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The SciComm Spectrum

The SciComm Spectrum

Written by: Julia Masselos
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About this listen

 A podcast for people who love science but don't want to spend their life in a lab. Each episode focuses on a guest who’s carved out their own unconventional path in science communication — from writers, filmmakers, and performers to entrepreneurs, educators and inventors. Together, their stories form a spectrum of possibilities, and invite you to imagine your own. No matter your talents, there's space for you here. Julia Masselos is a science documentary writer and the host of The SciComm Spectrum podcast. She's a writer for some of the leading science channels on YouTube.Julia Masselos Science
Episodes
  • Making Research Relatable: Why Science Belongs to All of Us

    Making Research Relatable: Why Science Belongs to All of Us
    Oct 28 2025

    In this episode, we welcome Ashley Tyrer, a neuroscientist and science communicator based in Aarhus, Denmark. Ashley’s research focuses on how our brains deal with uncertainty — why we make the decisions we do, and how our brain chemistry and past experiences shape those choices. But as much as she loves the data, she’s just as passionate about making science accessible to everyone.

    Ashley is part of the Organisation for Human Brain Mapping’s Communications Committee (OHBM ComCom), where she leads the blog team and helps turn complex brain research into stories we can all connect with. We talk about why science communication matters to both scientists and the public, the importance of diversity in science, and how being relatable is the only way to build trust. We also touch on how the traditional image of a scientist is changing and the role of citizen science in societal progress.

    This conversation is a refreshing reminder that science can and should be for everyone.

    What you’ll learn: 👉 How neuroscience is helping us understand our reactions to uncertainty and surprise

    👉 How this varies with neurodiversity and mental health conditions

    👉 Why diversity, representation, and relatability are key to building public trust in science

    👉 The growing role of citizen science and how we can all contribute to scientific discovery

    👤 About the Ashley

    Ashley Tyrer is a neuroscientist and science communicator based in Aarhus, Denmark. Her research explores how our brains process uncertainty and make decisions, focusing on the role of brain chemistry and individual differences. Beyond the lab, Ashley leads the blog team for the Organisation for Human Brain Mapping’s Communications Committee (OHBM ComCom), where she’s passionate about making neuroscience accessible, fostering diversity in science, and helping bridge the gap between researchers and the public.

    Follow Ashely here:

    • LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ashleytyrer/

    • Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/did:plc:die4pjz2i5sntut36xzd7z5j

    • Email: ashley.tyrer42@gmail.com

    • OHBM blog: https://www.ohbm-com.com/

    ⭐ Support the Show

    If you enjoy the podcast, please:

    • Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on https://open.spotify.com/show/2XPsYmqwsY898bs2ODraDn?si=0dcbf84e5a3042a4

    • Share this episode with a friend

    • Drop a comment on YouTube!

    🔑 Episode Highlights

    03:58 Decision Making and Prediction Errors

    07:53 The Impact of Neurochemicals on Decision Making

    12:23 Challenges in Mental Health Diagnosis

    16:18 The Role of Science Communication

    20:40 Involvement with OHBM and Science Outreach

    26:55 Impact of Research on Daily Life

    28:11 Understanding Brain Bites

    30:28 The Role of Communication in Science

    32:55 Challenges in Science Communication

    38:01 Engagement and Community Feedback

    40:01 Effective Science Communication Techniques

    48:23 Advice for Aspiring Science Communicators

    📲 Connect with The SciComm Spectrum

    • YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescicommspectrum

    • Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youtube-scriptwriter/

    Music by music_for_video from Pixabay 18169

    Animations by TinMouse Studios


    science podcast, careers in stem, science communicator, neuroscience, science communication, women in stem, citizen science, diversity in science, brain research, OHBM, human brain mapping, decision making, prediction error, mental health, Ashley Tyrer, podcast, research communication, trust in science, accessibility, public engagement, trust scientists, citizen science, DSM-5
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    53 mins
  • How a Microbiologist Became a Life Science Marketing Director

    How a Microbiologist Became a Life Science Marketing Director
    Oct 21 2025

    Ever wondered how to pivot from academia into science communication? In this episode I sit down with Teja Sirec, founder of BioTheia, a consultancy helping life science and biotech companies build smart, lean marketing strategies.

    After eight years as a microbiologist researching bacterial sporulation, Teja made the leap from the lab bench to the world of scientific communication and marketing. She now works as a fractional marketing director, helping startups and SMEs find their voice, and grow in competitive biotech markets.

    If you’re a PhD or postdoc wondering what other possibilities lie beyond academia, or you’re keen to pivot into industry but need a bit of guidance to make the first steps, this episode will give you loads of insights on how to build your path with purpose.


    What you’ll learn in this episode:

    👉 How to test drive your way into a new career beyond the lab

    👉 Why life science companies need storytelling and strategy to thrive and grow

    👉 The surprising cultural differences between academia and industry

    👉 Actionable advice for PhDs and postdocs thinking about pivoting from research into a communication career


    👤 About Teja

    Teja Sirec is a fractional marketing director and founder of BioTheia marketing consultancy for life science companies. After 8 years as a researcher looking into bacterial sporulation, Teja felt the call to follow a path in science communication. Little by little, she transitioned from the lab to science writing, marketing, and eventually launching her own life science marketing consultancy.

    Now, she helps life science companies grow by building lean marketing strategies and communications plans that get them noticed.


    Follow Teja here:

    • Website: ⁠⁠https://biotheia.com/⁠⁠
    • LinkedIn: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/tejasirec/⁠⁠


    ⭐ Support the Show

    If you enjoy the podcast, please:

    • Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/show/2XPsYmqwsY898bs2ODraDn?si=0dcbf84e5a3042a4⁠⁠
    • Share this episode with a friend
    • Drop a comment on YouTube!


    🔑 Episode Highlights

    01:43 The Importance of Marketing in Biotech

    03:44 Target Audience in Life Science Marketing

    04:38 Innovations in Life Science Technologies

    06:48 The Role of a Fractional Marketing Director

    07:55 Navigating Early Stage Marketing Challenges

    11:11 Transitioning from Academia to Marketing

    19:02 Teja's Academic Background and Research

    22:04 The Journey of Career Exploration

    25:29 Transitioning to Science Writing

    29:39 Expectations vs. Reality in Communications

    32:05 Cultural Differences: Academia vs. Industry

    35:06 Reflections on the Journey

    38:07 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations


    📲 Connect with The SciComm Spectrum

    • YouTube: ⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@thescicommspectrum⁠⁠
    • Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/youtube-scriptwriter/⁠⁠


    Music by⁠⁠ music_for_video⁠⁠ from⁠⁠ Pixabay⁠⁠ 18169

    Animations by TinMouse Studios


    life science marketing, biotech marketing, PhD career change, academic to industry, biotech startups, fractional marketing director, BioTheia, Teja Sirec, scientific communication, career transition, science writing, STEM careers, biotech strategy, marketing for scientists, science careers, PhD jobs, lab to industry, biotechnology communication, marketing consultancy, biotech innovation, STEM marketing, science branding, life sciences industry, PhD transition, career advice for scientists, science communication, science communicator, science storytelling, science marketing
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    43 mins
  • How to Build a Purpose-Driven Science Animation Studio

    How to Build a Purpose-Driven Science Animation Studio
    Oct 15 2025
    This week, we met Tom Sanders, founder and animation director of Tin Mouse Studios — a purpose-driven animation studio behind educational projects for the Science Museum, TED-Ed, the NHS and more. We explore what it takes to build a meaningful creative business that bridges science, storytelling, and design. From pitching ideas to crafting explainers for public health, Tom shares his insight into what makes science communication powerful.The conversation dives into how AI is reshaping animation and education, and why human curiosity and critical thinking still lead the way. Tom discusses the art of turning complex topics into visual stories anyone can understand, the specific constraints of making video for different spaces, and how to balance creativity with accuracy. Tune in to hear how Tom’s purpose-first approach fuels both his business and creativity, and the lessons he’s learned from a decade of experience.What you’ll learn in this episode: 👉How to build a purpose-driven creative studio that blends animation, education, and science communication.👉Why simplicity and storytelling outperform jargon when explaining complex scientific ideas.👉A behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like to create educational films for institutions like the Science Museum and NHS, from pitch to final animation.👤 About the GuestTom is the founder and animation director of Tinmouse Animation Studios. For almost 10 years, Tinmouse has been creating content that truly matters through education and purpose-led projects, with clients including the London Science Museum, UK Parliament Education, TedEd and Imperial College London. He also runs a geography website for kids, Archie and Bean’s Adventures.Follow Tom here:Website: https://www.tinmouseanimation.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tomsanderstinmouse/ Science Museum Showcase: https://www.scienceandmediamuseum.org.uk/whats-on/sound-and-vision Archie and Beans: https://www.archiboldclutterbuck.co.uk/ If you enjoy the podcast:Leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ review on https://open.spotify.com/show/2XPsYmqwsY898bs2ODraDn?si=0dcbf84e5a3042a4 Share this episode with a friendDrop a comment on YouTube!🔑 Episode Highlights00:00 Introduction to Tinmouse Animation Studios01:34 The Remote Studio Experience02:11 The Animation Production Process04:48 Diverse Projects and Niche Focus07:26 Passion for Animation and Career Journey09:03 Evolution of Animation Practices09:50 The Impact of AI on Animation13:52 The Importance of Research in Educational Content15:59 Case Study: Science Museum Project21:46 Navigating Multiple Roles in Animation23:12 Building Confidence in a Non-Traditional Career28:27 Case Study: COVID-19 Educational Videos31:37 Creating Relatable Content in Animation34:53 Measuring Success in Educational Videos38:10 Balancing Creativity and Accuracy in Science Communication41:03 The Animation Production Process47:01 Passion for Education and Geography50:55 Future Aspirations and the Role of AI in Animation📲 Connect with The SciComm SpectrumYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@thescicommspectrum Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/youtube-scriptwriter/ Music by music_for_video from Pixabay 18169Animations by TinMouse Studiosscience communication, animation studio, educational animation, Tin Mouse Studios, science storytelling, explainer videos, museum education, Science Museum London, NHS communication, creative business, purpose driven studio, storytelling in science, visual communication, creative careers, STEM education, educational media, digital learning, animation process, science explainer, educational content creation, creative entrepreneurship, science engagement, educational storytelling
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    57 mins
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