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Alessandro Cicerale
and
Katiuscia Sacco
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is designed for scientists and researchers who wish to communicate the results and theory of their field(s) of study to the public. This includes graduate and postgraduate students, academic staff of all career levels, and scientists not working in academia.
Topics Covered
Read more
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is designed for scientists and researchers who wish to communicate the results and theory of their field(s) of study to the public. This includes graduate and postgraduate students, academic staff of all career levels, and scientists not working in academia.
Topics Covered
Read more
Most FutureLearn courses run multiple times. Every run of a course has a set start date but you can join it and work through it after it starts. Find out more The course is designed for scientists and researchers who wish to communicate the results and theory of their field(s) of study to the public. This includes graduate and postgraduate students, academic staff of all career levels, and scientists not working in academia.
Topics Covered
- Why is science communication important?
- Defining a message and the intended audience
- Going from the message to a story
- Small-scale public science dissemination events
- The relationship between scientists and journalists
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/q9tt5c/science
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Reviews summary
Practical science communication for researchers
According to learners, this course provides an incredibly insightful and practical introduction to science communication, empowering researchers to share their work effectively. Students consistently highlight its well-structured content, clear and engaging instructors, and how it presents complex ideas in an accessible way, offering concrete steps for public engagement. While it delivers a strong foundational understanding, some highly experienced students found it better suited for beginners or those new to the field, noting it might feel basic for experienced communicators. Reviewers suggest including more interactive elements and updated digital communication strategies.
Complex topics are explained simply and effectively.
"The instructors were clear and engaging. Highly recommend for any scientist!"
"The core concepts were well-explained. This course is good for beginners."
"The instructors presented complex ideas in an accessible way. I learned so much about structuring my communication."
"It’s a must-do for any researcher! I appreciated the structured approach to communication."
Excellent foundational course for new science communicators.
"A solid introduction to science communication... Good for beginners."
"Fantastic course for anyone looking to bridge the gap between science and the public."
"Well-structured and informative. It covers the basics very well."
"This is a must-do for any researcher! I appreciated the structured approach to communication."
Focuses on tangible strategies and real-world examples.
"The modules on 'Defining a message...' and 'Going from the message to a story' were particularly useful. I loved the hands-on activities..."
"I appreciated the emphasis on practical tools and strategies. I especially benefited from the module on the relationship between scientists and journalists."
"The course gave me concrete steps to take my research to a broader audience. The examples were very relevant."
"I learned so much about structuring my communication effectively. The 'small-scale public science dissemination events' section gave me great ideas."
Areas for course update and added interactive elements.
"I think it could benefit from more interactive elements or perhaps peer review assignments to practice the skills."
"I think a bit more emphasis on digital communication strategies (social media, blogs) would make it even more relevant today..."
"The forum discussions were a bit quiet, which impacted the collaborative learning aspect."
"Some of the readings felt a bit generic, and some external resource links were broken in an older run."
May feel basic for those with prior communication experience.
"Some parts felt a bit basic for someone who already has some experience in outreach. I was hoping for more advanced strategies..."
"The content was too high-level and didn't provide enough actionable advice... it felt more like a theoretical discussion."
"If you know nothing about science communication, this is a good start. But for someone with a bit of background, it might feel like a rehash."
Activities
Coming soon
We're preparing activities for
Science Communication and Public Engagement.
These are activities you can do either before, during, or after a course.
Career center
Learners who complete Science Communication and Public Engagement will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/q9tt5c/science
Reading list
We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.
Provides a comprehensive overview of the field of science communication, covering topics such as the history of science communication, different models of science communication, and the role of science communication in society.
Provides a practical guide to science communication, covering topics such as planning and delivering effective presentations, writing for different audiences, and using social media to engage with the public.
Offers a comprehensive introduction to science communication for scientists at various career stages. It covers the history, design, and delivery of engagement activities, making it suitable for those new to the field. The inclusion of international case studies provides valuable real-world examples. This book can serve as a useful reference tool and is often recommended for undergraduates and postgraduates.
Provides a practical guide to science communication, covering topics such as planning and delivering effective presentations, writing for different audiences, and using social media to engage with the public.
Provides a practical guide to science communication, covering topics such as planning and delivering effective presentations, writing for different audiences, and using social media to engage with the public.
Provides a practical guide to science communication, covering topics such as planning and delivering effective presentations, writing for different audiences, and using social media to engage with the public.
Focusing on the strategic aspects of science communication, this book bridges the gap between research and practice. It presents evidence-based principles and discusses various communication objectives, drawing on social science research. This valuable resource for professionals and researchers seeking to make their communication efforts more impactful and evidence-based. It can be used as a guide for developing strategic communication plans.
Provides an accessible yet critical introduction to science communication as a social conversation. It explores the evolution of theories and practices, addressing key concepts and challenges. With vignettes, examples, and a lexicon of terms, it solid starting point for gaining a broad understanding of the field. This book is useful for both students and anyone interested in the foundations of science communication.
Considered a classic in the field, this book practical guide for scientists aiming to communicate their research to broader audiences. It focuses on working with the media and effectively disseminating findings. is particularly valuable for scientists looking to engage with the public and policymakers, offering practical advice on interviews and avoiding misrepresentation. It is more valuable as additional reading for historical context and foundational principles.
Emphasizes the importance of storytelling in science communication. It introduces frameworks, such as the ABT (And, But, Therefore) template, to help scientists craft more engaging messages. This book is highly recommended for anyone looking to improve their ability to connect with audiences on an emotional level and make their science more memorable and impactful.
This guide distills research on science communication into accessible chapters with practical advice. It covers topics from messages and metaphors to metrics and ethics, providing insights into public perception of science. Supported by case studies, this book is valuable for students and practitioners seeking to understand and influence beliefs and behaviors through science communication. It serves as a great reference for best practices.
Delves into the nuances of science communication and science journalism, including discussions on objectivity. It provides guidance for scientists on effectively communicating complex information to lay audiences. This useful resource for scientists and communicators looking to refine their communication skills and navigate the media landscape.
Available freely online, this handbook touches upon various aspects of science communication. While an older publication, it remains a valuable starting point for understanding the breadth of the field. It can provide foundational knowledge for those new to science communication.
Integrates Science and Technology Studies (STS) approaches into science communication research. Through case studies, it helps readers understand the complex relationship between science and society. It is particularly relevant for those interested in the theoretical underpinnings of science communication and its role in knowledge creation and public engagement. This book is more suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students.
Explores the human element of science communication, particularly in the context of emotional and high-stakes issues. It emphasizes listening, working with conflict, and understanding the role of trauma and loss. Based on interviews and personal anecdotes, it offers valuable insights for navigating challenging communication scenarios. This book is highly relevant for contemporary issues in science communication and must-read for practitioners.
Drawing on the author's experience with events like the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and the COVID-19 pandemic, this book provides insights into communicating science during crises. It emphasizes empathy and understanding the perspectives of various stakeholders. This timely and relevant book for anyone involved in communicating science in high-pressure situations.
A widely recommended reference, this guide offers comprehensive advice for writing and speaking about scientific research for various audiences. It valuable tool for students and professionals seeking to improve their science communication skills across different formats.
This textbook focuses on the conventions of scientific discourse and the major genres of science writing, including research reports, grant proposals, and public communication. It is grounded in rhetoric, sociology, and linguistics, offering a robust understanding of the principles behind effective science writing. is suitable for advanced undergraduate and graduate students and can serve as a core textbook.
Examines how science communication is evolving in the digital age, exploring new genres and the shifting boundaries between experts and the public online. It analyzes various online platforms and provides insights into engaging audiences on the internet. This is highly relevant for understanding contemporary science communication practices.
Provides a step-by-step guide to communicating science effectively, with tips on how to write clearly and concisely, create engaging presentations, and use visuals to illustrate complex concepts.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/q9tt5c/science
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Time
6 hours
Via
FutureLearn
Institutions
University of Turin
Universidad Autónoma de Madrid
EIT
EIT Food
European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT)
Instructors
Alessandro Cicerale
Katiuscia Sacco
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