Rejection hurts -  whether it’s a journal decision, a grant outcome, or yet another “unsuccessful” email landing in your inbox. In this short Listen to This If episode, Jen and Michael talk honestly about the emotional rollercoaster of academic rejection, why it’s not a reflection of your worth (or your work), and how to keep going when the disappointment hits hard.

They share practical strategies for making the most of the effort you’ve already put in, learning from feedback (when you’re ready for it!), and normalising rejection as a part of the research cycle, not a personal failure.

If you’re feeling frustrated, deflated, or questioning yourself after a knockback, this one’s for you.

In this episode, we cover:

• Why rejection is a normal (but still awful) part of academia

• How low funding rates and high competition skew outcomes

• The importance of venting and feeling miserable - briefly!

• Turning reviewer feedback into your next stronger submission

• Why trying again (and again) really does get easier

You can find more great advice here:

• https://patthomson.net/2020/08/31/dealing-with-rejection/

• https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/how-to-do-academia/202207/coping-with-rejection-in-the-academic-world

• https://researcher-hub.sydney.edu.au/funding/plan-for-funding/reframing-rejection.html

• https://www.timeshighereducation.com/campus/six-steps-overcoming-setbacks-and-rejection

This week we have a wonderful conversation with Tina Katsaros who is a PhD student at La Trobe University in Melbourne, Australia, working under Dr Sarah Annesley and funded by ME Research UK. She is a cell biologist investigating abnormalities in mitochondrial function, metabolism and signalling in cells from people with Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). 

Beyond the lab, Tina also has a strong passion for science communication and making research accessible to all. Alongside her research career, Tina has actively promoted both her research and research journey through radio shows, interviews, and blog posts. She has also organised a range of science communication workshops aimed at strengthening oral and written communication skills for researchers. In addition, she has participated in outreach programs such as In2Science and STEMpals, which are designed to encourage primary and high-school students to explore and pursue careers in STEM. Her commitment to clear and responsible science communication has been recognised through multiple awards, including wins in the Visualise Your Thesis (VYT) and 3-Minute Thesis (3MT) competitions. She has also been invited to speak at conferences internationally, delivering oral presentations both nationally and abroad. Tina is a huge advocate for effective science communication and believes science shouldn’t be siloed within academia, but instead be shared openly whenever and wherever possible, and in ways that empower public understanding. 

You can follow Tina and find out more about her work here: 

• https://scholars.latrobe.edu.au/tkatsaros 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/tinakatsaros

• https://x.com/tinakatsaros

• https://bsky.app/profile/tinakatsaros.bsky.social 

• https://www.rrr.org.au/shared/broadcast-episode/29013/898000/1074000

• VYT 2024 Entry: Cause-and-effect in cells from people with ME/CFS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guy6zS9QRxQ

• https://www.meresearch.org.uk/interview-with-tina-katsaros/

• https://www.meresearch.org.uk/research/cause-effect-relationships/

• https://www.meresearch.org.uk/spend-christmas-with-me/

• https://www.meresearch.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2024/10/Breakthrough_Autumn_2024.pdf

A 100-word lay summary sounds simple, but getting every word to count is harder than it looks. In this episode, Jen and Michael share practical tips for writing summaries that actually make people care. From finding a strong hook to focusing on impact (not methods), they talk through how to make your research clear, engaging, and accessible for non-expert readers. Perfect for anyone tackling grant applications, scholarships, or research submissions.

You can find more great advice here:

• https://www.elsevier.com/en-au/connect/in-a-nutshell-how-to-write-a-lay-summary

• https://researcher.life/blog/article/how-to-write-a-lay-summary-10-tips-for-researchers/

• https://www.pnas.org/doi/10.1073/pnas.1500882112

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/z9x2

We’re so excited to welcome you to Season 17 of Let’s Talk SciComm. We have some fabulous episodes in store and can’t wait to share them with you. 

What better way to get the season started than a conversation with the multi-talented Dr James O’Hanlon? James is a scientist, author, artist and communicator with a background in behavioural ecology. He has published over 30 academic papers and his popular science writing has appeared in ABC News, Australian Geographic, The Guardian, and The Sydney Morning Herald. He has travelled around Australia and the globe uncovering the secret lives of insects, spiders and other mysterious animals. If it is small, elusive, and lacks a backbone, James has an insatiable desire to find out what it is and what it does. His debut popular science book “Silk and Venom: The incredible lives of spiders” was released in 2023 through New South Publishing and his public art installations can be found across country New South Wales from Forbes to Boggrabri.

You can follow James and learn more about his work here: 

• https://jamohanlon.com/

• https://www.instagram.com/jamohanlon/

• https://www.facebook.com/jamohanlon/

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-o-hanlon-1b817582

• https://unsw.press/authors/james-ohanlon/

Check out all of James’ books here: https://jamohanlon.com/books/

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/9cx2

Saying no can feel awkward, uncomfortable, or even selfish, especially when you want to be helpful or the opportunity feels exciting. In this episode of Listen to This If, in just 5 minutes Jen and Michael unpack how to decline invitations thoughtfully, professionally, and without burning bridges.

They share a simple, practical formula for saying no with kindness, discuss how to weigh shiny opportunities against your time and energy, and explore why short-term discomfort is often better than long-term resentment. Along the way, they talk about building your “no muscle,” creating opportunities for others, and why toddlers might secretly be the best role models for boundary-setting.

If you’re feeling over-committed, stretched too thin, or struggling to turn things down, listen now!

You can find more great advice here:

• https://www.science.org/content/article/learn-when-and-how-say-no-your-professional-life
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/the-asymmetric-brain/202312/afraid-of-saying-no-to-an-invitation-dont-be
• https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-01-03/the-graceful-art-of-saying-no/11563272

This week we’re thrilled to be joined by long-time friend of the podcast Dr Tullio Rossi - we first chatted with Tullio way back in Season 6 (you can listen to that interview here). Tullio is an award-winning science communicator, marine biologist, and graphic designer. As the founder of Animate Your Science, he has trained over 7,000 researchers across 59 countries to tell their stories to the world. Recently, Tullio has dived deep into the AI revolution, and he’s here to share how we can use these tools to boost their productivity and amplify their impact.

You can follow Tullio and learn more about his work here: 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/tulliorossi/

• https://www.animateyour.science/

• https://www.animateyour.science/ai-for-researchers-course

• https://www.animateyour.science/training/ai-for-grant-writing

Subscribe to our podcast newsletter, The ChitChat: https://mailchi.mp/06154eb97b24/welcome-to-lets-talk-scicomm

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/db62

What if the people closest to you just don’t “get” what you do? How do you talk about your work or studies without sounding defensive, boring, or awkward?

In this episode of Listen to This If…., Jen and Michael tackle a common but rarely discussed challenge: when your family doesn’t understand your passion for science, study, or work.

They each share a practical tip for navigating these conversations, from finding better ways to involve family members, to reframing the conversation around why your work matters to you rather than the technical details. Along the way, they reflect on motivation, identity, and the value of reconnecting with your own sense of purpose.

In just 5 minutes, you’ll hear:

• Why “it’s complicated” can shut down meaningful conversations

• The power of explaining why you do what you do, not just what you do

• How reconnecting with your own motivation can lift a slump

An episode for anyone who’s ever felt misunderstood or struggled to explain why their work really matters to them.

You can find more great advice here:

• https://pcur.princeton.edu/2019/11/why-you-should-talk-to-your-friends-about-your-research/

• https://www.academictransfer.com/en/blog/explaining-the-value-of-your-science-to-friends-and-family/

• https://phdonewhatnext.com/all-posts/explaining-your-phd

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/tb62

This week we loved chatting with Bec Colless, who has 30+ years’ experience in science communication, research translation and IP commercialisation, public and stakeholder relations, education and marketing. She has enhanced the reputations, funding and impact of universities and research organisations, innovative businesses – including her own travelling science show – government agencies, non-profits, museums and schools. 

Drawing on her decades of experience across science, journalism, government, industry and education, Bec shares practical advice on research impact, persuasive writing, value propositions and storytelling and why great communication always starts with empathy for your audience. From grant writing and credibility to Aristotle’s rhetorical triangle and the hero’s journey, this conversation is packed with actionable insights for researchers at every career stage. 

You can follow Bec and learn more about her work here: 

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/rebecca-colless/ 

Subscribe to our podcast newsletter, The ChitChat: https://mailchi.mp/06154eb97b24/welcome-to-lets-talk-scicomm

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/mb62

Struggling to grab your audience’s attention? In this week’s episode, Jen and Michael break down exactly what makes a killer headline - one that cuts through the noise, hooks your reader instantly, and sets up your story for impact.

In just five minutes, you’ll learn:

• Why your headline matters more than you think

• The science of what makes people stop scrolling

• Simple, repeatable headline formulas you can use today

• How to avoid the common traps that make headlines fall flat

• Ways to tailor your headline to different audiences without losing clarity

Whether you’re writing a journal article title, a grant application, or a social media post, these tips will help you craft headlines that are bold, clear, and irresistible.

You can find more great advice here:

• https://www.niemanlab.org/2024/08/readers-prefer-to-click-on-a-clear-simple-headline-like-this-one/

• https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-025-00771-3

• https://msutoday.msu.edu/news/2024/06/msu-research-what-makes-a-good-headline

• https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adn2555

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/vb62

This week we were thrilled to chat with Dr Véronique Paris who is a medical entomologist studying Australian vector mosquitoes in the Pest & Environmental Adaptation Research Group at Melbourne Uni. Originally from Berlin, Véronique completed her BSc and MSc in Biology, specialising in ecological immunology and exploring how insect immune systems respond to infections. Before pursuing a scientific career, she completed an apprenticeship at the Berlin Zoo, a time when she was unsure if going to university was the right path for her. Ultimately she discovered a passion for research and went on to pursue higher education. Véronique is also passionate about science communication, contributing to Pursuit, writing blog posts, and sharing her research widely on social media. Recently, the Let’s Talk SciComm team was over the moon to share the University of Melbourne School of BioSciences Excellence in Community Engagement with Véronique! 

You can follow Véronique and learn more about her work here: 

• https://www.instagram.com/mozzienique/

• https://bsky.app/profile/mozzienique.bsky.social

• https://www.tiktok.com/@vroniqueparis6

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/v%C3%A9ronique-paris-bb25a1255/

• https://pursuit.unimelb.edu.au/individuals/veronique-paris

• https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/23/mosquito-borne-disease-fight-researcher-bare-arm

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/an62

If you’ve just been hit with negative feedback, you’re probably feeling a bit winded, and that’s completely normal. Whether it came from a colleague, a supervisor, an examiner, or even a friend, criticism can sting.

Take five minutes to hear Jen and Michael share practical, compassionate advice on how to regain your confidence and transform tough feedback into something constructive and empowering.

You can find more great advice here:

• https://theconversation.com/negative-feedback-is-part-of-academia-and-life-these-6-strategies-can-help-you-cope-190069

• https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/how-handle-negative-feedback-recover-like-pro-may-busch/

• https://wwmr.us/support/NegativeFeedback.pdf

Subscribe to our podcast newsletter, The ChitChat: https://letstalkscicomm.my.canva.site

Transcript: https://go.unimelb.edu.au/6ba2