Exchange

Media Insights for Scientists and Scientific Researchers

Registrations are now closed and will reopen in 2026.  

Scientists produce cutting-edge knowledge and solve problems. They share their ideas and findings with their peers in conference talks and academic articles. But why stop there? The pressure is on for scientists to show that they are engaging and benefiting society. Public input can also benefit your research in unexpected ways. To support scientists’ communication efforts, we have designed an intensive one-day programme. 

The Imidibaniso Exchange Workshop, previously known as the Imidibaniso Bootcamp, is an in-person annual one-day media and communications workshop for scientists of all disciplines, researchers, communicators, academics and students. It offers a fun, interactive and enriching snapshot of best practice creative communications insights that scientists can consider in their public engagement plans for your research projects. 

During the workshop, you will get access to:

• A crash course on various forms of media and communication that are available to you to share your research with the world. 
• A range of talks and inputs from media and communications experts.
• A range of interactive exercises that will help you to become a better communicator.
• Insights into the strategies and methods used by some of the best communicators out there. 
• Tips and tools on how to use social media in effective ways.
• Strategies to find the right collaborators and partners to help you communicate the importance of your research.
• An introduction to a couple of key theoretical and practical concepts that can guide you in your thinking about how media matters to science.
• Other scientists who are also exploring ways to share their findings with the public. 

This workshop is intended for scientists of all fields (including researchers, communicators, academics, students, colleagues involved in any area of the sciences, as well as those interested in interdisciplinary exploration), from the data-crunching demographers and epidemiologists to those who like to spend weeks in the wilderness searching under plants to find frogs to measure. You should not have to take on a second career in training as a media professional to be a good, publicly engaged scientist. But, if you want to connect your findings with a bigger audience (including policy makers and funders, ahem!), it is worth experimenting with various media channels and communications tools. We are here to offer a little bit of advice on quick, easy and fun ways to use them. 

We invite you to set aside one day in your calendar at the beginning of what will surely be another busy year of science research and teaching, and invest in some resources that will help you to translate the specific expertise of what you do to a bigger audience of ordinary people. (Some of the tricks might help you with teaching, too.)

Each year, we will design the workshop programme to bring a selection of the brightest, best and most engaging media and communications researchers, practitioners and advisers to share their insights. 

Registration and Speakers

Registration for the Workshop are now closed and will reopen in 2026.

The registration fee for the workshop is as follows, and must be received by the specified date in 2026.

• R1750 (inclusive of VAT)

The registration fee includes the workshop materials, all meals and refreshments. Flights, travel, and accommodation are not included. For more information or for any queries, please email scicomm@sun.ac.za.