AusSMC – the Australian Science Media Centre – is presenting the next Indigenous Media Mentoring Program (IMMP) in collaboration with National Indigenous Television (NITV-SBS) on Wednesday 10 and Thursday 11 of April 2024.

Indigenous STEM researchers from around Australia are now being invited to register their interest in joining this program, which will be conducted at the SBS studios in Sydney for two days of intensive media training.

The program is open to any active researchers who identify as Indigenous and work in any area of STEM:

• With at least two years postdoctoral experience (or similar experience).
• Who have an interesting research story to tell.
• Want to learn how to communicate their research to the public.

Members of the First Nations Research Collective at Flinders who are interested in being part of IMMP 2024 can contact Flinders University Media Director Karen Ashford to discuss the program and ask any questions. Karen works closely with AusSMC and has had a prior work connection with NITV, and is happy to support anyone who would like to express their interest.

The valuable IMMP training will provide:

• Practical skills for TV, radio and print media.
• Guided discussions on the challenges and opportunities of being an Indigenous research voice in the media.
• Advice on how best to navigate the media landscape.

There are a limited number of places available, and the small group chosen for IMMP 2024 will be mentored by Indigenous journalists and (where appropriate) Indigenous experts with media experience. This program is proudly supported by CSL and CSIRO and some funding will be available to assist with travel and/or accommodation, should it be required.

The program provides ongoing opportunities to build a media profile through avenues such as AusSMC’s science news portal (Scimex.org) that connects with a wide network of science journalists. AusSMC also offers optional media placements with media partners, which have included The Conversation, The Sydney Morning Herald and NITV/SBS. An information flyer is available online at smc.org.au/immp

Interested researchers can send an up-to-date CV and short paragraph about themselves and their research interests to immp@smc.org.au. The closing date for expressions of interest is Friday 15 December 2023.