Thinking
Reflections on communication in scientice and research, science communication, and communication training approaches for researchers, scientists, and research organisations.
Putting method before problem when sharing science and research
Over the years, working with scientists and researchers across Europe on science communication skills, I’ve noticed how often explanations become clearer once researchers start somewhere slightly earlier in the story.
There is no single “science communication skill”
Researchers are not learning a single technique. They are learning how to adapt explanations to different contexts and audiences. And that kind of flexibility usually develops gradually, through experience.
The unexpected benefit of communication training for scientists and researchers
Communication training is usually framed as helping researchers explain their work more clearly to others, but something interesting often happens during the programmes that we run: researchers frequently report that the process of explaining their work helps them understand it differently themselves.
The moment researchers realise their explanation isn’t working
In many ways, communication training is less about teaching new techniques, and more about helping researchers notice how their explanations sound to people outside their field.
When communication training becomes a toolkit
Alongside providing excellent resources for communication, how often do we create structured opportunities for researchers to practice these skills together?
When science communication training becomes a webinar
How quickly expectations around communication have expanded for researchers. Is it time for us to be more mindful about learning and practice environments?
We need to create environments that allow scientists and researchers to apply and sharpen skills, not just learn them
How quickly expectations around communication have expanded for researchers. Is it time for us to be more mindful about learning and practice environments?
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