Our #SciComm Seminars are back this fall with exciting new topics to expand your science communication toolbox.
Here are some highlights from the 2022-23 #SciComm Seminars series:
Beth Prusaczyk, Assistant Professor of Medicine, drew from her experiences in policymaking and journalism for valuable tips on how to prepare, deliver, and follow up on your advocacy pitch. Keeping it local, prioritizing in-person meetings, and working with career staffers rather than elected officials will increase your chances of success. (Communicating Beyond the Academy: Reaching Policymakers and Stakeholders)
Maryam Zaringhalam, Data Science and Open Science Officer at the National Library of Medicine, reminded us that storytelling is a powerful tool to help us earn the trust of the communities we serve. When preparing to share your research with non-technical audiences, think about who they are, and why your message matters to them. (What’s Your Story? Using Narratives to Open Science)
Rakhee Bhayani, Professor of Medicine, let us in on the basic steps for building a successful digital presence and sharing your science with the public. Start by scanning what’s out in your field, join in the discussion, and finally, create your own content such as visual abstracts and polls. (Social Media Engagement for Healthcare Workers)
For Cyril Loum, Assistant Director of Venture Development at the Skandalaris Center, entrepreneurship is about knowing people. His advice to budding biotech and medtech entrepreneurs? Conduct thorough market research to identify your customers, interview them directly to discover what they need, and help your customers visualize that a solution to their problem is possible with your products or services. (How to Craft a Creative Pitch)
Stephanie Andersen, Manager of Research Translation for the Center for Public Health Systems Science, introduced us to the Translational Science Benefits Model (TSBM), a framework to assess the relevance of research beyond publication metrics or grant dollar amounts. The Translating for Impact Toolkit is available to help you plan, track, and demonstrate the benefits of your research. (The Translational Science Benefits Model: Moving Beyond Traditional Measures of Research Impact)
Join us for the first 2023-24 #SciComm Seminar on Thursday, September 14, 2023 at 2:00 p.m. (registration required for Zoom link), to hear from Chris Woolston, research writer for Washington University Arts & Sciences. We are excited to learn about his reporting at the intersection of biology, psychology, and mental health and how his experiences, both as a scientist and as a journalist, help shape his approach to communicating science.
For reminders on upcoming topics and dates, sign up for the #SciComm Seminars mailing list and select “Science Communication and Outreach.”
We look forward to seeing you at the 2023-24 series of #SciComm Seminars!