Science Communication Training

• The Fellowship is a one-year commitment, during which Reiman Gardens’ staff will work with up to 12 scientists working in any field. Using the Portal to the Public approach, we help scientists build communication skills to share their work with general public audiences. What is Portal to the Public? To learn more, visit: https://popnet.instituteforlearninginnovation.org/
• Through training in science communication, informal learning institutions connect audiences with current science in their own communities through conversations with local scientists.
• Reiman Gardens is part of an active community of certified practitioners dedicated to helping scientists connect to diverse audiences.
• Activities can build and strengthen long-term relationships and demonstrate broader impacts of science research.

Required Commitments:

• Wed, Jan 29, 12:45 – 5:00 PM
• Wed, Feb 26, 12:45 – 5:00 PM
• Wed, Mar 26, 12:45 – 5:00 PM
• Wed, Apr 23, 12:45 – 5:00 PM
• Wed, May 14, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM
• + (2) additional dates TBD (for public programs)
• A commitment to pay the training fee of $200 upon acceptance into the program

Any scientists, engineers, grad students, faculty, researchers, & other science-based professionals who are interested in developing their science communication skills and who are able to commit to the above requirements.

• Relationship Building
  • Develop partnerships with other scientists, public audiences, and STEM organizations like Reiman Gardens.
• Professional Development
  • Learn from Informal Science Educators how to effectively communicate your work to diverse audiences.
  • Develop skills to improve communication about tough topics like climate change through personal connection, storytelling, games, analogies, and more.
  • Enhance your science communication skills in a dynamic, engaging, and participatory workshop setting.
  • Work individually to explore a core concept and develop a hands-on activity related to your current work.  Ample concept development and materials support are provided by Reiman Gardens.
  • Individual one-on-one mentoring as needed.
• Connect with Public Audiences
  • Present your hands-on activity to general public audiences through various programs and events at Reiman Gardens.
  • Take your activity “on the road” to schools, conferences, and other educational or professional settings.
  • Demonstrate the broader impacts of your work through multi-generational STEM education and outreach.

In their own words: what current and former fellows are saying about the program:

• “It has helped me widen my perspective on how learning experiences can happen and how we can make one subject work for multiple groups. This program has helped me better my communication skills about my research with not just the general public but also within my field and with my peers.” - Ambar A. Melendez Perez, NREM (2024)
• “It has really helped me to be able to engage with non-scientists about my research. I think I actually can kind of explain what I do now to children which I don't think I could have done prior to this! I really think I've learned a lot on how to make my research more approachable.” - Jacob Wheaton, Materials Science nd Engineering (2024)
• "It has enhanced my public speaking, ability to tailor messages for different audiences, and skills in creating engaging science activities. It has also introduced new educational techniques. Overall, it's significantly boosted my science communication effectiveness." (2024)
• "I am able to use different scenarios to explain research results to different audience[s]. I have developed more interest in evidence-based communication approaches. I have also realized that my presentation skills have improved, because I include activities to reinforce my points." - Daniel Ayisi Nyarko, Agricultural Education and Communication Studies (2023)