Promote your Scientific Results from Coursera

What's inside

Syllabus

Introduction to the Course

In this first introductory module, we will help you get acquainted with each other and the course objectives. We will also offer tips on how to get the most out of this course. These tasks are to be combined with the work you do in Week 1.

Structure your Ideas with Cécile Michaut

Welcome to the first week of this course entitled "Structure your Ideas." Cécile Michaut will be your communication coach for this week. Here is what you will be doing with Cécile: Identifying your No. 1 objective for promoting your research and your main message; adapting your message to a variety of audiences and contexts; knowing when and how to limit jargon; putting everything together in a short and concise pitch of your work.

Enhance your Scientific Presentations with Bethany Cagnol

Welcome to Week 2 of the course entitled "Enhance your Scientific Presentations. Bethany Cagnol will be your coach for this week. One of the key features of this module is it can be adapted to presentations you give in front of your peers, but also the general public. In this module, you'll cover some presentation basics just to get you off on the right foot. Then, we'll cover some key language points that you should keep in mind. Next, Bethany will give you her top tips for online presentations as well as panel discussions. And finally, we'll end the module with a Case Study in which you'll study a 45mn video from the NASA's "Maniac" series given by the international climate expert and University of Georgia professor, Dr. J. Marshall Shepard, who gave us permission to use this video as an example of good scientific presentation skills. Finally, be sure to check out the Resources section of this course for some valuable take aways to use for your next scientific presentations. In the forum, let us know if those help you, or if you'd like us to add other resources.

Answering challenging questions with Sinead Namur

In this module, we will be addressing Question and Answer sessions (a.k.a. Q & A sessions). You will have plenty of opportunities to self-reflect and study good and not-so-good examples in this highly unique, interactive module designed by your coach for this week, Sinead Namur. She will guide you through two hypothetical Q in A scenarii in which a professor, Dr. Johnson, is confronted with very tough questions from audience members. In these two scenarii, you will have the opportunity to reflect on what works and what doesn't. And at the end of the module, you will be given some key no fail advice and phrases that you can use, if and when you are faced with a tough Q&A session. TOP TIP: This could be quite an intensive week for you as almost every video has integrated self-reflective prompts. You can use the Note section to store your thoughts, but we suggest you keep a back up of all your notes on a separate document on your computer or notebook just in case. That way they are easy to find right when you need them.

Networking with various experts with Bethany Cagnol

In this module, your coach, Bethany, covers the importance of networking in the sciences with both our peers and outside our professional contexts. A collection of experts agreed to offer their input and share their experience with you. First, Mary Ann Horn, a Mathematics professor at Case Western Reserve University and a Former NSF Program Director in Applied Mathematics, will offer advice on the importance of cross-disciplinary networking as well as how networking ties into applying for grants. Next, we'll hear from Armelle Rancillac, a research fellow in neurobiology at the prestigious Collège de France and INSERM. She will speak about networking at public outreach events and on social media. Then, we'll hear from Mahasti Saghatchian, a medical oncologist and Vice President of the medical board at the American Hospital of Paris. She will stress the importance and benefits of networking on social media for the medial industry and patients. And finally, the president of Télécom Paris, Nicolas Glady, will offer his advice on networking in Academic and Corporate Contexts and what researchers should keep in mind when reaching out to business angels.

Interacting with the Press with various experts

In this course's final module, Cecile Michaut is back as your coach and she's gathered an all-star team of experts to help you communicate with the media. First, you'll hear from Frédéric Restagno, a CNRS professor of physics, on his first-hand experience on what it's like to work on television. Then, Cécile will offer key tips to get you started on your journey with the written press and web publications. Next, journalist Catherine de Coppet will offer learners no-fail advice for interviewing on the radio and how you can set the foundation for getting invited back again and again. Then, Audrey Mikaëlian will cover the realities of television appearances whether they be for pre-recorded or live interviews. Cécile will then sum up the module with essential advice on building a sustainable relationship with the media. And be sure to check out Bethany's "Last Word" of the course on what you can do with your newly developed skills.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Explores best practices for communicating with the media, which is standard in research and science

Examines networking, which is highly relevant to researchers and scientists

Teaches how to craft an effective scientific presentation, which helps learners deliver clear and persuasive talks

Develops skills for answering challenging questions, which is a core skill for researchers and scientists

Taught by experts in scientific communication, who are recognized for their work in this field

Requires completion of peer-reviewed assignments to obtain certification, which may be a caveat for some learners

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Promote your Scientific Results with these activities:

Refreshing Communication Basics

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Review the basics of communication, including verbal and nonverbal communication, active listening, and conflict resolution, to reinforce your foundation.

Browse courses on Communication Skills

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Review the principles of effective communication
Identify and practice different communication techniques for various contexts
Seek opportunities to engage in active listening exercises

Reviewing Scientific Research Methods

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Review the fundamental concepts and principles of scientific research methods, including experimental design, data collection, and analysis, to strengthen your understanding of scientific inquiry.

Browse courses on Scientific Methods

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Review the steps of the scientific method
Identify different types of research designs
Understand the principles of data collection and analysis

Following Video Tutorials on Presentation Skills

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Seek out and follow video tutorials provided by experts to enhance your presentation skills and learn best practices for effectively conveying your research.

Browse courses on Scientific Presentations

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Identify reputable sources for video tutorials on presentation skills
Watch and take notes on the tutorials
Practice applying the techniques learned in your own presentations

Five other activities

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Reading 'Made to Stick'

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Review the book 'Made to Stick' to gain insights into the principles of effective communication and learn how to make your research more memorable and impactful.

View Making Numbers Count: The Art and Science of... on Amazon

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Read the book 'Made to Stick'
Identify key takeaways from the book
Apply the principles to your own scientific communication

Pitching and Presenting Practice

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Engage in regular practice of delivering scientific pitches and presentations to enhance your ability to articulate your research effectively and persuade your audience.

Browse courses on Scientific Presentations

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Craft a compelling pitch for your research
Prepare and rehearse a scientific presentation
Deliver your pitch and presentation to peers for feedback

Attending Science Conferences

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Participate in scientific conferences and networking events to connect with peers, learn about the latest research, and gain valuable insights into the scientific community.

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Identify and attend relevant scientific conferences
Prepare an elevator pitch to introduce yourself and your research
Connect with researchers and professionals in your field

Creating Scientific Infographics

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Create visually engaging infographics that communicate your research findings in a clear and accessible way to enhance your ability to disseminate your work to a wider audience.

Browse courses on Science Communication

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Choose a compelling research finding or concept to illustrate
Design an infographic using appropriate visuals and text
Share your infographic on social media or scientific platforms

Mentoring Junior Researchers

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Share your knowledge and experience by mentoring junior researchers to enhance their communication skills, support their professional development, and contribute to the growth of the scientific community.

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Identify opportunities to mentor junior researchers
Provide guidance and support on scientific writing, presentations, and other communication-related aspects
Offer constructive feedback and encouragement to foster their development

Career center

Learners who complete Promote your Scientific Results will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Science Communications Manager

Science Communications Managers work across scientific disciplines to make complex and technical ideas accessible to diverse audiences. Through various channels, they may present information to educate, raise awareness, or promote understanding of scientific research and its implications. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing guidance on structuring and presenting ideas, enhancing scientific presentations, and answering challenging questions effectively. Additionally, the section on interacting with the press can provide invaluable insights into building relationships with the media and effectively communicating scientific findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communications Manager

Health Science Writer

Health Science Writers translate complex scientific and medical information into clear and engaging content for a variety of audiences. They may work for medical journals, hospitals, universities, or pharmaceutical companies. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing guidance on structuring and presenting ideas, enhancing scientific presentations, and answering challenging questions effectively. Additionally, the section on interacting with the press can provide invaluable insights into building relationships with the media and effectively communicating scientific findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Health Science Writer

Science Policy Advisor

Science Policy Advisors provide expert advice to policymakers on scientific and technological issues. They may work for government agencies, think tanks, or advocacy groups. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing guidance on structuring and presenting ideas, enhancing scientific presentations, and answering challenging questions effectively. Additionally, the section on interacting with the press can provide valuable insights into building relationships with the media and effectively communicating scientific findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Policy Advisor

Medical Science Liaison

Medical Science Liaisons serve as a bridge between the pharmaceutical industry and healthcare providers, providing scientific and medical information about products and services. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing guidance on structuring and presenting ideas, enhancing scientific presentations, and answering challenging questions effectively. Additionally, the section on interacting with the press can provide invaluable insights into building relationships with the media and effectively communicating scientific findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Medical Science Liaison

Science Teacher

Science Teachers educate students in various scientific disciplines, helping them develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing guidance on structuring and presenting ideas, enhancing scientific presentations, and answering challenging questions effectively. Additionally, it can provide insights into effective communication and engagement with diverse audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Teacher

Technical Writer

Technical Writers create instruction manuals, technical reports, and other documents that explain complex technical information. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing guidance on structuring and presenting ideas, enhancing scientific presentations, and answering challenging questions effectively. Additionally, it can provide insights into effective communication and engagement with diverse audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Technical Writer

Science Communicator

Science Communicators interpret and relay scientific information to the public, through various media such as articles, videos, and social media. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing guidance on structuring and presenting ideas, enhancing scientific presentations, and answering challenging questions effectively. Additionally, it can provide insights into effective communication and engagement with diverse audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Communicator

Public relations manager

Public Relations Managers build and maintain relationships with the media, customers, and other stakeholders to promote a positive image for an organization. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing guidance on structuring and presenting ideas, enhancing scientific presentations, and answering challenging questions effectively. Additionally, it can provide insights into effective communication and engagement with diverse audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Public relations manager

Grant Writer

Grant Writers prepare and submit grant proposals to secure funding for research projects and programs. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing guidance on structuring and presenting ideas, enhancing scientific presentations, and answering challenging questions effectively. Additionally, it can provide insights into effective communication and engagement with diverse audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Grant Writer

Research Scientist

Research Scientists conduct scientific research to advance knowledge and understanding in various fields. This course may be useful by providing guidance on structuring and presenting ideas, enhancing scientific presentations, and answering challenging questions effectively. Additionally, it can provide insights into effective communication and engagement with diverse audiences.

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Science Journalist

Science Journalists report on scientific research and discoveries for a variety of media outlets. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing guidance on structuring and presenting ideas, enhancing scientific presentations, and answering challenging questions effectively. Additionally, the section on interacting with the press can provide invaluable insights into building relationships with the media and effectively communicating scientific findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Journalist

Scientific Event Organizer

Scientific Event Organizers plan and execute conferences, workshops, and other events for the scientific community. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing guidance on structuring and presenting ideas, enhancing scientific presentations, and answering challenging questions effectively. Additionally, it can provide insights into effective communication and engagement with diverse audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Scientific Event Organizer

Scientific Editor

Scientific Editors review, edit, and prepare scientific manuscripts for publication in journals and other publications. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing guidance on structuring and presenting ideas, enhancing scientific presentations, and answering challenging questions effectively. Additionally, it can provide insights into effective communication and engagement with diverse audiences.

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Science Administrator

Science Administrators manage the operations of scientific organizations, including research institutions, universities, and government agencies. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing guidance on structuring and presenting ideas, enhancing scientific presentations, and answering challenging questions effectively. Additionally, it can provide insights into effective communication and engagement with diverse audiences.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Administrator

Science Policy Analyst

Science Policy Analysts analyze and evaluate scientific research to inform policy decisions. This course can help build a foundation for this role by providing guidance on structuring and presenting ideas, enhancing scientific presentations, and answering challenging questions effectively. Additionally, the section on interacting with the press can provide valuable insights into building relationships with the media and effectively communicating scientific findings.

See salaries and explore the career path for Science Policy Analyst