SCI:COM 2019 - Shaping the story of science and research in Europe

SCI:COM is a unique yearly event that welcomes great minds from the arena of science communication for an exciting day of talks, panel discussions, and networking. This year’s conference was held on 3rd December on the Aviva Stadium in Dublin, and focused on creativity in science communication. BactiVax was represented by our Project Manager, Luciana Herda.

The event included a series of talks given by innovators in science communication, panel discussions, workshops, poster sessions and even a guided meditation exercise! Dr. Elizabeth Rasekoala, President of African Gong – The Pan-African Network for the Popularization of Science & Technology and Science Communication, kicked-off the meeting with an inspiring talk on how creativity is shaped by culture and diversity. She challenged the scientists in the audience (and beyond) to move out of their comfort zone when it comes to science communication, and to create compelling and impactful outcomes.

Attendees also took part in a great conversation about the effects of competition and how raising the stakes changes the outcome for scientists, students and children. The panel included academics involved in science education, organisers of large-scale science festivals for children, and student representatives. The panel agreed that, while a healthy competition inspires kids to do their best and challenge themselves, co-operation in science projects is generally more inclusive and puts less pressure on young children. As science educators, these are aspects to consider when planning to communicate and promote science among young students.

The last keynote of the day belonged to the unconventional Irish artist, writer and podcast author, Blindboy. In a fireside chat with Jonathan McCrea (multi-award-winning TV and radio broadcaster, and founder of SCI:COM), Blindboy shared insights into his personal creative process. From science, to environmental issues and from history, to mental health, Blindboy took the audience on a journey across the complex themes that inspire him.

More details about the complete schedule of SCI:COM 2019 and list of speakers can be found here.

 

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Congratulations to #BactiVax researchers @irenejm6, @maite_s96 and Assoc. Prof. Siobhán McClean on their recently published review on Pseudomonas aeruginosa #vaccine development! 🦠 P. aeruginosa is an antibiotic-resistant, hospital-acquired pathogen that can cause severe and difficult to treat infections. Link to open access paper here & in bio: https://t.co/l1y9Ugh5Sj?amp=1
🧪⚗ #EuropeanResearchersNight is here! Make sure to check some of the #cool #science events organised across Europe today, especially the @meetmetonight20 event in Milan, as #BactiVax will be there. Tonight @5pm CET & tomorrow @4pm CET, we'll have interactive sessions on #vaccine discovery, held by our Project 6 Researcher @_ritafranco and Prof. Francesco Peri @unimib. 🗒 Free registration: meetmetonight.it/programma/
BactiVax - Siobhán McClean