Enabling informal science learning through inclusive science communication

Campus Plus is excited to announce the commencement of another Australian Government Department of Education National Industry PhD Program Award. PhD candidate Shanii Phillips is collaborating with The Australian National University's Graham Walker and Scitech's John Chappell on a project to explore ways to make informal science learning more accessible to and inclusive of groups that may experience challenges accessing these learning experiences.

Mainstream science communication approaches have been critiqued for representing a narrow view of who participates in science. Inclusive science communication aims to overcome this by centring those whose voices and identities have previously been excluded from science and society, an important step towards expanding Australia's STEM workforce.

This project will develop approaches to extend equity within Scitech’s programs beyond it's existing work, focusing on low socioeconomic status and regional/remote communities in WA. This project will give Scitech and similar institutions practical recommendations to improve their access and inclusion efforts, promoting inclusive science communication across the sector.