Show Notes
You’ve heard about DNA... but what about eDNA? From tracking invasive species to cryptozoology, Professor Neil Gemmell (Geneticist, University of Otago) has explored the science of DNA throughout his academic career. Join Masters student Rae as she picks Neil’s brain on sex-changing fish (spoiler alert: the world is not ready for a Finding Nemo re-make); the importance of building trust between scientific and local and indigenous communities; and how Neil's children inspired a search for the Loch Ness Monster, an unexpected exercise in science communication.
“We have to find ways to communicate our research before we start it, while we're doing it and then after we've done...What do we want to do and why? How and who is going to benefit from it? How is this actually improving society? I think it's a great privilege to do what we do.”
- Professor Neil Gemmell
Episode links:
Gemmell Lab, University of Otago
What we learn from a fish that can change sex in just 10 days
The Loch Ness Monster project
Loch Ness Monster may be a giant eel, say scientists
Predator Free 2050
This episode was brought to you by: - Episode Host: Rae Kumar
- Special Guest: Professor Neil Gemmell
- Produced by: Emma Gill, Kate Holmes
- Audio editing: Camila Pardo Uribe
- Research: Felice Ng, Kate Holmes, Camila Pardo Uribe, Kelly Hopkinson, Emma Gill
- Show notes: Camila Pardo Uribe, Felice Ng, Emma Gill
- Sponsored by UWA Grand Challenges: Make A Difference Impact Grant
Follow The SciComm Collective on Instagram and online at www.thescicommcollective.com
Keywords:
Genetics, Science Communication, Sex-Changing Fish, University Of Otago, New Zealand, Loch Ness Monster, Environmental DNA, Citizen Science, Indigenous Collaboration, Predator Control, Public Engagement, Genetic Technologies, Cultural Similarities, Storytelling, Marine Biology, Biodiversity, Research Collaboration, Science Education, Community Trust
More from The SciComm Collective
“You’ve got to get your research to the people who are going to use it… You’ve got to go to where the community is.” – Sarah Brooker
“My favourite thing about nature conservation and science is sharing it with people and connecting with people about it.” – Owen Cumming
“It’s about empowering the kids to feel like they can step in and help in an emergency.” – Suchi Kalia
“A really important part of inclusion is understanding your audience, understanding their needs, but also understanding their assets… What knowledge do they already have? … Science capital is about recognising what people already bring to the table.” – Shanii Phillips
“It’s being able to create experienceswhere young people feel like they belong.” – Lisa Bailey, MOD.