The science of science communication

Science communication is a bit different to other forms of communication. In order to be effective, aspiring science communicators need to understand why science communication is about so much more than “marketing” their science.

This short, interactive learning experience is all about thinking critically about how to become a better science communicator by understanding how people (our audiences) react to science and science communicators. It’s also about gaining an insight into what research tells us works, and doesn’t work, when it comes to sharing our research.

Details & outlineRequest information

Learning outcomes:

By the end of this interactive training session, participants will:

  • Understand the unique challenges related to science communication.
  • Have an increased awareness of what works, according to the research.
  • Be able to consider risk and success factors when planning a new science communication activity.
  • Know where to go to find resources and tools to support their science communication activities.

What this training will cover:

  • Hello, science communication!
    • What is it?
    • When did it start and how has it changed?
    • Why bother with it?
  • Challenges to communicating science
    • Facts, facts and more facts
    • Engagement vs education
    • Human behaviour
    • A myriad of influences
  • So what works?
    • The cornerstone of science communication
    • The power of narrative
    • Time matters
  • Next steps: resources and tools

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Training interest

Duration:

2 hours

Delivery format:

Live-and-online via Zoom.

Number of participants:

Up to 100.

This training is suitable for:

Career scientists, engineers, researchers interested in doing more science communication; students; research groups who want to disseminate their research; aspiring science communicators.

Kind words

Loved this. So much information and still time for some good discussions with fellow students. I look forward to being able to use some of the ideas when I create my first poster.

Poster workshop participant

Student SHA Utrecht University

I have just completed SciComm Success' Poster Design Workshop. It was full of interesting tips and tools, some of which I have already built into my poster planning. Although we had a big group and I expected a lecture/webinar format, Suzanne constantly invited us to provide feedback and our own experiences, and I enjoyed hearing what fellow biologists like and don't. I liked that the group was international and enjoyed the flexible and informal discussions - some via chat, some using whiteboards, some simple audio discussion. It felt as if we could all contribute, wherever we were. I would recommend this workshop for anyone new to creating posters for conferences. It would probably be a good refresher for poster presenters, too. Thank you, SEB, for the opportunity.

Poster workshop participant

Society for Experimental Biology Conference (2021)

This was a good refresher on best practice planning and design for posters. I particularly enjoyed the sessions on tools for choosing colour palettes, which I have since used in other communication materials, and the discussion about online and virtual conferences, which was an eye-opener for me during COVID. Thank you, Suzanne!

Poster workshop participant

Genentech, USA

Have something different in mind?

Book a call with one of our training team and let’s explore what you are thinking about, what you need, and what we can do to help.

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