Science communication

This course is aimed at helping researchers understand and implement a variety of science communication activities and techniques that can be most impactful for their work. It explores and develops different skills, insights and principles for crafting compelling science narratives.

About the workshop series

We offer a series of modules aimed at developing an in-depth understanding of what makes impactful science communication and the skills and principles needed to craft compelling science narratives, including:

  • Understanding the motivations and objectives of science communication
  • Tailoring our communication to the needs and expectations of our target audience
  • Understanding the range of sci-comm activities and how to make the most of them
  • Using storytelling principles to communicate about our research in a compelling way
  • Using tips and insights that can inspire positive behaviour change in your target audience
  • Learning skills and good practices for avoiding jargon and effortlessly stringing together complex ideas

 

This training is available on demand. It can be tailored to the needs of specific organisations and can shrink or extend in time and content as required.

 

Who is it for?

This course is of relevance to researchers, project managers, science communicators, educators and advocates, as well as anyone who is wishes to become an effective communicator of scientific ideas. 

This workshop series is led by the Stickydot team who have a wealth of expertise in facilitating dialogue and participatory processes around research and innovation, on and offline. The modules draw on existing good practices and theory both within our sector and further afield. They are dynamic and interactive, ensuring plenty of time for discussion and sharing of experiences.

 

Feedback

 “It was both inspiring and fun. We managed to connect with a colleague’s current communication challenges thanks to the activities in the workshop.

 

Absolutely everything was beautifully thought through, and the technical aspects of the session were super smooth. Content was very clear and interesting.

 

Modules

1: Science communication: why and how?

A two-hour workshop to explore the theory behind science communication, outreach and engagement. Participants will learn how to identify and address the deeper societal relevance of different research topics, define target audiences and stakeholders for science outreach, and tailor messages that resonate with them.

 

2: Storytelling & impactful communication

A two-hour workshop covering the key concept of storytelling, as applicable to science journalism as it is to conference presentations. What do studies show us about how storytelling affects behaviour change? How can we find the story inherent in our research, making it compelling without oversimplifying or misleading our audiences? Participants will have the chance to develop their own storyboards around their work and get feedback from the workshop leaders as well as their peers.

Interested to chat with us and explore an idea further?

Don’t hesitate to send a quick message to info@stickydot.eu and schedule a short half-hour call with us, at your convenience.

Marzia Mazzonetto - Stickydot

Marzia Mazzonetto

Co-founder & CEO

“I really enjoy how diverse my work is. Open innovation is multi-stakeholder but also multicultural, international and multilingual, providing a whole set of challenges to rise to.”

With a background in social science and science journalism, Marzia’s main areas of expertise is developing methodologies that support multi-stakeholder engagement. She is passionate about sustainable and inclusive co-creation processes leading to social innovation and participatory policies.

Michael Creek - Stickydot

Michael Creek

Co-founder & Lead Facilitator

“When it comes to facilitation, what I love is finding ways to get people talking, making everyone’s voice heard and ensuring people commit to what happens next.”

Michael focuses on facilitation and stakeholder engagement within Stickydot activities. He develops, runs and trains people in participatory formats for dialogue. One particular focus of his work is within health policy, bringing together patients, practitioners, civil society, research and industry to reach consensus on policy issues.

Alexandre Torres

Junior Project Manager

“I want to help build bridges between science and society. In fact, forget the bridges. Why not make it all one space?”

At Stickydot, Alex works in citizen science and public engagement projects. He is a trained biologist and science communicator who is passionate about creating spaces and processes for dialogue.

Florence Gignac

PROJECT ASSISTANT

“It is inspiring to contribute to a scientific research environment that remains anchored in the realities and interests of a variety of individuals. Collaborating with the public takes your scientific knowledge off the beaten track and challenges you to take a creative approach to your scientific practice. Go ahead: once you try participatory research, you won’t look back!”

At Stickydot, Florence provides support on citizen science and public engagement projects. Florence has been applying participatory approaches in the fields of environment and public health for over five years. She cares deeply about making every step of a scientific research project inclusive, creative and sustainable.