Adam SelingerBSc., Graduate Diploma Science Communication Science Communication & Events Marketing
Adam is a graduate of science and science communication from the Australian National University, Canberra. During his studies Adam worked as an Explainer with Questacon learning the skills of engaging complete strangers and talking with them about their experience with the interactive exhibits. Adam discovered how to combine his interest in science with his (much) better ability of talking about science.
After graduation Adam travelled overseas to work in science centres in Canada (Science North), Norway (Teknoteket) and Wales (Techniquest). From 1994 – 1998 Adam worked for the Edinburgh International Science Festival where he developed the science outreach and schools touring programs. Adam also produced innovative science workshops and science theatre for the festival - several of which gained critical success at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. As well as recruiting and training new science communicators each year, Adam also promoted those already showing enthusiasm for the cause - including the early model Dr Bunhead.
Returning to Australia in 1998 Adam worked for the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games while continuing his interests in Science Communication. Adam re-joined the Australian Science Communicators (he was a founding member in 1994) and became a member of the NSW Executive; his successes include developing a novel series of monthly activities for the membership. In 2003 Adam also took on the role of Secretary for the National ASC Executive where he helped to improve the membership recruitment process.
Having discovered the ‘best science/technology workshop in the world’: MadLab Adam decided to introduce then later run the activity in Australia. In MadLab all participants learn to use a soldering iron in order to construct an imaginative electronic gadget. MadLab has become a regular participant at the Australian Science Festival (Canberra), Science in the City (Sydney), the Hobart Science Expo and, in an exciting partnership with the Sydney Observatory, has a National Science Week tour in NSW thanks to the Australian Government SCOPE program.
Through a series of strange co-incidences Adam also found himself forming a committee for a novel project: Children's Discovery Museum Ltd. As the ‘creative director’ Adam produced activities and events to promote the aims and ambitions of the Museum. He has overseen the development and staging of Kids Dig, Build It, Tour of the Tummy at Kids Universe, ABC Kids Live, Sydney Royal Easter Show, Sydney Festival, The Rocks, Home Expo and Big Science & Technology Day Out, a CDML initiative in collaboration with CSIRO Education, Sydney and Questacon Science Squad.
After a chance meeting with Caroline from Terrific Scientific in 2001 Adam was up and running school holiday programs with the Lab Rats. He has staged activities every school holiday with MadLab, Spy School, Space Academy and others. He has also worked with other partners to create novel activities, such as Time Detectives (Dan Brown meets MadLab) for the Sydney Observatory and in collaboration with Jim Jameson, a Water Recycling activity for the Sydney Olympic Park Authority.
Adam has taken on a number of science communication consultancies where he has provided innovative solutions or activities: July 2001 in Auckland, New Zealand Adam trained 15 science students to prepare them for performing science shows at the Auckland Science Festival.
October 2002 Science Outreach team of the University of NSW Adam trained 30 students in the art of science performance and proposed a strategy for using the skills of the students to help market UNSW science programs. 2003/4 A year with British Council Australia saw Adam’s development of Café Scientific in partnership with the ABC and New Scientist magazine. Adam also devised the British Council Eureka Prize for Inspiring Science.
2005 Adam worked with Luna Media – the publishing house behind Australia’s newest science magazine Cosmos. As the marketing events manager Adam procured opportunities for Cosmos to showcase. Adam also devised Science on Tap as a public event for Cosmos to manage. Adam worked as an event consultant with Event Alliance International working on the annual Sydney Running Festival, Australia Day Fun Run and Seniors' Week concert. Adam is currently the Executive Officer for the Science Foundation for Physics at the University of Sydney.
Adam is available to assist you if you are interested in staging any of the activities above; staff training & development; workshop/show production or event management. Please contact adam@madlab.org.
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