Zeist

Focussing on how the Champalimaud Foundation’s Communication, Events, and Outreach team transformed an initial idea into a successful project, we present the audio-visual, multi-platform series ”What am I looking at? | O que é isto?”. This series has exceeded our expectations, thanks to effective teamwork, organisation, a clear vision, and a desire to maximise the potential of a simple concept.

Poetic inquiry in engaged research: A narrative review

Marilyn Couch and Nonkululeko Dlamini (Human Sciences Research Council, South Africa)

Our presentation explores the origins and applications of poetic inquiry in research, highlighting its potential as a creative tool for science communication. We will recite a poem that exemplifies how this approach blends artistic expression with rigorous analysis, making complex scientific concepts more accessible. Poetic inquiry fosters connections with diverse communities, creating deeper emotional and intellectual engagement. This method transforms traditional science communication into a more inclusive and impactful practice, aligning with the principles of engaged research and interdisciplinary collaboration. By integrating poetry, we can enhance the understanding of intricate ideas and inspire curiosity across a variety of audiences.

Blending Science and Comedy: The Infinite Monkey Cage Approach

Melanie Brown (Civic Science Fellow/BBC radio producer, United Kingdom)

How can comedy help make complex science more accessible? The Infinite Monkey Cage, a BBC radio/podcast show, merges science communication with humour by featuring comedians as co-hosts and panellists alongside scientists. This blend of humour and expertise aims to foster curiosity and to break down barriers to understanding, and engages wider audiences. Join me as I share insights into how comedy can be used to create a relaxed atmosphere for discussing serious scientific topics. Attendees will hear examples and learn practical strategies for combining humour and science to reach and engage diverse listeners.

Creatively engaging the public in basic neuroscience: The imperative of mental privacy and data protection

Marietjie Botes (University of Stellenbosch, South Africa)

Advances in neuroscience and neurotechnologies highlight the crucial need for public engagement, particularly regarding mental privacy and neuro data protection. In my presentation, I will explore creative methods such as storytelling, art, and comics to make complex neuroscience concepts more accessible to the public. Additionally, I will present a comic poster designed to raise awareness about different types of neuro data and privacy rights, with the goal of building an informed community that values and protects these advancements.

14:00 – 15:30
Breakout venue

PARALLEL SESSION 6: ASTRONOMY AND ASTROPHYSICS – SHOP WINDOWS OF DISCOVERY SCIENCES

Chair: Robert Inglis
Rapporteur: Nicola Davies-Laubscher

Implementing the cascade outreach model: communicating astronomy across Africa

Duduzile Kubheka (African Astronomical Society, South African Astronomical Observatory and BRICS Astronomy, South Africa)

The Cascade Outreach Model, spearheaded by AfAS and the IAU-GA 2024 Outreach and Education Committee, engages diverse African audiences with astronomy through inclusive, community-driven initiatives. Over the past two years, astronomy postgraduate students have served as outreach ambassadors, expanding the programme across Africa and targeting underserved regions. Inspired by Carolina Ödman-Govender’s model, this initiative breaks down geographic and socioeconomic barriers while fostering curiosity and scientific literacy. By partnering with education departments, the programme not only inspires youth and promotes STEM careers but also equips ambassadors with communication skills, creating a lasting impact on science awareness and leadership within African communities.

A digital-dome look into African astronomy

Sally Macfarlane (Inter-university Institute for Data-Intensive Astronomy, South Africa)

Over the past several years, the IDIA Visualisation Laboratory, in collaboration with the South African Astronomical Observatory, has been producing local digital dome (modern planetarium) content to celebrate and educate audiences about Africa’s astronomy landscape and cultural heritage. In this presentation, I will discuss the challenges and lessons learnt throughout this process, as well as potential steps to take to ensure a sustainable future for local digital dome content creation in Africa.

Bringing the stars closer: Innovative approaches to communicating astronomy in Africa

Zodwa Tiki (African Astronomical Society, South Africa)

In my talk, I will discuss the communication strategies employed by the African Astronomical Society (AfAS) to make astronomy accessible to diverse audiences. I will focus on our blend of traditional and digital approaches, such as newsletters and social media, to share knowledge, foster community, and engage people across the African continent. By tailoring our content to different audiences, we aim to build a pan-African network that promotes the wonders of astronomy, ensuring that our efforts reach and resonate with everyone, from educators and researchers to the public.

Empowering public engagement in basic science through innovative communication strategies

Cassandra Mzola and Simphiwe Madlanga (South African Radio Astronomy Observatory, South Africa)

This presentation will explore the critical role of innovative communication strategies in enhancing public engagement with basic science. Drawing on our experience in science engagement, we will discuss how creative approaches can bridge the gap between complex scientific concepts and public understanding. The talk will highlight practical examples and insights gained from implementing these strategies in the field of radio astronomy, emphasising their potential to inspire and educate diverse audiences.

15:30 Coffee / tea

16:00 – 17:30
Vista venue
Live stream

PLENARY 5: CONNECTING SCIENCE AND AUDIENCES

Chair: Dannielle Kenny
Rapporteur: Magdalena Eriksröd-Burger

PRESENTATIONS

Using TikTok tactics for effective science communication

Luther Chipembere (Stellenbosch University, South Africa)

Ever wonder why TikTok is so engaging, fun, and relatable? In this talk, I’ll explore why adopting a content creator mindset isn’t just a trend—it’s a game changer for basic science researchers. Imagine transforming complex research into engaging stories that resonate, using captivating visuals to draw in our audience, and connecting with audiences in a way that makes them think, “Wow, I get it now!” I will demonstrate that basic science isn’t just about discovery; it’s about making those discoveries resonate and inspire, because great ideas deserve to be seen, understood, and remembered.

SKA Hip Hop Science Spaza – Music of the stars

Hilary Kromberg (Jive Media Africa, South Africa)
Sthabile Mazubane (Jive Media Africa, South Africa)
Co-author: Robert Inglis (Jive Media Africa, South Africa)

How can we create spaces for young people to engage with the complex science that will shape their futures? Hip Hop Science Spaza travelled to Carnarvon, the epicentre of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), to explore this question. In this presentation, we will screen our short film and discuss our ten years of experience with this participatory science engagement methodology. We’ll examine how young people can gain insight into the complexities of discovery science while researchers develop a deeper understanding of how their work is perceived and interpreted. This experience is transformative for both young people and researchers alike.

Creative pathways to inclusive public engagement

Lynn Hendricks (Stellenbosch University, South Africa)

Arts-based research often prioritises primary research methods. In this presentation, I will share how we integrated creative practices throughout the research process, creating inclusive and accessible research spaces. By utilising art, film and media, we collaborated with communities to prioritise questions, implement research, and communicate findings together. This approach contributed to the communication of science to various stakeholders across multiple platforms in a powerful and relevant way.

Mission MeerKAT and comics as a science communication tool

Robert Inglis (Jive Media Africa)
Rico Schacerl (cartoonist, South Africa)

So, you want to share complex science about invisible phenomena to audiences who are, at best, distracted and, at worst, suspicious? Sounds simple enough – if you’re using comics. Since 2009, the Mission MeerKAT comic series has engaged and delighted both adults and children with stories of adventure and discovery centred on Square Kilometre Array Radio Astronomy and big data. In this visual presentation, we will reflect on the creation of comics and the use of narratives, visualisations, and characters to turn up the signal and reduce the noise in discovery science communication.

#AfricaLookUp: Where science meets art under the African sky

Moleboge Lekoloane (South African Astronomical Observatory, South Africa)
Co-author: Joyful Mdhluli (IAU-OAD, South Africa)

In this presentation, I will share insights gained from the Science Meets Art Open Nights, held as part of the #AfricaLookUp project. This outreach and education initiative is a collaboration between the African Astronomical Society and the National Organising Committee for the 32nd International Astronomical Union General Assembly Outreach and Education Committees. I will emphasise the project’s significant achievements, showcasing the effective balance between creative science communication and outreach efforts.

Day 1: 18 November 2024 – Day 3: 20 November 2024

The symposium aims to deepen understanding of effective public engagement around Discovery Science, also known as basic or foundational science, by exploring ways to improve the practice of communicating Discovery Science, share insights and create a supportive community for scientists and science communication practitioners focused on basic science.

General and programme enquiries

For enquiries, please contact Dr Nicola Davies-Laubscher on info@discoveryscience.co.za

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