Dr Daria Chrobok tells science stories with art. Her illustrations are irresistible: colourful, engaging, often quirky and fun. But they’re far more than just pretty pictures. Armed with a lifelong love of nature and biology and underpinned by the deep understanding from her PhD in plant physiology, she’s all about impact.
Mastery of technology isn’t absolutely essential if you want to make a successful film. It’s daunting for novices, but not a dealbreaker according to next-gen science communicator Petr Lebedev. “Storytelling is more important than a good camera,” he says.
At 27, Petr Lebedev is staking out terrain as the next generation of specialist science communicator. He’s a researcher and writer with YouTube science channel Veritasium and has shared his knowledge with audiences on podcasts, radio and social media, as well as on stages and in classrooms.
Dr Anika Molesworth is here to do something about climate change. Using the twin superpowers of science and storytelling to communicate the truth about the threat – in particular, to the food system and agriculture – she wants to inspire action and hope where, sometimes, the field seems barren.
Dr Karl Kruszelnicki has always brought the wonder. A science-popularising pioneer with global clout, colourful shirts and a devoted audience, he’s received major accolades in recognition of his capacity to talk science to everyone, including the first (and only) Julius Sumner Miller Fellowship at the University of Sydney and an Ig Nobel Prize from Harvard University for his research into belly-button fluff.
Dr Alan Taylor – former professional rugby league player, bench scientist, investment banker and game-changing life science entrepreneur – is not only helping to drive developments in cancer diagnosis and treatment and imagining a galaxy in which patients can benefit from precision therapies, but also making sure that Australian scientific breakthroughs get the attention they deserve.