Pulitzer Prize-Winning Journalist to Visit Dublin for Ireland’s Largest Science Communication Event

SCI:COM, Ireland’s all-island science communications conference returns for another exciting day of talks, panels and workshops this December 7^th at the Ballsbridge Hotel in Dublin.

This year’s keynote speaker is Pulitzer-prize winning author and Director of the Knight Centre for Science Journalism at MIT, Deborah Blum.  A celebrated and decorated science journalist, Blum will talk about the role of scientists in an increasingly skeptical world.

Blum, pictured above, has been a columnist for the New York Times, and is widely known for her New York Times Bestseller ‘The Poisoner’s Handbook’ and for her series of articles for the Sacramento Bee examining the professional, ethical, and emotional conflicts between scientists who use animals in their research and animal rights activists who oppose that research.

Other key speakers include Richard Corbridge, Chief Information Officer for the Health Service Executive who is currently tasked with bringing the HSE into the digital era, author Timandra Harkness from BBC4’s The Human Zoo, and Vivienne Parry, OBE, Head of Engagement and Genomics England.

UCD academic and broadcaster Dr Aoibhinn Ní Shuilleabháin will MC the conference, which is supported by Science Foundation Ireland as well as other organisations in the science communication community.

SCI:COM 2016 is organised by Jonathan McCrea, award-winning science and technology broadcaster and founder of communications company Whipsmart Media, Claire Mac Evilly (Danone) and Alex Boyd (UCD Research).

Building on the success of last year’s event, Jonathan McCrea says he is looking forward to introducing a more interactive format and tackling some of the most interesting emerging aspects of science communication.

 “I am thrilled that the event is back with a bang after last year’s success.” Jonathan said. “We have a great mix of both Irish and international senior voices presenting at the event, as well as the brightest young minds in the industry. The programme is designed to promote thought and not to shy away from the tricky topics so we are looking forward to a great day of discussions.” 

The theme for this year’s event is “Let’s Not Go There: Tackling Tricky Issues in Science Communication”, with the agenda set to challenge the theme in a variety of interactive talks and breakout sessions.

During the event, attendees can:

• Develop skills for effective science communication in breakout sessions delivered by experienced professionals from a wide range of disciplines
• Hear insights from leaders who will explain how to build trust with an audience, engage “hard to reach” groups and evaluate impact
• Meet like-minded people, share experiences and forge new relationships in the thriving science communication community on the island of Ireland

Further info can be found on Twitter and to register please click here. If you book by midnight tonight you can still avail of the early bird ticket price.