11May 2021 by Amy Slocombe No Comments
NSW Environmental Trust – Environmental Research Post bushfire flora recovery grants – now open for applications

NSW Environmental Trust – Environmental Research Post bushfire flora recovery grants – now open for applications

Grants
Following the devastating 2019–20 bushfire season, more than 100 native plant species have been identified as high priority for post-fire survey work to determine their response and current conservation status. Grants funding survey work to determine the current status of these species is available to eligible groups. Data collected through this program will be used by the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment to inform recovery strategies and actions for these species. Applications open: 1 May 2021Applications close: 3pm AEST 31 May 2021Minimum grant amount: $20,000Maximum grant amount: $200,000Grant period: 12 months commencing September 2021 Please see the NSW Environmental Trust website for grant guidelines and list of target species: https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/funding-and-support/nsw-environmental-trust/grants-available/environmental-research
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14Apr 2021 by Amy Slocombe No Comments
Citizen Science and Education

Citizen Science and Education

Education
We are often asked to provide examples of citizen science projects that are suitable for children and those that educators can adopt in classrooms or can be used by community groups such as Scouts. In honour of Citizen Science Month, we’ve adapted an email our Social Media Moderator, Michelle Neil, prepared in response to an inquiry from a member of our community. Let us know if you have other projects or initiatives that are great for children that should be included. Using their devices for good (not evil) - Cooloola Bioblitz 2019. Pic: Michelle Neil “Hi there! My name is Michelle. I am a parent, an analytical chemist, avid citizen scientist, science communicator, CSIRO STEM Professional in School volunteer, Joey Scout leader and a virtual volunteer with ACSA." Here are…
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01Apr 2021 by Amy Slocombe No Comments
From Seed Grant to published paper!

From Seed Grant to published paper!

ACSA development, Collaboration & partnerships, Field-based citizen science, Showcasing science outcomes
Primary school sting nets new wasp species ACSA is so pleased that the Seed Grant awarded to Erinn Fagan-Jeffries in 2019 has allowed her to complete her dream project!! Four regional schools in South Australia collected insects using Malaise traps, and all four found and named new species of parasitoid wasp! Dr Erinn Fagan-Jeffries helping students to check whether there were any insects flying inside the newly set-up Malaise trap at Ramco Primary School. Erinn's paper has been published in Zootaxa and you can read a summary by the University of Adelaide here. Congratulations Erinn!
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01Apr 2021 by Amy Slocombe No Comments
Now open – 2021 Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science

Now open – 2021 Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science

Collaboration & partnerships, Communication & promotion
Are you involved in an innovative research and community engagement project? The Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources Eureka Prize for Innovation in Citizen Science  is a great opportunity to get your work recognised. Winners will also be awarded $10,000 in prize money, so there are two great reasons to enter! While it’s essential that the entered work aligns with the prize purpose and assessment criteria, and conditions of entry are met, judges aren’t looking for a particular ‘type’ of project. So, if you can meet the above requirements, consider making 2021 the year you put your work forward. The Eureka Prizes team is available to provide entry support through until the deadline, so contact them with any questions via eureka@australian.museum. Image of Virtual Reef Diver (Queensland University of…
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01Apr 2021 by Amy Slocombe No Comments
Picture a Scientist – exclusive member offer

Picture a Scientist – exclusive member offer

Communication & promotion, Inclusivity
In honour of International Womens Day 2021, ACSA would like to offer a complimentary screening of the incredible 'Picture a Scientist' documentary to our members*.  PICTURE A SCIENTIST chronicles the groundswell of researchers who are writing a new chapter for women scientists. Biologist Nancy Hopkins, chemist Raychelle Burks, and geologist Jane Willenbring lead viewers on a journey deep into their own experiences in the sciences, ranging from brutal harassment to years of subtle slights. Along the way, from cramped laboratories to spectacular field stations, we encounter scientific luminaries - including social scientists, neuroscientists, and psychologists - who provide new perspectives on how to make science itself more diverse, equitable, and open to all.  The first 100 current ACSA members who register will receive their own unique link to a private virtual screening room,…
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24Mar 2021 by Amy Slocombe No Comments
EMCR Seminar Update

EMCR Seminar Update

Meetings and Events
Thanks to everyone who attended the first EMCR seminar on March 4th. It was a great event and for those that missed it you can view the recording below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PyCLf3qq8cM&feature=youtu.be Our next seminar will be on Thursday April 1st at 12PM AEDT. The seminar will be delivered by Jack Nunn who will be discussing 'Involving everyone in research: Creating the evidence'. Following the presentation, we will have a guided conversation facilitated by A/Prof. Ann Borda about reporting citizen science data and how to do so consistently. For more information and to register to the seminar click here. Are you interested in sharing your work with the EMCR community of practice? Please Register your interest in delivering a seminar about your work emphasizing on the challenges and opportunities you have faced…
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17Mar 2021 by Amy Slocombe No Comments
Book Launch invitation

Book Launch invitation

Communication & promotion, Meetings and Events
Last month the book ‘Geographic Citizen Science Design: No one left behind’, edited by Dr Artemis Skarlatidou and Prof.  Muki Haklay, was published Open Access by UCL Press (view or download here).   On the 23rd of March, from 5 to 6pm (GMT) (which is unfortunately at the inconvenient hour of 4am AEDT) you are invited to a book launch event, which includes a keynote by Susanne Hecker, Chair of the European Citizen Science Association. Other speakers include Dr Antonella Radicchi and Simon Hoyte who will discuss their chapters on soundscape research using the Hush City App and addressing illegal poaching in Cameroon using Sapelli and a Q&A session. If you would like to attend the event please use this link to register https://ucl.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwqcuippzMjEtFrWO6h30PGj-AHwv-r83IY where you can also view a more…
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08Mar 2021 by Amy Slocombe No Comments

Grants open: Murray-Darling Healthy Rivers

Communication & promotion
The Australian Government is inviting applications for funding under Round 1 of the Murray–Darling Healthy Rivers Program (Small Grants). There is $6 million available in total funding for this round. Grants range between $5,000 and $50,000. This is an open, competitive grant round.The program aims to: improve health and ecological condition of rivers and wetlands in the Murray–Darling Basin that build on water recovered through the Murray–Darling Basin Planimprove community involvement in restoring the environmental health of theMurray–Darling Basinincrease economic activity and employment in Basin communities as a result of grant funding. Applications close at 9:00 pm AEDT on 31 March 2021.Information about applying for this round can be found on the Community Grants Hub website and GrantConnect.
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15Feb 2021 by Amy Slocombe No Comments
Citizen Science Lunchtime Seminars

Citizen Science Lunchtime Seminars

ACSA development, Collaboration & partnerships, Communication & promotion, Education, Inclusivity, Meetings and Events
The Australian Citizen Science Association (ACSA) Early-Mid career researchers (EMCR) Working Group is excited to announce a new series of lunchtime seminars discussing exciting developments in Australian citizen science research. With a goal to unite citizen science aligned researchers and practitioners in Australia, these seminars are a space to advance scholarship, provide support, share resources and advocate for new opportunities. We will hear from researchers conducting citizen science research in Australia, discuss challenges and opportunities we face while conducting such research and offer support for researchers taking their first steps into citizen science. Who will be the speakers? As the seminars are intended to share current research conducted in Australia and discuss its developments, opportunities and challenges, the speakers will be members of our growing community. We have three brave…
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