Science Communication Workshop for Scientists

The ability to effectively communicate the significance of scientific findings is an essential component of increasing public support for research. Greater scientific literacy among the public translates to a more nuanced understanding of how science can be applied to solve daily, real world problems. To improve the communication of scientific information to the general public, Metcalf Institute is partnering with Rhode Island NSF Experimental Program to Stimulate Competitive Research (RI NSF EPSCoR).

Rhode Island NSF EPSCoR is a state-wide program to advance marine life sciences and education. The RI EPSCoR team works with nine colleges in the state, supports three core research facilities, and supports a host of development and outreach activities for students.

Metcalf Institute and RI NSF EPSCoR will offer one-day science communication workshops each year of the RI NSF EPSCoR grant, from 2011 to 2015. These workshops will be designed to instruct science faculty and graduate students about how to develop rapport with journalists and prepare effective and audience-appropriate messages for journalists and the general public.

The first of these workshops took place on September 13, 2011, at the University of Rhode Island Graduate School of Oceanography in Narragansett, RI. Upcoming training seminars will take place in May and July 2012.

For more information, contact info@metcalfinstitute.org.