This award aims to provide hands-on experience to scientists in communicating complex scientific concepts and the quality and accuracy of their research to a variety of audiences. The investigators will achieve this aim through a series of interactive and problem-solving exercises in annual week-long workshops. The workshops will use a detailed and complex science case study designed to simulate a real world scientific conflict involving competing scientific testimony. Participants will receive coaching and feedback on their performances thereby allowing them to experiment and practice with what works best in a given context. In addition, participants will discuss ethical issues concerning expert scientific communication.
The primary broader impacts of the workshops are training scientists who are active in teaching, researching, writing, and publishing on how to improve their communication skills. Once participants complete the workshop, they will join other graduates of the workshop as "Fellows" and form a network of trained scientists who will educate other students and colleagues on the methods of effectively communicating scientific knowledge, research, and process in a variety of public forums.
