The Science Network Workshop Series
Communication and advocacy trainings for scientists
Please join the Science Network for one of the workshops listed below. These sessions are part of a series offered to Science Network members to provide training opportunities to strengthen your communication and advocacy skills. There are three different levels of workshops that might appeal to you: introductory “101,” advanced “202,” and early-career scientist “ECS.”
In September 2013, we will be offering three workshops:
- 101: A Scientist’s Guide to the Media: Sharing a compelling message with the press
- 101: Advocacy for the Aware But Busy Expert: Understanding how you can engage in a way that both makes a difference and fits in your calendar
- 202: Communicating Science Amid Confusion and Uncertainty: How to deal with tough questions
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Upcoming Workshops
September 2013
101: A Scientist’s Guide to the Media: Sharing a compelling message with the press
Presenters: Brenda Ekwurzel, Senior Climate Scientist; Rich Hayes, Deputy Communications Director
This introductory workshop will explore how scientists can capture the most important aspects of their work in coherent and concise interactions with the media. Attendees will gain a basic understanding of how they can prioritize what they want to talk about using two distinct templates: one for representing new research findings to the press and another for sharing scientific findings and suggesting specific actions people and institutions should take in response. To demonstrate how these lessons can be put into practice, a panel of presenters will share their personal experiences with the media and will examine two case studies of media work they have done with Science Network members.
101: Advocacy for the Aware but Busy Expert: Understanding how you can engage in a way that both makes a difference and fits in your calendar
Presenters: Michael Halpern, Program Manager, The Center for Science and Democracy; Peter Frumhoff, Director of Science & Policy
This workshop will detail some of the opportunities available to scientists who are interested in starting to engage in, or deepening their involvement with, the policy process. The presenters will explore different levels of engagement—ranging from testifying before governmental bodies to writing op-eds—and the time and resource commitments they require. This workshop will be particularly useful for scientists who are interested in taking action in the policy realm but are unsure of where to start or what level of involvement they can manage.
202: Communicating Science Amid Confusion and Uncertainty: How to deal with tough questions
Presenters: Rich Hayes, Deputy Communications Director; Nick Schroeck, UCS Science Network member and Executive Director, Great Lakes Environmental Law Center
This workshop will build off of the presenters’ experiences with difficult questions from the media, government officials, and the public. Attendees who have experience working with these groups will benefit from the techniques and tools this workshop will provide to stay on topic and handle uncertainty when asked challenging questions. Attendees will learn methods for avoiding common traps scientists fall into and for honestly answering questions in a way that also helps emphasize what they think is most important as scientists.
Future Workshops
November 2013:
101: Tips and Tricks for Building a Relationship and Communicating with Policymakers … from the Local to National Level
202: Getting Science Right in the Media: Rapid response to the good, the bad, and the provocative
ECS: Finding the Unconventional Career: Strategies for early-career scientists seeking opportunities at the nexus of science and policy
February 2014:
101: Communicating with Confidence: How to lead with what you know and deal with uncertainty
202: Having a Big Local Impact: How to best engage with stakeholders and communities to ensure that your research is useful to the public
May 2014:
101: Your Elevator Pitch: How to convey what you do and why it matters in a concise and convincing manner
202: “Following the rules:” How to understand and influence the regulatory process
ECS: Expanding Your Career Path: How your involvement in policy change can help build your professional appeal
September 2014:
101: Your Science in Politics: Understanding the policy landscape, how science is used and perceived, and junctures where you can have an influence
202: Testifying in Public Comment Periods and Local Hearings: How to bring scientific knowledge to forefront of the debate
November 2014:
202: Bringing Your Research and Expertise to Life: Visual storytelling and techniques
