Communication is a skill and, like any skill, takes practice.
The Alda Center's Special Topics in Science Communication programs allows researchers
to practice and refine their communication skills for particular situations and goals.
Explore our collection of live, online special topics programs to find the one that
suits your organization's needs.
Scientists can help policymakers apply research findings and help individuals and
societies. But bridging the gap between research and politics takes time, trust, and
commitment.
Participants will learn to build positive relationships based in mutual respect, trust,
and integrity with public officials across levels of government.
3 Hours 20 People (approx.)
Together, we can adapt to the most pressing problem facing our society and our planet.
Communications about climate change and adaptation can be emotionally fraught and
highly politicized.
In this program, participants will learn to recognize their perspectives and adapt
their messages respectfully and empathically, to help build trust and mutual understanding.
This highly interactive program empowers scientists, researchers, climate justice
advocates and policymakers to engage effectively with others. Participants will leave
with useful tools and strategies to meet their communication goals.
3 Hours 20 People (approx.)
Scientists can help policymakers apply research findings and help individuals and
societies. But bridging the gap between research and politics takes time, trust, and
commitment.
Participants will learn to build positive relationships based in mutual respect, trust,
and integrity with public officials across levels of government.
3 Hours 20 People (approx.)
This program offers scientists the opportunity to enhance their science communication
with the power of good storytelling. Building on the foundational skills of audience-centered
science communication, participants will create a memorable and moving narrative about
their science. Participants will engage in developmental exercises and peer analysis
and feedback to:
Learn a process for creating a narrative about science
Identify key elements of storytelling
Outline a plot that engages the audience
Create beginnings and endings linked to audience-centered goals
Identify compelling characters that foster connection between the audience and the
science
Engage the audience’s imagination while effectively communicating the complexities
of their science
3 Hours 10 People (approx.)
Researchers preparing for a specific situation can work with our experts and a small
group of peers to refine and practice delivering a message.
Participants will get honest, constructive, individualized feedback before they step
up to the podium, into a high-stakes conversation, or similar situation.
3 Hours 20 People (approx.)
Good writing is an effective way to share research with many people. Blogs, opinion
pieces, and other media channels can spread information far and wide.
In this program, researchers will learn strategies to improve their writing. It focuses
on writing for general audiences. The program's principles can be applied to academic
writing, grant proposals and other technical pieces.
Because forensic evidence is complex. Testifying about it doesn't have to be.
This program helps scientists expand their skills and build strategies to share their
knowledge in a courtroom setting. It was designed through a partnership between the
Alda Center and the Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Dundee, Scotland.
Everyone in a courtroom, including the jury, should be able to understand conversations
about evidence - especially scientific evidence.
Yet courtrooms are structured, formal places. They're not ideal for talking about
science, and the stakes are high.
Both sides in a case are building narratives that often conflict. And experts' answers
are often limited by the questions posed.
Forensic experts can make or break a case. They must be prepared to engage with and
adapt to their audiences to ensure their answers are accurate - and understandable
to all.
Create a productive conversation. Connect with the jury.
Talk about how hard it can be to share science in a courtroom
Learn ways to overcome barriers to testifying effectively about forensic evidence
Engage with research-driven communication practices to help convey nuance, accuracy,
and scientific limitations
Participants are actively involved in the experiential program, including offering
and receiving peer feedback. They will learn valuable strategies like analogy building,
active listening, language adjustment. They will practice engaging with challenging
questions and go through iterative moot court practice with peers.
20,000 people from around the world have worked with us
The Alda Method is a unique combination of social science research, applied improvisation,
and communication strategies. It is central to all our programs.
Our programs help experts build bridges between their knowledge and others to help
everyone more fully engage in the wonder and impact of research.
