What's all the fuss about science communication?

“It's important to think about how you get the broader public to understand why what you've done is important.”

We’re pleased to bring you this special bonus episode of Ecology Matters, all about why communicating ecological science is important.

Professor Richard Kingsford is a well-known and well-respected river ecologist who is regularly sought by media to comment on water and wetland-related issues.

In this episode, Professor Kingsford explains why communicating to the broader public should be an essential consideration for every scientist and why the outcomes of speaking truth to power can be much greater than potential short term costs.

Professor Kingsford has been awarded Fellowships of both the Royal Society of NSW and the Australian Zoological Society. He was awarded a Eureka Prize for Promoting Understanding of Science in 2008 and in 2021 received the ESA Gold Medal for his outstanding contributions to ecology.

The Ecological Society of Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of country throughout Australia and their connections to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Help the ESA support ecology in Australia by donating (www.ecolsoc.org.au/get-involved/donate/donation-form) or by becoming a member (www.ecolsoc.org.au/get-involved/become-a-member).

The music in this podcast is ‘Glow’ by Scott Buckley - www.scottbuckley.com.au.

Episode image credit: Kawinwit Kittipalawattanapol