Director: Professor Steven Miller
Coordinator: Declan Fahy
Department of Science and Technology Studies
University College London
London WC1E 6BT
e-mail:declan.fahy@esconet.org
Communication Training
ESConet's science communication training is based on 12 specially-created teaching modules designed
to train researchers to communicate with non-specialist audiences.
The workshops mix lectures and practical exercises to develop trainees' skills in popular writing,
performing in interviews, and presenting in public. Modules also encourage participants
to reflect critically on the social, cultural, historical, and ethical dimensions of scientific
work. Training is undertaken in small groups and in one-on-one situations with trainers.
While the workshop focuses on the communication of scientific issues to non-specialists,
the concepts and techniques outlined in the workshop can be used in a variety of communication
situations.
The workshop is not just about communicating science - it is about communicating European science.
A number of the participants in the workshop are part of European research networks and, as such,
participants will have an opportunity to exchange ideas and experiences with European colleagues.
Differences and similarities in the structure and practice of the media across Europe will be
considered.
In an ESConet training workshop, you will develop:
Skills, confidence and understanding to enable you to present your own work more effectively to professional and lay audiences;
An understanding of communication priorities and constraints in differing circumstances;
An ability to articulate reasons for carrying out science at a European rather than strictly national level;
An appreciation of some of the reasons why members of various groups of the public might be interested in being told about science.
Workshop Trainers
The experienced trainers for ESConet workshops come from a variety of science communication fields: they are journalists, scientists, science information officers, academic researchers and lecturers.
ESConet builds on the successful European Network of Science Communication teachers (ENSCOT) network, which had already began developing and delivering European science communication workshops.