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