About this project

Hello ! My name is Kirsten. I’m a science communicator and filmmaker on a mission.

#SciComm for Social Impact is all about increasing public confidence, access and scientific literacy, by connecting people with the world of science. In pursuit of that, I am campaigning for a once in a lifetime Masters degree opportunity.

But I can’t do it without you - my village!

"Nothing in science has any value to society
if it is not communicated"

- Anne Roe

Anne Roe argued that scientists had a social obligation to communicate their research. I would go even further to say that in doing so, we can create the kind of broad-reaching social and behavioural change we need to address the challenges we face now and into the future.

My practice is led by curiosity, and uses documentary film not only for communicating matters of significance and complexity, but also in shifting behaviours through experience.

You can find examples of my work here:
Website: kirstenslemint.com

Instagram: @kirstygrimm

Or, you can kick back and enjoy this film I made in Jaipur, India

Why this course, and how will this campaign help?

I have been offered a place in the Masters in Directing and Producing Science and Natural History program at the prestigious National Film and Television School in the UK.

This campaign will enable me to accept that offer.

Why this course? Well...

• The program is unrivalled, and the school was voted 'Best in the World'
• Less than 3% of applicants are accepted
• 97% of big-budget films in the UK (2015-19) involved NFTS alumni
• The 2019 alumni all secured employment within two months of graduating

But I’m also humbled to find out:

This course has never had an Australian graduate!

To have received an offer is an incredible honour, but I now need to fight for our seat at that table.

Not just for me, but for our community, and for all who come after me.

Who am I, and how do I plan to create change?

As far back as I can remember, I’ve been driven to make a difference and to do what’s right. 

When I decided to pursue a career in science communication, I did so because I believe it is crucial in bringing people together. Things like climate change and ecological crises are not purely scientific issues - they are human ones.

It took me two years of preparatory study before I met the requirements to even apply for my dual Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Journalism degrees at the University of Queensland, and the next four years proved to be some of the hardest yet.

At one stage, I was supporting my full-time study with six casual jobs and volunteering in a research lab. I didn’t bring much ‘educational capital’ with me as a student either. Having left school more than a decade earlier, I didn’t know how to study, how to summarise a text, or even what an academic reference was - but I dug deep. 

In 2019, I became the first member of my family to graduate university. I did so with not only two Bachelor degrees, but a 6 GPA (Distinction) and two university awards for leadership and contributions to my community.

“The great aim of education is not
knowledge, but action”

- Herbert Spencer
 

My aspirations are all about creating impact, outcomes, and opportunity.

A good story, well told, connects with its audiences, generates empathy, and illuminates new perspectives. I want to take that further by combining great storytelling with novel strategies to give audiences a vehicle for action and benefit our wider community.

Science communication is not a well worn path. I also want to encourage and enable others to share and celebrate our unique knowledges, perspectives, and expertise on the global stage.

Campaign Goals

Despite my dual citizenship, high academic achievement and the interdisciplinary lines I cross in my work, there are limited funding options available to me.

I have applied for every scholarship, grant or award I can find, both in Australia and the UK. I’ve spoken to government, industry, philanthropists, and community members. Heck -  I even applied for Australian Survivor and The Amazing Race haha.

The decision to crowdfund was a difficult one, but there is no way I can do this without your help. 

Supporters will only be charged 
once the minimum target is met.

This is an 'all-or-nothing' campaign which is really important to me. Pozible also allows me to include any offline funding donations if I am fortunate enough to receive any scholarships or grants.

Goal 1 ($78,000 AUD)

I cannot accept the Masters degree offer if I don’t reach the first goal of $78,000 AUD. 

Goal 1 covers my first year of tuition, 12 months of living and accommodation (including establishment), 12 months of travel insurance, and the cost of the flight from Australia to the UK. This also includes the 5% Pozible fees I will be charged.

Goal 2 ($150,000 AUD)

If we reach the first campaign goal, the target will be stretched to $150,000.00 AUD. However, this goal would work a little differently.

10% of every donation raised above $78,000.00 AUD will be donated to the Australian National University (ANU) to support the education of future science communicators.

It has always been my ambition to create opportunities for others in my field, and the position I find myself in now has only further cemented that.

“An investment in knowledge pays the best interest.”

- Benjamin Franklin

I will partner with the Australian National University to ensure these funds go toward supporting and creating opportunities for undergraduate or postgraduate students in science communication.

The balance of these funds will be used to cover my full tuition, two years of living expenses and accommodation (including establishment), two years of travel insurance, and the cost of the flight from Australia to the UK. This also includes the 5% Pozible fees I will be charged.

Thank you sincerely for your consideration and support.

With hope,

Kirsten Slemint

PLEASE NOTE

• If we do not reach the minimum target of $78,000 AUD (Goal 1), no supporters will be charged.
• Any offline donation or funds received from grants or scholarships will be included toward the campaign.
• I can only give funds received from donations to the Australian National University (ANU). My donation to them cannot include funds from grants or scholarships etc.
• Rewards will only be sent after the campaign has closed