The ‘RU Communicating Science?’ program aims to provide interdisciplinary training and introductory skills in science communication to help increase the reach and impact of our science to the public and our communities.

We will be hosting a series of workshops in the fall and spring! Each workshop will be accompanied with an “hour of action” in the next month to apply skills towards sharing your research.

Join us for our kickoff event, featuring interactive activities and presentations to introduce the foundations of science communication and the different approaches and modalities (e.g., podcasts, op-eds, infographics, & social media).

Date: October 27, 2023 

Time: 12:00-2:00 p.m. EDT

Location: UBHC Building, Rooms D201/203, 671 Hoes Ln W, Piscataway, NJ 08854

Registration:  click here!

The ‘RU Communicating Science?’ training program aims to provide foundational skills to:

    1. introduce core components of science communication across different audiences, outlets, and modalities,
    2. provide introductory conceptual and technical skills to communicate  science,
    3. engage with a diverse public about science in an accessible manner, and
    4. develop and share resources to broaden the reach of accessible science.

  •  Semesterly workshops (1 in fall; 1 in spring)

  • “Hour of action” each semester to apply new skills

  • Create content (video, written, visual)

  • Share materials with our community

Here are examples of topics that we have covered in our workshop last year. Note that this year we will be diving into 1-2 topics only.

  1. Back to the Basics– Foundational skills: Knowing your audience, knowing your message, understanding psychology of communication

  2. The Spoken Word: Oral communication skills and improvisation (e.g., effective use of language, streamlining the message, engaging audience, consider the setting)

  3. It Takes a Village: Communicating science with stakeholders and community partners 

  4. Meet the Public Where They Are: How to write for the public (e.g., writing an Op-Ed or blog, finding outlets, making a pitch) and policy-makers (e.g., policy memo)

  5. Visualizing Science: Effective use of multimedia and visual aids in communicating science (e.g., infographics, identifying and using photos, videos)

  6. Make it Social: Using social media as a direct outlet (e.g., Reddit, Instagram, TikTok)

  7. Writing to make change: Dive in deeper into writing effective op-eds, including practical tips for timing delivery and selecting an outlet

  8. Podcasts: What, where, and when: Speak to your audience directly by joining as a guest or starting your own. 

  9. Media Training: Learn about media representatives at your university and how they can help you communicate science more broadly and in different formats.

Fall​

  • 10/27 – “RU Communicating Science?” Training event

  • Hour of Action (date TBD)