Centre for Science Communication Nancy Longnecker, Centre for Science Communication, University of Otago, New Zealand

Nancy Longnecker has experience as an agricultural research scientist, professional science communicator and science communication academic. She has considerable experience obtaining research funding, conducting research, reporting and publishing results, supervising, mentoring, networking with industry, working collaboratively, developing curriculum and teaching. She has supervised 11 PhD, 16 MSc and 25 Honours student research projects to completion, including students from 17 different countries.

Professor Longnecker and her science communication students have created exhibitions and displays that have been seen by tens of thousands of visitors in Australia and New Zealand. She has established positive collaborations that have resulted in multiple exhibitions. Those at the Otago Museum include Dare to be Wise (a celebration of the University of Otago’s 150th anniversary), Einstein, Well Balanced and Wai ora, Mauri ora.

Professor Longnecker’s current research examines impact and effectiveness of science communication with varied audiences. Researchers in her group examine factors that affect peoples’ attitudes towards and understanding of science and how information can be used to change attitudes and behaviour while respecting values and different sources of knowledge. Prof Longnecker has experience working with a broad range of communities, including people within primary industries, indigenous people, museum visitors and school students.

Current teaching

Research interests

Motivations to Participate in Science and Impact of Science Engagement
Different Perspectives and Ways of Knowing
The Value of Stories and Storytelling
Science Communication and its Education

Potential postgraduate projects

Attitudes about and valuing different sources of knowledge
Methodologies for evaluation of impact of science outreach and engagement
Sense of identity and individual response to communication of information
Responses to oral and text-based science storytelling

Current postgraduate student and student research

Current and recent PhD students

Maria Tinger – Climate change communication through podcasting
Ruth Warren – Experiencing an anatomy museum in person and virtually
Kati Doerhing – A New Zealand register of on-land restoration actions to improve water quality: a tool to support sustainable management practices
Jessica Davis – Fictional science in Hollywood: Does scientific accuracy matter?
Alba Suarez – Poetry Podcasts: Effect of affect in communicating science
Ekapong Sripaoraya – Visitor Behaviour and Impact of the Thailand National Science Museum’s Science Caravan
Nantida Sripaoraya – Participation in science outreach and its impact on programme presenters
Daniel Solis – Exploration and Discovery: Learning at a Science Centre
Jean Fletcher – Travelling Toward 2050; Visualising the Future and Sustainable Travel
Patamasuda Intuprapa – Residential Camps about Biodiversity and Wildlife Conservation for School Children

Current and recent MSciComm students

Nathan Hollows – Alternate reality games as a science communication platform
Ruby Parker – Life and death on the Otago goldfields
Danielle Parke – Science communication to support dissemination and implementation: a case study and conceptual framework
Ellen Ozarka – Can successful collective action against Covid-19 increase support for collective action against climate change in New Zealand?
Sam Hales – New Zealand Motoring Attitudes about Electric Vehicles
Gemma McGrath – The history of New Zealand/ Aotearoa dolphins Cephalorhynchus hectori: Abundance and distribution
Rachel Leeson – The use of regional accent in audio health communications
Peter Naik (MSciComm) – Where fact meets fiction – The science mockumentary
Rebecca John – Benefits and Barriers of Using Augmented Reality in Educational Resources
Charlotte Panton – New Zealanders’ Perceptions of Green-lipped Mussels and Sustainability
Ellen Rykers – Communicating Conservation with Detection Dogs
Samantha Smyrke – Source of expertise affects perceived credibility of an interview used in a medical documentary
Emma Schranz – Perspectives on gaps in communication with breast cancer patients in New Zealand
Jonas Godwin – Discovering nature through mobile gaming

Read about Nancy's Research

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Publications

Longnecker, N. (2023). Good science communication considers the audience. In S. Rowland & L. Kuchel (Eds.), Teaching science students to communicate: A practical guide. (pp. 21-30). Cham, Switzerland: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-91628-2_3

Longnecker, N., Pegrum, M., & Bartle, E. (2023). Creative podcasting to develop content knowledge and communication skills. In S. Rowland & L. Kuchel (Eds.), Teaching science students to communicate: A practical guide. (pp. 405-412). Cham, Switzerland: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-3-030-91628-2_52

Davis, J. L., Savoie, G., & Longnecker, N. (2023). Science, fiction, and Santa Claus: Hollywood creator and consultant perceptions of fictional science in film and television. Frontiers in Communication, 8, 1029782. doi: 10.3389/fcomm.2023.1029782

Doehring, K., Cole, C., Young, R. G., & Longnecker, N. (2023). Collective storytelling as a river restoration tool: The role of catchment communities in inspiring environmental change. Frontiers in Communication, 7, 1061634. doi: 10.3389/fcomm.2022.1061634

Doehring, K., Longnecker, N., Cole, C., Young, R. G., & Robb, C. (2022). A missing piece of the puzzle of on-farm freshwater restoration: What motivates land managers to record and report land management actions? Ecology & Society, 27(4), 25. doi: 10.5751/ES-13562-270425

Chapter in Book - Research

Fleming, J. S., Longnecker, N., Salmon, R. A., & Hikuroa, D. C. H. (2020). Aotearoa New Zealand: Participatory science and bicultural knowledge communication. In T. Gascoigne, B. Schiele, J. Leach, M. Riedlinger, B. V. Lewenstein, L. Massarani & P. Broks (Eds.), Communicating science: A global perspective. (pp. 71-102). Canberra, Australia: ANU Press. doi: 10.22459/CS.2020.04

Chapter in Book - Research

Longnecker, N., & Gondwe, M. (2014). Graduate degree programmes in science communication: Educating and training science communicators to work with communities. In L. Tan Wee Hin & R. Subramaniam (Eds.), Communicating science to the public: Opportunities and challenges for the Asia-Pacific region. (pp. 141-160). Dordrecht: Springer. doi: 10.1007/978-94-017-9097-0_9

Chapter in Book - Research

Longnecker, N., & Davis, J. (2013). Building the future: The sciences and engineering. In J. Gregory & J. Chetkovich (Eds.), Seeking wisdom: A centenary history of the University of Western Australia. (pp. 321-351). Perth, Australia: UWA Publishing.

Chapter in Book - Research

Yadav, S. S., Longnecker, N., Dusunceli, F., Bejiga, G., Yadav, M., Rizvi, A. H., … Chen, W. (2007). Uses, consumption and utilization. In S. S. Yadav, R. J. Redden, W. Chen & B. Sharma (Eds.), Chickpea breeding and management. (pp. 72-100). Wallingford, UK: CABI. doi: 10.1079/9781845932138.000

Chapter in Book - Research

Journal - Research Article

Solis, D. H., Hutchinson, D., & Longnecker, N. (2022). Visual discrete format: An alternative to Likert-type formats of survey items sensitive enough to measure small changes in stable constructs such as self-concept in science. International Journal of Cognitive Research in Science, Engineering & Education, 10(2), 1-16. doi: 10.23947/2334-8496-2022-10-2-01-16

Journal - Research Article

Sripaoraya, N., Spronken-Smith, R., & Longnecker, N. (2022). Intensive, short-term presenting with a science outreach program enhances positive science attitudes and interest in lifelong learning about science. Frontiers in Education, 7, 719686. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2022.719686

Journal - Research Article

Fletcher, J., Higham, J., & Longnecker, N. (2021). Climate change risk perception in the USA and alignment with sustainable travel behaviours. PLoS ONE, 16(2), e0244545. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0244545

Journal - Research Article

Solis, D. H., Hutchinson, D., & Longnecker, N. (2021). Formal learning in informal settings: Increased physics content knowledge after a science centre visit. Frontiers in Education, 6, 698691. doi: 10.3389/feduc.2021.698691

Journal - Research Article

Manyweathers, J., Taylor, M., & Longnecker, N. (2020). Expertise and communicating about infectious disease: A case study of uncertainty and rejection of local knowledge in discourse of experts and decision makers. Journal of Science Communication, 19(4), A01. doi: 10.22323/2.19040201

Journal - Research Article

Campbell, S., Jasoni, C., & Longnecker, N. (2019). Drinking patterns and attitudes about alcohol among New Zealand adolescents. Kōtuitui, 14(2), 276-289. doi: 10.1080/1177083X.2019.1625934

Journal - Research Article

Cisternas, J., Wehi, P. M., Haupokia, N., Hughes, F., Hughes, M., Germano, J. M., Longnecker, N., & Bishop, P. J. (2019). 'Get together, work together, write together': A novel framework for conservation of New Zealand frogs. New Zealand Journal of Ecology, 43(3), 3392. doi: 10.20417/nzjecol.43.32

Journal - Research Article

Fletcher, J., Longnecker, N., & Higham, J. (2019). Envisioning future travel: Moving from high to low carbon systems. Futures, 109, 63-72. doi: 10.1016/j.futures.2019.04.004

Journal - Research Article

Hanisch, E., Johnston, R., & Longnecker, N. (2019). Cameras for conservation: Wildlife photography and emotional engagement with biodiversity and nature. Human Dimensions of Wildlife, 24(3), 267-284. doi: 10.1080/10871209.2019.1600206

Journal - Research Article

Longnecker, N., & Scott, C. (2018). Challenges of cross-cultural communication in production of a collaborative exhibition: Wai ora, Mauri ora. Journal of Science Communication, 17(4), C05. doi: 10.22323/2.17040305

Journal - Research Article

Manyweathers, J., Field, H., Jordan, D., Longnecker, N., Agho, K., Smith, C., & Taylor, M. (2017). Risk mitigation of emerging zoonoses: Hendra virus and non-vaccinating horse owners. Transboundary & Emerging Diseases, 64(6), 1898-1911. doi: 10.1111/tbed.12588

Journal - Research Article

Manyweathers, J., Field, H., Longnecker, N., Agho, K., Smith, C., & Taylor, M. (2017). "Why won't they just vaccinate?" Horse owner risk perception and uptake of the Hendra virus vaccine. BMC Veterinary Research, 13, 103. doi: 10.1186/s12917-017-1006-7

Journal - Research Article

Mitchell, N., Triska, M., Liberatore, A., Ashcroft, L., Weatherill, R., & Longnecker, N. (2017). Benefits and challenges of incorporating citizen science into university education. PLoS ONE, 12(11), e0186285. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0186285

Journal - Research Article

Longnecker, N. (2016). An integrated model of science communication: More than providing evidence. Journal of Science Communication, 15(5), Y01.

Journal - Research Article

Wright, D., MacLeod, B., Hammond, N., & Longnecker, N. (2016). Can grain growers and agronomists identify common leaf diseases and biosecurity threats in grain crops? An Australian example. Crop Protection, 89, 78-88. doi: 10.1016/j.cropro.2016.07.005

Journal - Research Article

Abecasis, R. C., Afonso, P., Colaço, A., Longnecker, N., Clifton, J., Schmidt, L., & Santos, R. S. (2015). Marine conservation in the Azores: Evaluating marine protected area development in a remote island context. Frontiers in Marine Science, 2, 104. doi: 10.3389/fmars.2015.00104

Journal - Research Article

Arevalo-Vigne, I., Longnecker, N., White, B. A., Walker, I., & Kingwell, R. (2015). Making sense of the science behind fruit fly control. Rural Extension & Innovation Systems Journal, 11(1), 62-71.

Journal - Research Article

Gondwe, M., & Longnecker, N. (2015). Objects as stimuli for exploring young people’s views about cultural and scientific knowledge. Science, Technology & Human Values, 40(5), 766-792. doi: 10.1177/0162243915577452

Journal - Research Article

Gondwe, M., & Longnecker, N. (2015). Scientific and cultural knowledge in intercultural science education: Student perceptions of common ground. Research in Science Education, 45(1), 117-147. doi: 10.1007/s11165-014-9416-z

Journal - Research Article

Pegrum, M., Bartle, E., & Longnecker, N. (2015). Can creative podcasting promote deep learning? The use of podcasting for learning content in an undergraduate science unit. British Journal of Educational Technology, 46(1), 142-152. doi: 10.1111/bjet.12133

Journal - Research Article

Sullivan, M., & Longnecker, N. (2014). Class blogs as a teaching tool to promote writing and student interaction. Australasian Journal of Educational Technology, 30(4), 390-401.

Journal - Research Article

Costa Abecasis, R., Longnecker, N., Schmidt, L., & Clifton, J. (2013). Marine conservation in remote small island settings: Factors influencing marine protected area establishment in the Azores. Marine Policy, 40(1), 1-9. doi: 10.1016/j.marpol.2012.12.032

Journal - Research Article

Costa Abecasis, R., Schmidt, L., Longnecker, N., & Clifton, J. (2013). Implications of community and stakeholder perceptions of the marine environment and its conservation for MPA management in a small Azorean island. Ocean & Coastal Management, 84, 208-219. doi: 10.1016/j.ocecoaman.2013.08.009

Journal - Research Article

Venville, G., Rennie, L., Hanbury, C., & Longnecker, N. (2013). Scientists reflect on why they chose to study science. Research in Science Education, 43(6), 2207-2233. doi: 10.1007/s11165-013-9352-3

Journal - Research Article

Rifkin, W., Longnecker, N., Leach, J., & Davis, L. (2012). Assigning students to publish on the web: Examples, hurdles, and needs. Journal of the NUS Teaching Academy, 2(2), 79-94.

Journal - Research Article

Venville, G., Blair, D., Coward, D., Deshon, F., Gargano, M., Gondwe, M., … Longnecker, N., … Zadnik, M. (2012). Research informed science enrichment programs at the Gravity Discovery Centre. Teaching Science, 58(1), 33-39.

Journal - Research Article

Bartle, E., Longnecker, N., & Pegrum, M. (2011). Collaboration, contextualisation and communication using new media: Introducing podcasting into an undergraduate chemistry class. International Journal of Innovation in Science & Mathematics Education, 19(1), 16-28.

Journal - Research Article

Coward, D. M., Heary, A., Venville, G., Todd, M., Laas-Bourez, M., Zadnik, M., … Longnecker, N. (2011). The Zadko telescope: A resource for science education enrichment. Advances in Space Research, 47(11), 1922-1930. doi: 10.1016/j.asr.2011.01.005

Journal - Research Article

Salter, Z., Venville, G., & Longnecker, N. (2011). An Australian story: School sustainability education in the lucky country. Australian Journal of Environmental Education, 27(1), 149-159.

Journal - Research Article

Rifkin, W., Longnecker, N., Leach, J., Davis, L., & Orthia, L. (2010). Students publishing in new media: Eight hypotheses: A house of cards? International Journal of Innovation in Science & Mathematics Education, 18(1), 43-54.

Journal - Research Article

Mulder, H. A. J., Longnecker, N., & Davis, L. S. (2008). The state of science communication programs at universities around the world. Science Communication, 30(2), 277-287.

Journal - Research Article

Liu, F.-H., & Longnecker, N. (2002). Interactive effect of cytokinin and potassium on sink-source relationships in Lupinus angustifolius. Plant Growth Regulation, 36(1), 1-6. doi: 10.1023/A:1014794015080

Journal - Research Article

Ma, Q., Longnecker, N., & Atkins, C. (2002). Varying phosphorus supply and development, growth and seed yield in narrow-leafed lupin. Plant & Soil, 239(1), 79-85. doi: 10.1023/A:1014988219743

Journal - Research Article

Emery, R. J. N., Longnecker, N. E., & Atkins, C. A. (1998). Branch development in Lupinus angustifolius L. II. Relationship with endogenous ABA, IAA and cytokinins in axillary and main stem buds. Journal of Experimental Botany, 49(320), 555-562. doi: 10.1093/jxb/49.320.555

Journal - Research Article

Ma, Q., Longnecker, N., & Atkins, C. (1998). Exogenous cytokinin and nitrogen do not increase grain yield in narrow-leafed lupins. Crop Science, 38(3), 717-721. doi: 10.2135/cropsci1998.0011183X003800030017x

Journal - Research Article

Ma, Q., Longnecker, N., Emery, N., & Atkins, C. (1998). Growth and yield in Lupinus angustifolius are depressed by early transient nitrogen deficiency. Australian Journal of Agricultural Research, 49(5), 811-819. doi: 10.1071/A97153

Journal - Research Article

Miguel, L. C., Longnecker, N. E., Ma, Q., Osborne, L., & Atkins, C. A. (1998). Branch development in Lupinus angustifolius L. I. Not all branches have the same potential growth rate. Journal of Experimental Biology, 49(320), 547-553. doi: 10.1093/jxb/49.320.547

Journal - Research Article

Ma, Q., Longnecker, N., & Dracup, M. (1997). Nitrogen deficiency slows leaf development and delays flowering in narrow-leafed lupin. Annals of Botany, 79(4), 403-409. doi: 10.1006/anbo.1996.0361

Journal - Research Article

Longnecker, N., Crosbie, J., Davies, F., & Robson, A. (1996). Low seed manganese concentration and decreased emergence of Lupinus angustifolius. Crop Science, 36(2), 355-361. doi: 10.2135/cropsci1996.0011183X003600020024x

Journal - Research Article

Tang, C., Adams, H., Longnecker, N. E., & Robson, A. D. (1996). A method to identify lupin species tolerant of alkaline soils. Australian Journal of Experimental Agriculture, 36(5), 595-601.

Journal - Research Article

Tang, C., Longnecker, N. E., Greenway, H., & Robson, A. D. (1996). Reduced root elongation of Lupinus angustifolius L. by high pH is not due to decreased membrane integrity of cortical cells or low proton production by the roots. Annals of Botany, 78(4), 409-414. doi: 10.1006/anbo.1996.0136

Journal - Research Article

More publications...

Professor Nancy Longnecker

Professor

Current teaching

Research interests

Potential postgraduate projects

Current postgraduate student and student research

Current and recent PhD students

Current and recent MSciComm students

Publications