This session in held in person, on Edinburgh campus.

Knowing how to effectively communicate research with non-experts requires a certain skillset that can be learned and developed with practice. This course on ‘Effective Science Communication’ will provide researchers with the core tools and techniques to help them communicate any piece of research, published or unpublished, to a variety of different audiences. It covers the essential steps, including identifying communication goals, understanding different audiences, and crafting a key message. The course also explores the different communication methods and channels available.
Professor David Jenkins (EGIS), in collaboration with Dr Anitha Devadoss (Associate Professor in EPS), will lead an informal discussion around the themes and objectives of the online Nature Masterclass ‘Effective Science Communication’ focussing on lesson 10, ‘Present your research’
Prior to attending this session, you should have completed at least lesson 10 ‘Present your research’ from the Nature Masterclass ’Effective Science Communication’.

To help you prepare, please take a look to the 3 slides from Prof David and Dr Anitha here:  Pre-work Effective Science Communication.pptx] and respond to the following poll           https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSd7WGepqd3UtcqLEwhrfLvtJMa5pKeaziIZ1w5TvPiiIScdZg/viewform?usp=header

What is the time commitment to complete the online course?
The whole online course comprises 6.5 hours of e-learning through 10 lessons, however the lesson we are focussing on for this session is about 30 minutes long.
How to start learning now and join the session on 25th February?
We encourage all participants to complete the online Nature Masterclass, ‘Effective Science Communication’, prior to attending the discussion session on 25th February, to contribute effectively and make the most out of the learning. However, if you have started but not yet completed the course, you are still welcome to attend on the 25th February and join in the discussion.

Heriot-Watt University’s access to Nature Masterclasses is provided via ‘Single sign-on’
1. Visit Training for researchers & scientists | Nature Masterclasses.
2. If this is your first time accessing the Nature Masterclasses site, click register at the top right of the screen, then on the next screen follow the instructions to complete your profile, selecting ‘Heriot-Watt University’ from the institution drop down options.
3. Confirm your registration.
4. For subsequent sign-ins, choose the login option at the top right of the screen, then select Institutional login (single sign on) and follow the instructions.

Aims

• Compare different audience requirements to help you tailor your communications
• Select a relevant communication channel for your specific needs in a particular instance
• Understand how storytelling techniques can build a compelling scientific story to communicate your research
• Apply strategies to help you communicate your research in an accessible and persuasive way to a non-scientific audience
• Tips and techniques for communicating your research via writing, public talks and presentations, social media and media interviews