Let's Talk SciComm

Everyone tells you networking is essential for your career. But what if the idea of walking into a room full of strangers and “working the room” makes you want to hide?
In this short episode, Jen and Michael unpack why networking can feel uncomfortable and how reframing what networking actually is can make it much easier.
Our key message: networking isn’t about collecting contacts or performing in crowded rooms. It’s about building genuine relationships over time.
In this episode, we explore:
Why it helps to rethink what “networking” really means

A simple approach to conversations at conferences and events

Why a short, practiced response to “What do you do?” can make things easier

How to spot others in the room who might feel just as overwhelmed

Why humour and honesty can break the ice (“Networking is a bit awkward, isn’t it?”)

The often-overlooked importance of networking with your own colleagues

Networking doesn’t have to mean working every corner of the room. Sometimes it’s as simple as introducing yourself, asking a thoughtful question, and following up later for a coffee or a conversation.
And remember: most people in the room are probably feeling just as awkward as you are.
You can find more great advice here: 
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/21-networking-tips-i-just-gave-my-future-bosses-shane-o-leary-7fzwe/

https://www.comm-it.com.au/training/7-tips-for-easy-and-effective-networking/

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/networking-tips-early-career-scientists-lessons-from-science-tpfke/

This week we had the pleasure of speaking with Clancy Lester aka "Bee Man" - a nature lover and founder of Bees and Blossoms.
Through growing up on Yorta Yorta Country in regional Victoria, Clancy developed an early fascination with the natural world that later evolved into community-focused biodiversity education through social media and hands-on workshops.
His work empowers young people and communities to engage with local biodiversity, and learn about indigenous knowledge, especially through watching his '7Seasons' documentary.
You can follow Clancy and find out more about his work here: 

Clancy's website: https://beesandblossoms.org/
Clancy's bee hotel website: https://nativebeehotels.com/
Clancy's pursuit article: https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/articles/fighting-to-save-our-aussie-bees-one-bee-hotel-at-a-time
Clancy's ABC news article: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-02-09/bee-hunter-saving-native-species-one-hotel-at-a-time/104881770

Bees and Blossoms Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beesandblossoms.aus/

Bees and Blossoms LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/beesandblossoms/

Clancy's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-clancy-lester/

7Seasons documentary Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/7seasonsdocumentary/

Everyone keeps telling you to “tell a story” about your research… but what if you genuinely can’t see one?
In this short episode, Jen and Michael tackle one of the most common (and quietly stressful) challenges in science communication: finding the story in your own work.
Their reassurance? If you’re looking for a story, you’re already on the right track.
In this episode, we explore:
Why story = a problem–solution dynamic

How to identify the real problem your research is addressing

A simple sentence starter: “This matters because…”

The powerful question: “What has changed because of my work?”

Why your personal motivation might be part of the story

How brainstorming, sticky notes, conversations (and even AI tools) can help uncover new angles

Why audience and purpose determine which story you should tell

One research project can contain dozens of possible stories. The trick isn’t finding the story — it’s choosing the right one for the people you’re speaking to.
And most importantly: there is always a story. It might just take a little curiosity and creativity to uncover it.
You can find more great advice here:
https://reshub.uts.edu.au/whats-on/news/how-nail-your-research-story

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/find-hero-energy-story-your-research

https://blogs.lse.ac.uk/impactofsocialsciences/2018/05/21/writing-a-page-turner-how-to-tell-a-story-in-your-scientific-paper/

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/yrs2

This week we spoke with Dr Chloe Lim who is a trained molecular biologist, professional balloon artist, and science communicator with over 20 years of experience in medical research and regulatory science. She is the founder of Twistyfic, where she merges science, storytelling, and balloon art to spark curiosity and inspire young minds through engaging STEAM shows and workshops. Chloe also runs Giggly Wiggly Balloons, delighting audiences with her balloon artistry at events across Canberra. A top 5 finalist on Channel 7’s Blow Up and a TEDx speaker, she brings a unique blend of creativity and fun to everything she does to make science accessible, inclusive, and memorable.

You can follow Chloe and find out more about her work here:
LinkedIn: ⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchloelim/⁠
Facebook: ⁠https://www.facebook.com/drchloelim/⁠ 
Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/drchloelim/⁠
Website: https://drchloelim.com/ 
TEDx talk: Find your hidden talent and unlock your potential | Dr Chloe Lim | TEDxCanberra 
Blow Up TV show: https://7plus.com.au/blow-up
Amazon page: https://www.amazon.com/author/drchloelim

Giggly Wiggly Balloons
Website: www.gigglywiggly.com.au
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/gigglywigglyballoons
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gigglywigglyballoons
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@gigglywigglyballoons
 
CALD Voices in STEM podcast
Website: https://drchloelim.com/podcast/
Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cald-voices-in-stem/id1702014079
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0ekS0zhlfXXIYJ2DCgY4K1
 
Twistyfic
Website: https://twistyfic.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/twistyfic
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/twistyfic

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/ysj2

Rejection hurts -  whether it’s a journal decision, a grant outcome, or yet another “unsuccessful” email landing in your inbox. In this short Listen to This If episode, Jen and Michael talk honestly about the emotional rollercoaster of academic rejection, why it’s not a reflection of your worth (or your work), and how to keep going when the disappointment hits hard.
They share practical strategies for making the most of the effort you’ve already put in, learning from feedback (when you’re ready for it!), and normalising rejection as a part of the research cycle, not a personal failure.
If you’re feeling frustrated, deflated, or questioning yourself after a knockback, this one’s for you.
In this episode, we cover:
Why rejection is a normal (but still awful) part of academia

How low funding rates and high competition skew outcomes

The importance of venting and feeling miserable - briefly!

Turning reviewer feedback into your next stronger submission

Why trying again (and again) really does get easier

You can find more great advice here:
https://patthomson.net/2020/08/31/dealing-with-rejection/

https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/how-to-do-academia/202207/coping-with-rejection-in-the-academic-world

https://researcher-hub.sydney.edu.au/funding/plan-for-funding/reframing-rejection.html

https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/six-steps-overcoming-setbacks-and-rejection

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/osj2