Science with Benefits Thu, 16 Jul 2026 09:45:31 +1000 https://www.buzzsprout.com/2629220 en-au © 2026 Science with Benefits yes 4c467b3c-39f0-5703-a090-ef8c03cbadd6 lambertsrod@gmail.com Rod Lamberts episodic false In each episode of Science with Benefits, a different STEMM sector insider shares insights, perspectives and personal stories from their career and life experience. 


In conversation with OG science communicator Dr Rod Lamberts*, guests aren't always "the usual  suspects" in STEMM, but they all share one thing: a unique perspective on the sector you haven't heard before.


Whether you're en experienced insider or at the beginning of your STEMM career, there's always something interesting on Science with Benefits. 


*Rod has been a science communication academic and practitioner for nearly 30 years. Check out his much more NSFW podcast "A Little Bit of Science" wherever you get your podcasts. And stay tuned for a new one coming in late 2026!

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) Rod Lamberts lambertsrod@gmail.com https://storage.buzzsprout.com/i4vdy12r502fctxd5rhv32g5zfrt?.jpg Science with Benefits https://www.buzzsprout.com/2629220 Ryan Wynn - CEO, Science & Technology Australia Ryan Wynn - CEO, Science & Technology Australia Summary
In this conversation, Ryan Winn discusses his role in connecting the science sector with public servants and politicians, emphasizing the importance of communication and collaboration. He shares insights on the challenges of advocacy, the need for science literacy, and the significance of building trusted relationships in policymaking. The discussion highlights the value of celebrating small wins in science communication and the ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between science and society. In this conversation, Ryan discusses the complexities of political decision-making, the challenges and excitement of Senate estimates, and the importance of restoring trust in science. He emphasizes the need for effective communication in the science sector and shares insights on leadership, imposter syndrome, and the value of open conversations in fostering a collaborative environment in STEM.

Takeaways
Ryan Winn believes he has the best job in science, connecting people.
Celebrating and connecting the science sector is vital for progress.
Everyone in the science and policy realm is trying to do the right thing.
Building relationships is key to effective science communication.
Researchers need to be involved in policy-making processes.
Science communication roles require translating complex ideas.
Success in science communication is often about visibility in media.
The importance of diverse representation in science is crucial.
Advocacy can feel like shouting into the wind at times.
Small wins in science communication can lead to significant changes.
Senate estimates can be a tedious but necessary part of political engagement.
Restoring trust in science is crucial and requires nuanced communication.
The science sector has not kept pace with societal changes in communication.
Effective communication must cater to the audience's needs and preferences.
Leadership in science advocacy requires authenticity and relationship-building skills.
Celebrating hidden voices in the sector can enrich the conversation.
Understanding the complexity of the world requires diverse perspectives and knowledge.

Chapters

00:00 Connecting Science and Society
03:01 The Role of Science in Policy
05:57 Navigating Complex Relationships
09:00 Measuring Success in Science Communication
11:50 The Challenges of Advocacy
15:06 Celebrating Small Wins in Science
17:25 Awakening to Complexity in Political Decision-Making
18:18 The Drudgery and Excitement of Senate Estimates
20:35 Restoring Trust in Science
25:54 Becoming a Leader in Science Advocacy
27:54 Navigating Imposter Syndrome
29:41 The Importance of Open Conversations in Science

]]> Summary
In this conversation, Ryan Winn discusses his role in connecting the science sector with public servants and politicians, emphasizing the importance of communication and collaboration. He shares insights on the challenges of advocacy, the need for science literacy, and the significance of building trusted relationships in policymaking. The discussion highlights the value of celebrating small wins in science communication and the ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between science and society. In this conversation, Ryan discusses the complexities of political decision-making, the challenges and excitement of Senate estimates, and the importance of restoring trust in science. He emphasizes the need for effective communication in the science sector and shares insights on leadership, imposter syndrome, and the value of open conversations in fostering a collaborative environment in STEM.

Takeaways
Ryan Winn believes he has the best job in science, connecting people.
Celebrating and connecting the science sector is vital for progress.
Everyone in the science and policy realm is trying to do the right thing.
Building relationships is key to effective science communication.
Researchers need to be involved in policy-making processes.
Science communication roles require translating complex ideas.
Success in science communication is often about visibility in media.
The importance of diverse representation in science is crucial.
Advocacy can feel like shouting into the wind at times.
Small wins in science communication can lead to significant changes.
Senate estimates can be a tedious but necessary part of political engagement.
Restoring trust in science is crucial and requires nuanced communication.
The science sector has not kept pace with societal changes in communication.
Effective communication must cater to the audience's needs and preferences.
Leadership in science advocacy requires authenticity and relationship-building skills.
Celebrating hidden voices in the sector can enrich the conversation.
Understanding the complexity of the world requires diverse perspectives and knowledge.

Chapters

00:00 Connecting Science and Society
03:01 The Role of Science in Policy
05:57 Navigating Complex Relationships
09:00 Measuring Success in Science Communication
11:50 The Challenges of Advocacy
15:06 Celebrating Small Wins in Science
17:25 Awakening to Complexity in Political Decision-Making
18:18 The Drudgery and Excitement of Senate Estimates
20:35 Restoring Trust in Science
25:54 Becoming a Leader in Science Advocacy
27:54 Navigating Imposter Syndrome
29:41 The Importance of Open Conversations in Science

]]> Rod Lamberts Buzzsprout-19491081 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +1000 1976 1 3 full false Dan Angus - Director of Queensland University Technology’s Digital Media Research Centre Dan Angus - Director of Queensland University Technology’s Digital Media Research Centre Keywords
Computational Social Science, Data Donation, Ethics, Self-Reporting, Digital Media, Research Methods, Advertising, Social Science, Algorithms, Data Privacy advertising, data donors, participant bias, subjective experience, research challenges, academic success, aspiring researchers, work-life balance

Summary
In this conversation, Rod Lamberts and Dan Angus delve into the emerging field of computational social science, discussing its significance, methodologies, and ethical considerations. They explore the concept of data donation, the challenges of self-reporting in research, and the role of computational methods in enhancing social science research. The discussion also touches on the insights gained from digital platforms and the complexities of researching contested spaces such as pornography and advertising. In this conversation, Dan discusses the nuances of advertising, the importance of understanding participant bias in research, and the subjective experiences that shape data collection. He emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in academia and shares insights on measuring success in research. Dan also offers advice for aspiring researchers and reflects on the balance between professional and personal life, highlighting the importance of curiosity and community engagement.

Takeaways
Computational social science is a new interdisciplinary field.
Data donation allows for more accurate data collection.
Ethics and consent are crucial in data donation processes.
Self-reporting can lead to inaccuracies in research.
Computational methods can enhance traditional social science research.
Digital platforms provide valuable data insights.
Research in contested spaces faces unique challenges.
Positive impacts of digital content are often overlooked.
Advertising research can benefit from data donation methods.
The importance of transparency in data collection is paramount. Political advertising garners more attention than other forms.
There is a bias in who participates in research studies.
Subjective experiences of participants are valuable in research.
Resistance in research can lead to refinement of ideas.
Success in research is indicated by raising more questions.
Building relationships is key to impactful research.
Patience is essential in navigating a career path.
Curiosity drives meaningful contributions to various fields.
Balancing work and personal life is crucial for well-being.
Creating conditions for others to succeed is a priority.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context
02:10 Exploring Computational Social Science
04:36 Data Donation and Ethics
09:43 Challenges of Self-Reporting
12:21 The Role of Computational Methods
14:08 Data Insights from Digital Platforms
17:53 Research in Contested Spaces
18:49 The Focus of Attention in Advertising
20:04 Understanding Data Donors and Participant Bias
22:25 The Importance of Subjective Experience in Research
23:50 Navigating Challenges in Research and Academia
29:05 Indicators of Success in Research
31:41 Advice for Aspiring Researchers
35:18 Balancing Work and Personal Life

]]> Keywords
Computational Social Science, Data Donation, Ethics, Self-Reporting, Digital Media, Research Methods, Advertising, Social Science, Algorithms, Data Privacy advertising, data donors, participant bias, subjective experience, research challenges, academic success, aspiring researchers, work-life balance

Summary
In this conversation, Rod Lamberts and Dan Angus delve into the emerging field of computational social science, discussing its significance, methodologies, and ethical considerations. They explore the concept of data donation, the challenges of self-reporting in research, and the role of computational methods in enhancing social science research. The discussion also touches on the insights gained from digital platforms and the complexities of researching contested spaces such as pornography and advertising. In this conversation, Dan discusses the nuances of advertising, the importance of understanding participant bias in research, and the subjective experiences that shape data collection. He emphasizes the need for interdisciplinary collaboration in academia and shares insights on measuring success in research. Dan also offers advice for aspiring researchers and reflects on the balance between professional and personal life, highlighting the importance of curiosity and community engagement.

Takeaways
Computational social science is a new interdisciplinary field.
Data donation allows for more accurate data collection.
Ethics and consent are crucial in data donation processes.
Self-reporting can lead to inaccuracies in research.
Computational methods can enhance traditional social science research.
Digital platforms provide valuable data insights.
Research in contested spaces faces unique challenges.
Positive impacts of digital content are often overlooked.
Advertising research can benefit from data donation methods.
The importance of transparency in data collection is paramount. Political advertising garners more attention than other forms.
There is a bias in who participates in research studies.
Subjective experiences of participants are valuable in research.
Resistance in research can lead to refinement of ideas.
Success in research is indicated by raising more questions.
Building relationships is key to impactful research.
Patience is essential in navigating a career path.
Curiosity drives meaningful contributions to various fields.
Balancing work and personal life is crucial for well-being.
Creating conditions for others to succeed is a priority.


Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Context
02:10 Exploring Computational Social Science
04:36 Data Donation and Ethics
09:43 Challenges of Self-Reporting
12:21 The Role of Computational Methods
14:08 Data Insights from Digital Platforms
17:53 Research in Contested Spaces
18:49 The Focus of Attention in Advertising
20:04 Understanding Data Donors and Participant Bias
22:25 The Importance of Subjective Experience in Research
23:50 Navigating Challenges in Research and Academia
29:05 Indicators of Success in Research
31:41 Advice for Aspiring Researchers
35:18 Balancing Work and Personal Life

]]> Rod Lamberts Buzzsprout-19490990 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +1000 2171 1 2 full false Kylie Walker - STEMM sector peak body CEO extraordinaire Kylie Walker - STEMM sector peak body CEO extraordinaire Keywords

STEM, diversity, leadership, policy, research funding, innovation, education, technology, engineering, Australia geopolitical shifts, research opportunities, philanthropy, investment, R&D, imposter syndrome, trust in science, indigenous knowledge systems, future perspectives, Australia

 

Summary

In this conversation, Kylie Walker, CEO of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, discusses her role in promoting STEM across diverse sectors, the importance of inclusivity in education, and the challenges faced in policy and research funding. She emphasizes the need for a shift in how research is valued and funded in Australia, advocating for a culture that encourages risk-taking and innovation. The discussion also highlights the Elevate program aimed at supporting diverse individuals entering STEM fields and the potential for Australia to seize global opportunities in research and technology. In this conversation, Kylie discusses the impact of geopolitical shifts on research funding, particularly in Australia, and the opportunities that arise from these changes. She emphasizes the importance of philanthropy and investment in R&D, while also addressing the challenges of navigating imposter syndrome in professional settings. The discussion touches on the need to restore trust in science and the potential of integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into future research methodologies.

 

Takeaways

Kylie Walker is the CEO of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.

STEM workforce is diverse and extends beyond traditional research roles.

The Elevate program supports individuals from various backgrounds to enter STEM fields.

Passion and drive are key criteria for the Elevate program.

Mature age students often have a clearer purpose in their studies.

Kylie measures her success by the satisfaction of her members and the impact on systemic issues.

There is a need for a cultural shift in how research funding is perceived in Australia.

The current funding system often favours established researchers over innovative ideas.

Australia has the potential to lead in global research and technology.

Kylie sees exciting opportunities for Australia in the evolving global landscape. Geopolitical shifts are creating uncertainty in research funding.

Australia's stability presents an opportunity for global research.

Philanthropy in Australia lacks established pathways for investment.

Navigating imposter syndrome is a common challenge for professionals.

Owning one's space is crucial in leadership roles.

Imposter syndrome can serve as a motivating fuel.

Trust in science is often a reflection of communication issues.

Indigenous knowledge systems offer valuable perspectives for research.

Weaving different knowledge systems can enhance understanding.

The future of knowledge transmission is still in its infancy.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Kylie Walker

02:58 The Role of STEM in Diverse Sectors

05:59 Elevate Program and Diversity in STEM

08:58 Measuring Success in Leadership Roles

11:50 Challenges in Policy and Research Funding

14:59 The Need for Risk-Taking in Research

18:05 Opportunities for Australia in Global Context

18:28 Geopolitical Shifts and Research Opportunities

21:22 Philanthropy and Investment in R&D

23:50 Navigating Imposter Syndrome

28:49 Restoring Trust in Science

33:23 Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Future Perspectives

]]> Keywords

STEM, diversity, leadership, policy, research funding, innovation, education, technology, engineering, Australia geopolitical shifts, research opportunities, philanthropy, investment, R&D, imposter syndrome, trust in science, indigenous knowledge systems, future perspectives, Australia

 

Summary

In this conversation, Kylie Walker, CEO of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering, discusses her role in promoting STEM across diverse sectors, the importance of inclusivity in education, and the challenges faced in policy and research funding. She emphasizes the need for a shift in how research is valued and funded in Australia, advocating for a culture that encourages risk-taking and innovation. The discussion also highlights the Elevate program aimed at supporting diverse individuals entering STEM fields and the potential for Australia to seize global opportunities in research and technology. In this conversation, Kylie discusses the impact of geopolitical shifts on research funding, particularly in Australia, and the opportunities that arise from these changes. She emphasizes the importance of philanthropy and investment in R&D, while also addressing the challenges of navigating imposter syndrome in professional settings. The discussion touches on the need to restore trust in science and the potential of integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into future research methodologies.

 

Takeaways

Kylie Walker is the CEO of the Australian Academy of Technological Sciences and Engineering.

STEM workforce is diverse and extends beyond traditional research roles.

The Elevate program supports individuals from various backgrounds to enter STEM fields.

Passion and drive are key criteria for the Elevate program.

Mature age students often have a clearer purpose in their studies.

Kylie measures her success by the satisfaction of her members and the impact on systemic issues.

There is a need for a cultural shift in how research funding is perceived in Australia.

The current funding system often favours established researchers over innovative ideas.

Australia has the potential to lead in global research and technology.

Kylie sees exciting opportunities for Australia in the evolving global landscape. Geopolitical shifts are creating uncertainty in research funding.

Australia's stability presents an opportunity for global research.

Philanthropy in Australia lacks established pathways for investment.

Navigating imposter syndrome is a common challenge for professionals.

Owning one's space is crucial in leadership roles.

Imposter syndrome can serve as a motivating fuel.

Trust in science is often a reflection of communication issues.

Indigenous knowledge systems offer valuable perspectives for research.

Weaving different knowledge systems can enhance understanding.

The future of knowledge transmission is still in its infancy.

 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background of Kylie Walker

02:58 The Role of STEM in Diverse Sectors

05:59 Elevate Program and Diversity in STEM

08:58 Measuring Success in Leadership Roles

11:50 Challenges in Policy and Research Funding

14:59 The Need for Risk-Taking in Research

18:05 Opportunities for Australia in Global Context

18:28 Geopolitical Shifts and Research Opportunities

21:22 Philanthropy and Investment in R&D

23:50 Navigating Imposter Syndrome

28:49 Restoring Trust in Science

33:23 Indigenous Knowledge Systems and Future Perspectives

]]> Rod Lamberts Buzzsprout-19490868 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 12:00:00 +1000 1954 1 1 full false