Advanced Science Communication Seminar
“How can I translate the importance of my research to the people who need to know?”
This is a common question that is frequently voiced by many coastal and marine science graduate students each year. Students know their research is valuable outside of academia, but many researchers are not confident in their abilities to communicate science effectively. Virginia Sea Grant is excited to offer innovative programs specifically designed to effectively communicate the importance of coastal and marine research to resource managers, watermen, community planners, policymakers, and other stakeholders.
George Mason University and Virginia Sea Grant’s Communication Center have partnered to offer a semester-long Advanced Science Communication Seminar where participating students learn the “science of science communication,” evidence-based social science that can guide help them analyze their stakeholders’ concerns and addressing them respectfully, clearly, and effectively. Throughout the seminar participants receive one-on-one guidance and support from communication specialists who help them develop and refine an audience-tailored communication product featuring their own research.
To find out more about the Advanced Science Communication Seminar, or to see examples of past communication products, please visit the website here.
One published communication product is on the NPR IdeaStations website called, "What Makes a Wetland, A Wetland." To learn about Mrs. Braff's process to create this video, click here.
Sample Timeline
1 Develop a draft, sketch, or outline of the product
2 Get feedback from stakeholders.
3 Consider feedback from your instructors and representative audience members.
3 Revise and complete the product
List of past project examples
- One-page briefs for legislators or regulators
- Short presentations (e.g. 3-Minute Thesis, elevator pitch)
- TED-like Talks
- Games for high school students
- Photo exhibits
- Illustrations, infographics
- Animations, video