Top up and coming scientists across Australia will get the chance to show the nation how their work is for the public good, under a new partnership between ANU and the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC).

As part of the new partnership, ANU will sponsor the ABC's TOP5 Science program for 2020.

The TOP5 program sees early-career researchers undertake two weeks of specialist training at the ABC, learning how to tell audiences about their research across TV, radio and digital platforms.

Dean of the ANU College of Science, Professor Kiaran Kirk said the partnership between ANU and the ABC "is a perfect match".

"ANU is Australia's national university and we have a distinct national mission to serve all Australians through conducting research that benefits the nation, the region and the world," he said.

"Likewise, the ABC serves all Australians as the national broadcaster.

"The TOP5 Science program is an outstanding opportunity for early-career researchers, working at the forefront of their scientific fields to demonstrate to all Australians why their science matters.

"As we have seen with the recent bushfire crisis, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, science, the social sciences, and arts have never been more important. Together, we will provide a range of solutions to current crises. Re-imagining our future is an interdisciplinary problem-science at ANU is ready to work with others to solve this challenge.

"We are proud to be partnering the ABC on this important program, and we are excited to be joining with the ABC in promoting some of the fantastic scientific research that is being done across the country."

As part of the new partnership, successful candidates will not only only spend time working with the ABC;  they will also connect with the ANU Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS).

"This is a real value add to this year's TOP5 Science program," Professor Kirk said.

"At ANU, we have a rich history of supporting science communication. We actively engage communities across Australia and do world-leading research through the ANU Centre for the Public Awareness of Science, one of the first international centres to teach and research in this area.

"Those in the program won't just benefit from their time with the ABC; they will interact with some of the best science communicators in the business, and global leaders in the field."

 Applications for the ABC TOP5 Science open today. More details are available here.