Researchers must be good communicators to be successful. It is essential to communicate complex science to a broad audience in a way that is accurate, clear, concise, and engaging. IEE offers resources to Penn State researchers who would like to improve their science communication skills.
The Science Communication Program offers events that explore communicating with:
- The media
- Policymakers
- Funding agencies
- Researchers in other disciplines
Effective science communication can help researchers obtain funding, build collaborative relationships with other scientists, raise awareness of important scientific issues, and influence public policy and opinion.

Communication is very complicated, moreso than most people who don’t study it realize, but it is maybe the most important factor we should consider in the broad realm of science. If we can’t adequately communicate about science to a wide variety of audiences, then society suffers and we can’t fully realize the benefits of scientific discovery.
IEE Faculty Member and Bellisario Professor of Health Communication
Upcoming Science Communication Events
Science Communication: How to Connect, Get Noticed, and Get Funded
To improve researchers' science communication, proposal development, and interdisciplinary team communications, IEE is hosting a facilitated panel discussion with a team of researchers recently awarded an IEE seed grant.
- Time: 1:30–2:30p
- Date: Wednesday, October 4, 2023
- Location: 134 HUB-Robeson Center
The discussion will include:
- A brief overview of their project and a discussion of the language used in the overview (15 mins)
- A focus on how the team communicates across disciplines (15 mins)
- Discussion of the process of developing a successful proposal (15 mins)
- Q&A (15 mins)