May 2019
By Karien Joubert
Around the world, researchers are increasingly aware of demands to make their work more visible and accessible to diverse public audiences, and to create opportunities for public dialogue around issues rooted in science. These days, research policymakers and funders are also asking for public engagement plans as part of research funding proposals.
However, many scientists have little experience of working directly with lay audiences and may feel ill prepared for these public engagement demands. In an effort to equip young researchers at Stellenbosch University with the confidence and skills to communicate their science effectively, CREST has partnered with the Division for Research Development at Stellenbosch University to offer a series of science communication workshops during 2019.
Full-day workshops for PhD Students
Three full-day workshops are on offer for currently registered doctoral students at Stellenbosch University during 2019. On 22 May and 6 August (the same workshop offered on these two different dates) science communication expert and researcher Dr Marina Joubert will take students through the what, why and how of public science communication and introduce them to some hands-on science communication tools. This ‘#scicomm toolbox’ workshop not only focuses on practical skills, but also introduces students to the principles of ethical, responsible and inclusive science communication. On 23 October 2019, Marina will present a half-day Twitter masterclass focused on how young researchers can best use #ScienceTwitter as an integral part of their research. For more info or to book your spot, contact the Postgraduate Skills Development Programme team via email: pgskills@sun.ac.za.
#Scicomm on a Monday workshop series for postdocs
Postdoctoral students are invited to sign up for one or more of a series of six different workshops. These two-hour workshops always take place between 11:00 and 13:00 on specific Mondays during the year. Topics which will be covered are: 20 May: writing science with flair; 3 June: telling better science stories; 5 August: new and creative ways of doing scicomm; 14 October: the science of what makes people care; 18 November: Q&A with experts; 2 December: acing the media interview. For more info or to book your spot, contact Dr Palesa Mothapo via email: mothapo@sun.ac.za.