Let's Talk SciComm

This week we’re thrilled to be joined by long-time friend of the podcast Dr Tullio Rossi - we first chatted with Tullio way back in Season 6 (you can listen to that interview here). Tullio is an award-winning science communicator, marine biologist, and graphic designer. As the founder of Animate Your Science, he has trained over 7,000 researchers across 59 countries to tell their stories to the world. Recently, Tullio has dived deep into the AI revolution, and he’s here to share how we can use these tools to boost their productivity and amplify their impact.You can follow Tullio and learn more about his work here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tulliorossi/https://www.animateyour.science/https://www.animateyour.science/ai-for-researchers-coursehttps://www.animateyour.science/training/ai-for-grant-writingSubscribe to our podcast newsletter, The ChitChat: https://mailchi.mp/06154eb97b24/welcome-to-lets-talk-scicommTranscript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/db62

What if the people closest to you just don’t “get” what you do? How do you talk about your work or studies without sounding defensive, boring, or awkward?In this episode of Listen to This If…., Jen and Michael tackle a common but rarely discussed challenge: when your family doesn’t understand your passion for science, study, or work.They each share a practical tip for navigating these conversations, from finding better ways to involve family members, to reframing the conversation around why your work matters to you rather than the technical details. Along the way, they reflect on motivation, identity, and the value of reconnecting with your own sense of purpose.In just 5 minutes, you’ll hear:Why “it’s complicated” can shut down meaningful conversationsThe power of explaining why you do what you do, not just what you doHow reconnecting with your own motivation can lift a slumpAn episode for anyone who’s ever felt misunderstood or struggled to explain why their work really matters to them.You can find more great advice here:https://pcur.princeton.edu/2019/11/why-you-should-talk-to-your-friends-about-your-research/https://www.academictransfer.com/en/blog/explaining-the-value-of-your-science-to-friends-and-family/https://phdonewhatnext.com/all-posts/explaining-your-phdTranscript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/tb62

This week we loved chatting with Bec Colless, who has 30+ years’ experience in science communication, research translation and IP commercialisation, public and stakeholder relations, education and marketing. She has enhanced the reputations, funding and impact of universities and research organisations, innovative businesses – including her own travelling science show – government agencies, non-profits, museums and schools. Drawing on her decades of experience across science, journalism, government, industry and education, Bec shares practical advice on research impact, persuasive writing, value propositions and storytelling and why great communication always starts with empathy for your audience. From grant writing and credibility to Aristotle’s rhetorical triangle and the hero’s journey, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for researchers at every career stage. You can follow Bec and learn more about her work here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-colless/ Subscribe to our podcast newsletter, The ChitChat: https://mailchi.mp/06154eb97b24/welcome-to-lets-talk-scicommTranscript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/mb62

Struggling to grab your audience’s attention? In this week’s episode, Jen and Michael break down exactly what makes a killer headline - one that cuts through the noise, hooks your reader instantly, and sets up your story for impact.In just five minutes, you’ll learn:Why your headline matters more than you thinkThe science of what makes people stop scrollingSimple, repeatable headline formulas you can use todayHow to avoid the common traps that make headlines fall flatWays to tailor your headline to different audiences without losing clarityWhether you’re writing a journal article title, a grant application, or a social media post, these tips will help you craft headlines that are bold, clear, and irresistible.You can find more great advice here:https://www.niemanlab.org/2024/08/readers-prefer-to-click-on-a-clear-simple-headline-like-this-one/https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00771-3https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2024/06/msu-research-what-makes-a-good-headlinehttps://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn2555Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/vb62

This week we were thrilled to chat with Dr Véronique Paris who is a medical entomologist studying Australian vector mosquitoes in the Pest & Environmental Adaptation Research Group at Melbourne Uni. Originally from Berlin, Véronique completed her BSc and MSc in Biology, specialising in ecological immunology and exploring how insect immune systems respond to infections. Before pursuing a scientific career, she completed an apprenticeship at the Berlin Zoo, a time when she was unsure if going to university was the right path for her. Ultimately she discovered a passion for research and went on to pursue higher education. Véronique is also passionate about science communication, contributing to Pursuit, writing blog posts, and sharing her research widely on social media. Recently, the Let’s Talk SciComm team was over the moon to share the University of Melbourne School of BioSciences Excellence in Community Engagement with Véronique! You can follow Véronique and learn more about her work here: https://www.instagram.com/mozzienique/https://bsky.app/profile/mozzienique.bsky.socialhttps://www.tiktok.com/@vroniqueparis6https://www.linkedin.com/in/v%C3%A9ronique-paris-bb25a1255/https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/individuals/veronique-parishttps://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/23/mosquito-borne-disease-fight-researcher-bare-armTranscript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/an62