The Science Media Centre and the Science Communicator’s Association (SCANZ) on Tuesday celebrated a year which saw some major developments in science communication efforts in New Zealand.
The Government’s Science in Society Strategy has for the first time put a comprehensive focus on science communication and engagement efforts, from science education, to citizen science to upskilling researchers to work with the media.
We have seen science communication research capacity beefed up with international experts joining the University of Otago’s Centre for Science Communication and new science communication courses launched at Victoria University.
A new Nielsen survey of the New Zealand’s public attitudes to science revealed very high interest with and engagement in science compared to other countries and identified areas for improvement.
I gave guests at the Royal Society of New Zealand a sneak peek of the Science Media Exchange, a website the SMC will be launching early in the New Year that promises to be a go-to resource for journalists, science institutions and scientists themselves.
Thanks to everyone who joined us for an end of year catch-up, sorry to those outside of Wellington who missed out. We look forward to working with you in 2015.
