On Wednesday, May 18, SOT will host another free virtual training session focused on science communication. During the three-hour training, you will actively participate in activities designed to help you learn how to connect with an audience and how to convey your science in relatable ways.
For consideration for this training, you must apply for an SOT Science Communications Training Award. The application deadline is 11:59 am (US EDT) on Sunday, April 10.
The training will be conducted by expert instructors with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science. The Alda Center trainings focus on learning through experience, guided reflection, and peer feedback. This training is about transforming how participants think about communication, which gives them skills that can apply to all forms of communication and all topics, including science.
Because of the active nature of the training, if selected, you must attend a live, three-hour virtual training session on Wednesday, May 18, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm (US EDT, UTC -4).
Tips for a Successful Science Communications Training Award Application
- Tell us who you are—not just the scientist you.
The first question of the application asks for a personal narrative. You do not need to limit your narrative to your professional life. Tell us a story.
- Be passionate.
When asked about your research in the second question, don’t copy and paste a list of accomplishments, but instead, convey a high-level look at your research and why it engages you.
- Think bigger.
While your career goals, as requested in the third question, may be very specific to you, your position, or your research, look at how science communication can assist not just from your career perspective, but also at the SOT and societal level.
- Make it personal.
For example, there are many examples in the news of poor science communication, but when the application asks for an example of where better communication could make a difference, think about your own experiences and sphere—when did you witness or contribute to a situation that could have used better communication?
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