The Indigenous Media Mentoring program 2020 has been launched in collaboration with National Indigenous Television (NITV-SBS) and with support from CSL.

Indigenous STEM researchers from around Australia are invited to join them at the SBS studios in Sydney for two days of intensive media training on 10 & 11 of February 2020.

The training will develop practical skills in TV, radio and print media, as well as guiding discussions on the challenges and opportunities of being an Indigenous research voice in the media and on how best to navigate the media landscape.

The program provides ongoing opportunities to build a media profile through avenues such as the Science Media Exchange (Scimex.org), the Australian Academy of Science and our network of science journalists. 

They also offer optional media placements with media partners. In the past these have included The Conversation, The Sydney Morning Herald and NITV/SBS. More information about the program is attached and is also available at https://www.smc.org.au/immp. 

They are currently enrolling participants in the program and are seeking expressions of interest from: 

• Active researchers, who identify as Indigenous and work in any area of STEM
• With at least two years postdoctoral experience (or similar)
• Who have an interesting research story to tell
• And want to learn how to communicate their research to the public

The group will be mentored by Indigenous journalists and (where appropriate) Indigenous experts with media experience.

This workshop is supported by CSL and the training and catering are offered free of charge. Participants will be asked to fund their own travel and accommodation, but in cases of need some travel support may be possible. There are a limited number of places available.

Interested staff can send an up-to-date CV and short paragraph about themselves and their research interests to immp@smc.org.au.

Closing date for applications is Friday 29 November. 

The group are also keen to develop a wider list of Indigenous research experts available to talk to the media and invite all Indigenous researchers to sign up to the Scimex database https://www.scimex.org/register.

Indigenous Media Mentoring Program 2020