Science informing media

Media coverage of the ten-year anniversary of the Black Saturday bushfires, alongside coverage of hazards more generally, is being informed by Bushfire and Natural Hazards CRC researchers.

Dr Josh Whittaker and Dr Katharine Haynes are taking part in a ‘Scientist in residence’ program with The Age and the Australian Science Media Centre, working alongside science reporter Liam Mannix.

Spending last week at The Age, the week-long placement gave Dr Whittaker an opportunity to use his knowledge and expertise on all things bushfire-related within a media scope.

Co-authoring an article alongside Liam Mannix and Dr Haynes for the 6 February edition, Dr Whittaker’s first article looked at research into bushfire warnings, highlighting that while the message may have changed since Black Saturday, people are still choosing to stay even when they are advised to leave.

 The ‘Scientist in residence’ program has been an invaluable experience, Dr Whittaker believes.

 “Working at The Age was a great opportunity to learn how the media works and in particular how journalists understand and frame science stories.

“I got some really good insights into how they write, including the need for ‘a good yarn’ and ‘a hard top’. The experience will definitely help me communicate my research to media and the public in the future,” Dr Whittaker said.

This week Dr Hayes is working in The Age newsroom alongside Liam Mannix, advising on flood science, as well as broader science stories.

Published on the 13 Thursday edition of The Age, the co-authored article Awkward conversations: Science says you're way more likeable than you think looks at the research behind social awkwardness.

In partnership with the Australian Science Media Centre, the ‘Scientist in residence’ program is an excellent professional development opportunity for our researchers.