Why science communication needs futures literacy
It’s not enough to talk about science today. We need to talk about tomorrow, too.
Futures thinking is becoming a critical skill for scientists who want to stay relevant. Here’s why.
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?
Worth a read: Am I Making Myself Clear?
Looking for something good to read that will help you build your science communication skills? Today’s recommendation is a thoughtful guide to clear communication from a journalist’s point of view. Cornelia Dean helps scientists understand how to reach policy makers, journalists, and the public, especially when the audience has no specialist background.
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?
Worth a read: Escape from the Ivory Tower
Looking for something good to read that will help you build your science communication skills? Today’s recommendation is all about media engagement, this book helps scientists navigate interviews, messaging, and public communication, especially when visibility matters but pressure is high.
Worth a read: If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?
Looking for something good to read that will help you build your science communication skills? Today, we have a funny and human guide to communication from actor and science advocate Alan Alda. Drawing on improv, empathy, and theatre, he explores how we build connection, especially in technical conversations.
Worth a read: Connection (Hollywood Storytelling Meets Critical Thinking)
Welcome to the second day of 2026! We thought we’d start this year’s selection of SciComm Matters material with Michael Alley’s practical guide for scientists who want to improve the clarity and impact of their talks.
Worth a read: The Craft of Scientific Presentations
Welcome to the second day of 2026! We thought we’d start this year’s selection of SciComm Matters material with Michael Alley’s practical guide for scientists who want to improve the clarity and impact of their talks.
Worth a read: Stand Out With Your Scientific Poster
Looking for a good read to build your science communication and research communication skills? Today, we have a guide for you reframes science communication as relationship work. Kearns offers tools for navigating emotion, conflict, power, and trauma, especially in high-stakes or deeply personal contexts.
Worth a read: Getting to the Heart of Science Communication
Looking for a good read to build your science communication and research communication skills? Today, we have a guide for you reframes science communication as relationship work. Kearns offers tools for navigating emotion, conflict, power, and trauma, especially in high-stakes or deeply personal contexts.
We’ve been nominated for the “Best Science Communication Training Company, Europe” award
We were nominated and now we’ve been awarded the “Best Science Communication Training Company 2025” award. Whoo hoo!
Worth a read: The Visual Display of Quantitative Information
Looking for a good read to build your science communication and research communication skills? Today, we have a foundational read on data visualisation for you that remains relevant decades after publication. Tufte breaks down what makes graphics effective, and what makes them misleading, using 250+ examples from real-world data.
AI in and for science communication
Today we have a sneak peek for your into our new workshop on AI for SciComm, and why it matters right now. Also, a quick tip to help you think about how you could use AI to reflect on your communication (especially messaging and writing).
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Why metaphors matter in science communication
Metaphors are not just storytelling “extras.” Today, some thoughts and tips on using metaphors in science communication. This is the first of a mini-series on metaphors in science and science communication, because there’s a lot to say, and think about, when it comes to using metaphors.
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Worth a read: Why Humour Boosts Science Communication
Looking for a good read to build your science communication and research communication skills? This month, we think you should take a look at “Why Humour Boosts Science Communication” (Lucy Avraamidou, Sibel Erduran).
Hybrid workshops: lessons for communicating in science and elsewhere
Two similar workshops, with very different outcomes. What made the difference? And how can you apply what we learn to make your communication work?
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One message, many audiences
The key to clarity isn’t simplification. It’s knowing what each audience needs from you. Today, we’ll explore how (and why!) to adapt your science message for different audiences, without dumbing it down
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