Learn how to engage and inform decision-makers!
Rarely has the need for effective and influential communication about science been more important than it is today.
Politicians and political interests are redefining and reinterpreting science--with great persistence and impact. The majority of the public still respect scientists and value science, but they often find it challenging to discern who and what is legitimate.
Boot Camp for Scientist
Simply adding to the noise will not provide individuals with the understanding they need to inform deliberations and decisions. Scientists must become more skilled at communicating in impactful ways.
As called for by many sources, including a 2015 report from members of the biological sciences community: The time for business as usual has passed. There is a real and immediate need for scientists to become effective and engaged communicators.
The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) is responding to this need by offering scientists a new professional development opportunity. The AIBS Communications Training Boot Camp for Scientists expands on our highly successful media and science policy training workshops. The program meets the needs of everyone from graduate students to senior researchers and program administrators.
The Boot Camp is an intensive, two-day, hands-on training program in Washington, DC.
Dates: December 7-8, 2016
Participants will learn:
- How to translate scientific findings for non-technical audiences
- How to tell a resonant story that informs decision-makers
- How to prepare for and participate in a news interview, including broadcast interviews
- How to prepare for and engage in a meeting with a decision-maker
- How to protect your scientific reputation
- How to identify and define the audience you need to reach
- What policymakers want and need to know from a scientist
- What reporters are looking for in an interview
- How the nation's science policy is developed and implemented
Participants will have the opportunity for formal and informal discussions with science policy and communications experts working in Washington, DC. A course outline is available here.
Learn more, and register here: https://www.aibs.org/public-policy/communications_boot_camp.html
