Welcome to the SCS Community

The SCS Community is a free resource for scientists and researchers who want to build their communication skills and get better at both communicating in research contexts AND at sharing their work with non-experts and experts alike.

SCS Community Sessions for Scientists & Researchers

Monthly Community Sessions

Each month, we offer FREE online Community Sessions for scientists and researchers wanting to work on their communication skills. These sessions are discipline agnostic: if you want to improve the way you share your science or your research, you are welcome to join us.

Register for a Community session

Learn more about the two types of sessions we offer

SciComm / ReComm Matters - The Substack

SciComm / ReComm Matters

We publish a FREE Substack called SciComm / ReComm Matters, where we post occasional tips and resources about all things relating to sharing our research and communicating in research contexts, as well as invitations to events and summaries of our community sessions.

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Receive (very) occasional updates about up-coming sessions and new resources

We promise that they are short and irregular, and of course, you can unsubscribe at anytime.

And We’re Back! Community Sessions for 2025

29 Jan 2025 | Better research communication with non-verbal awareness [WAITLIST]

How can we become better communicators by being more aware of our non-verbal communication?

In this free skills-building webinar for scientists, researchers and science communicators, we’ll explore the fascinating world of non-verbal communication and what we say without saying a word! We’ll consider what non-verbal cues are helpful when we want to come across as confident and credible and practice a few techniques that we can start using immediately.

This session is fully-booked. Join the waitlist by subscribing to our community mailing list.

Sign up (short & very occasional – promise! Unsubscribe any time!)

27 Feb 2025 | The power of storytelling in science and research communication [WAITLIST]

Why are stories important in science and research communication and how can you use a simple structure to plan a story?

In this free skills-building webinar for scientists, researchers and science communicators, we’ll talk about why stories matter and give you some tips about how you can use stories in your science and research communication. You’ll be introduced to two simple tools that you can use to quickly create a story outline, and if we have time, you’ll have a chance to share your stories with other participants.

This session is fully-booked. Join the waitlist by subscribing to our community mailing list.

Sign up (short & very occasional – promise! Unsubscribe any time!)

Mar 2025 | Making your research messages accessible to diverse groups using learning styles

How can you tailor your science communication to different learning styles?

In this free skills-building webinar for scientists, researchers and science communicators, we’ll talk about five different learning styles and how you can use these styles to make your science and research communication more accessible to broad groups of people. There will be time for discussion and questions so that we can learn from each other.

This session isn’t open for registration yet.

Join our community mailing list and we’ll send you a note when the registration link is available.

Sign up (short & very occasional – promise! Unsubscribe any time!)

Apr 2025 | Using LinkedIn to build your network in science and research

How can you use LinkedIn to build your network in science and research?

In this free, online, bite-sized learning session for scientists and researchers, we’ll explore how to use LinkedIn to connect with peers, find collaborators, and grow your professional network in science and research.

This session isn’t open for registration yet.

Join our community mailing list and we’ll send you a note when the registration link is available.

Sign up (short & very occasional – promise! Unsubscribe any time!)

May 2025 | Five visual design principles that you should be applying to your research communication

What are a few easy ways for you to increase the clarity and impact of your visual science and research communication?

In this free skills-building webinar for scientists, researchers and science communicators, we’ll dive into a session about visual communication and learn 5 techniques that you can start applying immediately to improve your science and research communication.

This session isn’t open for registration yet.

Join our community mailing list and we’ll send you a note when the registration link is available.

Sign up (short & very occasional – promise! Unsubscribe any time!)

Jun 2025 | The magic of metaphors and analogies in science communication

How can you use metaphors to explain complex ideas?

In this free skills-building webinar for scientists, researchers and science communicators, we’ll explore how metaphors and analogies can make your science more relatable. We’ll share tips for creating memorable comparisons and provide time to craft your own.

This session isn’t open for registration yet.

Join our community mailing list and we’ll send you a note when the registration link is available.

Sign up (short & very occasional – promise! Unsubscribe any time!)

Jul 2025 | Getting started with blogging

What is blogging, how can it help you share your research, and what are your options for getting started?

In this free skills-building webinar for scientists, researchers and science communicators, we’ll explore the wonderful world of blogging. We’ll look at why blogging might be for you (and why it might NOT be for you) and how to take the first steps to planning and launching a blog.

This session isn’t open for registration yet.

Join our community mailing list and we’ll send you a note when the registration link is available.

Sign up (short & very occasional – promise! Unsubscribe any time!)

Aug 2025 | Finding images and icons to illustrate your science and research - safely!

How can you find images and icons to bring your research to life?

In this free, online, bite-sized learning session for scientists and researchers, we’ll share tips for finding high-quality images and icons that make your research more engaging and accessible, while keeping copyright considerations in mind.

This session isn’t open for registration yet.

Join our community mailing list and we’ll send you a note when the registration link is available.

Sign up (short & very occasional – promise! Unsubscribe any time!)

Sept 2025 | Better-than-X - moving to X (formerly Twitter) alternatives

How can you to get off X for good and use better-than-X alternatives?

In this free, online, bite-sized learning session for scientists and researchers, we’ll explore alternatives to X (formerly Twitter), pros and cons of each, and how to set up on these platforms, without missing a beat.

This session isn’t open for registration yet.

Join our community mailing list and we’ll send you a note when the registration link is available.

Sign up (short & very occasional – promise! Unsubscribe any time!)

Oct 2025 | Simplifying overwhelming and overloaded slides

How can you simplify an overwhelming slide to better support your message?

In this free, online, bite-sized learning session for scientists and researchers, we’ll show you how to identify the most important elements of a slide, remove unnecessary clutter, and create a clear, impactful visual that supports your key message.

This session isn’t open for registration yet.

Join our community mailing list and we’ll send you a note when the registration link is available.

Sign up (short & very occasional – promise! Unsubscribe any time!)

Nov 2025 | Harnessing the power of vocal variety to improve your oral communication

How can you use vocal variety to communicate clearly and engage audiences?

In this free, online, bite-sized learning session for scientists and researchers, we’ll explore how to use pitch, tone, pace, and emphasis to make your speaking more engaging, dynamic, and impactful.

This session isn’t open for registration yet.

Join our community mailing list and we’ll send you a note when the registration link is available.

Dec 2025 | Stand out online with a strong profile photo

How can you make your online profiles POP with strong profile photos?

In this free, online, bite-sized learning session for scientists and researchers, we’ll discuss what makes a great profile photo, how to choose or take one, and why a strong image can help you stand out online.

This session isn’t open for registration yet.

Join our community mailing list and we’ll send you a note when the registration link is available.

Sign up (short & very occasional – promise! Unsubscribe any time!)

DATE 2025 | Finding icons and images to illustrate your research

How can you to find images and icons to bring your research to life – safely?

In this free, online, bite-sized learning session for scientists and researchers, we’ll share tips for finding high-quality images and icons that make your research more engaging and accessible, while keeping copyright considerations in mind.

This session isn’t open for registration yet.

Join our community mailing list and we’ll send you a note when the registration link is available.

Sign up (short & very occasional – promise! Unsubscribe any time!)

DATE 2025 | Dealing with nerves so that you can present at your best

How can you reduce nerves and deliver presentations at your best?

In this free, online, bite-sized learning session for scientists and researchers, we’ll share strategies to manage presentation nerves, boost confidence, and deliver your talks with clarity and composure.

This session isn’t open for registration yet.

Join our community mailing list and we’ll send you a note when the registration link is available.

Sign up (short & very occasional – promise! Unsubscribe any time!)

DATE 2025 | Accessibility matters in visual communication - tips to bear in mind during design

How can you make images, figures, and charts accessible in science and research communication?

In this free, online, bite-sized learning session for scientists and researchers, we’ll cover best practices for creating visuals that are clear, inclusive, and easy to understand for diverse audiences, including those with visual impairments.

This session isn’t open for registration yet.

Join our community mailing list and we’ll send you a note when the registration link is available.

Sign up (short & very occasional – promise! Unsubscribe any time!)

Looking Back: Community Sessions in 2024

18 Dec 2024 | End of year science and research communication knowledge exchange [WAITLIST]

What are our top tips for science and research communication in 2025?

In this free skills-building webinar for scientists, researchers and science communicators, we’ll take time to learn from each other. This facilitated session will allow us to reflect on what worked, what didn’t and what we can take with us into the coming year to help us get even better at communicating with others and sharing our research.

This session is fully-booked. Join the waitlist by subscribing to our community mailing list.

27 Nov 2024 | Understanding how communication works to improve our research communication skills [WAITLIST]

What do you need to be aware of to become a better communicator across all channels and for all objectives?

In this free skills-building webinar for scientists, researchers and science communicators, we’ll take a step back from the “doing” of communication to think about how communication works and what gets in the way of getting your message across. Then we’ll think about how to minimise interference. You’ll leave with a better understanding of what to be aware of when communicating in (almost) all situations.

This session is fully-booked. Join the waitlist by subscribing to our community mailing list.

20 Oct 2024 | Plan your presentation with a simple structure [WAITLIST]

How can you use a structure from the consulting world to prepare a presentation?

In this free skills-building webinar for scientists, researchers and science communicators, we’ll take a look at a great tool for structuring presentations and how you can use it to create a quick outline, as well as a more detailed presentation structure with ideas for content. You’ll have a chance to create your own quick outline, and we’ll have time for questions, too.

This session is fully-booked. Join the waitlist by subscribing to our community mailing list.

20 Sept 2024 | Let’s learn from each other (SCS ASK)

Our ASK sessions are driven by your questions or challenges. In the session, we’ll invite 2-3 people to share something that they are struggling with when it comes to communication. This might be communicating findings with experts or non-experts, the art of being a science communicator, or the day-to-day trickiness involved in interpersonal communication at work and with colleagues. This is an interactive, practical format where we learn from each other.

28 Aug 2024 | Elevator pitching 101 [WAITLIST]

How can you prepare a quick elevator pitch?

In this free skills-building webinar for scientists, researchers and science communicators, we’ll take a look at a simple way to create an elevator pitch, and then you’ll have time to create your own elevator pitch and try it out in pairs.

This session is fully-booked. Join the waitlist by subscribing to our community mailing list.

31 Jul 2024 | Networking for research success [WAITLIST]

How can you plan to network effectively at your next academic meeting or conference?

In this free skills-building webinar for scientists, researchers and science communicators, we’ll brainstorm how we can make the most of academic meetings and conferences to make contacts and build our network. This will be a facilitated session, and we’ll tap into the collective brainpower of the group to come up with ideas to help us in the second half of the academic year.

This session is fully-booked. Join the waitlist by subscribing to our community mailing list.

26 Jun 2024 | A simple model for making your point clearly and concisely [WAITLIST]

How can you use a quick communication model to make your point in meetings (or to answer questions)?

In this free skills-building webinar for scientists, researchers and science communicators, we’ll introduce you to a simple tool that you can use to make a point or answer a question clearly and concisely. You will have time to practice using the tool, reflect on how it works for you, and ask questions, too.

This session is fully-booked. Join the waitlist by subscribing to our community mailing list.

22 May 2024 | Let’s learn from each other (SCS ASK)

Our ASK sessions are driven by your questions or challenges. In the session, we’ll invite 2-3 people to share something that they are struggling with when it comes to communication. This might be communicating findings with experts or non-experts, the art of being a science communicator, or the day-to-day trickiness involved in interpersonal communication at work and with colleagues. This is an interactive, practical format where we learn from each other.

24 Apr 2024 | Using ChatGPT and other generative AI in your social media strategy [WAITLIST]

How can you use generative AI to help you plan your social media posts?

In this free skills-building webinar for scientists, researchers and science communicators, we’ll dive into how to use ChatGPT and other generative AI tools to help you plan your social media posts. You’ll get 3-4 practical examples of how to use these tools, a chance to try this out yourself, and time to chat about your experiences, thoughts and challenges (time-permitting).

This session is fully-booked. Join the waitlist by subscribing to our community mailing list.

27 Mar 2024 | Getting Started with Social Media [WAITLIST]

What should you think about when you want to get started with social media?

In this free skills-building webinar for scientists, researchers and science communicators, we’ll look at the current social media landscape, give you some tips about how to choose your channels and offer you some ideas about how to plan and schedule your content.

This session is fully-booked. Join the waitlist by subscribing to our community mailing list.

28 Feb 2024 | Hear Me Out: Voice Tips to Help You Communicate with Confidence [WAITLIST]

How can you use your voice more effectively to share research and science orally?

In this free skills-building webinar for scientists, researchers and science communicators, we’ll explore why your voice matters, how to use it to come across more clearly and credibly, and how to use vocal variety to engage audiences and keep them listening.

This session is fully-booked. Join the waitlist by subscribing to our community mailing list.

Two types of community sessions

SCS LEARN

Our LEARN Sessions combine a mix of bite-sized theory, group discussion and when relevant, activities in breakout rooms so that you can try out new skills. The aim is for you to have a chance to learn or refresh communication skills that will be useful when sharing your work with experts or non-experts, or when communicating more generally with colleagues and peers in work-related contexts.

SCS ASK

Our ASK sessions are driven by your questions or challenges. In the session, we’ll invite 2-3 people to share something that they are struggling with when it comes to communication. This might be communicating findings with experts or non-experts, the art of being a science communicator, or the day-to-day trickiness involved in interpersonal communication at work and with colleagues. This is an interactive, practical format where we learn from each other.

Better online meetings for researchers, scientists and the academic community