Speaking Science Resources

 

There is a worldwide community of practice when comes to communicating science, and here you’ll find links to some of most notable research and the best teachers and practitioners when it comes to translating science.

Websites

The Science of Story Building:  A collection of research-based articles on how humans understand stories, and how to build them effectively for your audience.

Free-Range Thinking: A collection of articles and resources for public servants, researchers and other “do-gooders” for communicating more effectively with audiences who do not read science for a living.

Stanford Social Innovation Review: Research specifically geared toward leaders of social change.

Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science  :  Associated with Stonybrook University in New York, the Alda center offers resources and workshops for improving clarity and storytelling in science communication and policy advocacy.

Videos

The Art of Science of Communication with Alan Alda  Alan Alda at the 10th anniversary celebration of the McGovern Institute for Brain Research at MIT. As the former host of the long-running PBS series, “Scientific American Frontiers,” Alda shares some advice on how scientists can communicate more effectively with the general public.

Communicating Science – Sheril Kirshenbaum   Kirshenbaum is the Director of The Energy Poll at The University of Texas at Austin and the author of two books, Unscientific America (with Chris Mooney) and The Science of Kissing. She works to enhance public understanding of science and improve communication between scientists, policymakers, and the public.

Communicating Science in the 21st Century  Brian Cox and Neil deGrasse Tyson’s compelling exploration of what science communication is, drawing on interesting similarities and contrasts between the UK and the US.

Opportunities: [ Training & Funding ]

U of Minnesota Professional Development Short Courses
The U offers dozens of in-person course and webinars in both leadership and communications.
AAAS Mass Media Science & Engineering Fellows Program
This 10-week summer program places science, engineering, and mathematics students at media organizations nationwide. Fellows use their academic training as they research, write, and report today’s headlines, sharpening their abilities to communicate complex scientific issues to the public.
Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science
The Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science empowers scientists and health professionals to communicate complex topics in clear, vivid, and engaging ways; leading to improved understanding by the public, media, patients, elected officials, and others outside of their own discipline.
COMPASS
Through communication trainings, coaching and real-world connections, COMPASS empowers researchers to build the communication skills, networks, and relationships they need to engage effectively in public discourse on the Environment.
Mary Milla
Mary is regular at our conference, and is a seasoned expert in helping other professionals hone their message and delivery to be clear and effective communicators.