Two QUT researchers have been awarded ABC residencies as part of the national broadcaster’s annual ‘Top 5’ search for Australia’s best emerging thinkers and communicators.
The ABC this week announced the recipients of its Top 5 ABC Media Residency Program in three categories – Humanities, Science and Arts.
Dr Aleesha Rodriguez from the ARC Centre of Excellence for the Digital Child at QUT made the Top 5 Humanities list, and Melanie Saward from the QUT School of Creative Practice made the Top 5 Arts.
Both researchers will spend two weeks ‘in residence’ at ABC Radio National, where they will work with leading journalists and broadcasters.
Dr Rodriguez is an education researcher whose work explores how people shape technology, and how technologies shape society. Their residency will run from August 7 to 18 in Sydney and Brisbane.
“I’m looking forward to working with the ABC to refine my skills as a social science communicator. In particular, I’m excited to engage with the public and highlight how positive digital futures, for both children and adults, are possible and that everyone plays a vital role in shaping that future,” Dr Rodriguez said.
Miss Saward is a Bigambul and Wakka Wakka woman, writer and associate lecturer whose research examines Indigeneity and intersectionality in romantic comedy fiction. Her residency will run from October 9 to 21 in Melbourne and Brisbane.
“I’m excited to be selected and am looking forward to working with ABC journalists to increase my confidence when it comes to talking about my research and writing with the media,” Miss Saward said.
Both researchers are also QUT graduates. Miss Saward has a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts (Research) from QUT and Dr Rodriguez completed their PhD at the QUT Digital Media Research Centre.
The Chair of the ABC, Ita Buttrose, said the Top 5 ABC Media Residency Program was an important project in a changing media landscape.
“The project gives academics the opportunity to be leading communicators about their field of research, while also enabling us here at the ABC to better serve our audiences with unique stories and specialist knowledge,” she said.
