Communication support to CRCs

Scientell has provided a range of communication support services to Cooperative Research Centres (CRCs).

Feature article writing

The CRC for Contamination Assessment and Remediation of the Environment (CRC CARE) sought assistance to develop and write a series of 10 feature articles on a wide range of topics, to raise awareness of the CRC’s scientific research findings and their applications.

Scientell worked with the CRC to identify topics for the 10 features, the target audience, and relevant publications in which to place the stories. We interviewed CRC CARE researchers and collaborators to identify the story angle and collect lively quotes. We then researched the topic to include explanatory background information and wrote each 1000-word story. Following internal review, we ensured each interviewee cleared the draft and we addressed comments from CRC CARE.

Infographics

Infographics are a powerful communication tool for complex scientific concepts. Information is distilled into bite-size graphics and short text snippets. Readers can quickly absorb the key messages, which are easy to read and presented in an informative way.

Scientell developed infographics for CRC CARE. We established the messages through consultation with CRC staff. This information drove the development of initial concepts for infographics. The infographics were designed professionally, with multiple opportunities for CRC input and feedback before finalisation.

Editing

Scientell has edited a range of documents for CRCs, from annual reports to new CRC bid documents. Our editing ensures documents are well structured, clear, complete and grammatically correct.

Scientell can undertake quick turn-around editing, and we pride ourselves on delivering on time under tight deadlines.

Fact sheets and brochures

Scientell has produced 2-page fact sheets and 4-page brochures for CRC CARE. We summarised information provided by the CRC, conducted further research, contacted and interviewed scientists, sought images, and managed design to provide web-ready and print-ready PDFs.

Check out this CRC CARE factsheet as an example.

Presentation skills training for early-career researchers

Scientell provided a one-day presentation skills training course for scientists at CRC CARE. Presenting well is a skill needed in many areas of academia and business, yet many people find it daunting and have little experience. We trained a dozen early-career scientists at the CRC’s offices in Newcastle, NSW.

The course was tailored for scientific talks designed for a range of audiences. Participants received a course manual, personalised support and advice, and a certificate of completion.

The one-day course included development of the participants’ presentations, as well as recommendations on preparation before a talk, suggestions on developing structure and style, lots of advice and tips, hands-on experience and individual feedback.

Conference support and media liaison 

Scientell provided media, education and other communication support to CRC CARE when it hosted CleanUp 2019 in Adelaide and CleanUp 2017 in Melbourne. Both events attracted approximately 700 delegates representing more than 25 countries.

Scientell compiled an email database containing over 250 journalists with an interest in conference topics. We made direct contact with more than 20 journalists about possible stories, assessed all abstracts and selected the 20 most newsworthy presentations. We issued a media alert prior to the conference, issued another 6 media releases relating to the conference, acted as a contact point for media liaison before and during the conference, and regularly distributed social media. Published and broadcast media stories reached hundreds of thousands of people.

Web development support

Scientell provided communication support to develop web-based online tools that assist consultants, managers, researchers and government representatives to assess and rank contaminated land.

Scientell investigated the online tools to advise on the best option for web-hosting, worked with a web developer and a web design specialist to improve the design and user experience of the tools, and developed a series of clear user guides.