Science Communication Training

IEE offers Penn State faculty members an invitation-only science communication workshop that focuses on different research themes (e.g., 2020 focused on climate change). This workshop will help you share what you do, what you know — and most importantly, why it matters — in clear, lively terms. Connect with communication trainers, journalists, and colleagues through engaging breakout sessions, online whiteboards, and role-playing scenarios.

Participant Information

This workshop is run by COMPASS, a national non-profit focused on helping researchers communicate their science. Trainers and nationally-recognized journalists will work directly with workshop participants. 

Faculty will:

  • Engage in intensive message development,
  • Role play scenarios on their own climate research topic, and
  • Hone communication strategies based on constructive feedback from trainers, journalists, and fellow participants.

COMPASS Trainer

  • Meg Nakahara

Past Journalists  

  • Juliet Eilperin, Washington Post
  • Christopher Joyce, NPR
  • David Malakoff, Science Magazine
  • Kate Sheppard, Huffington Post
  • Ashley Smart, Physics Today

*Media affiliations are from years when journalists participated.

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spread knowledge

Need to Know

  • This workshop is an intensive experience that requires a significant time investment. In addition to attending each three-hour course session, participants will be asked to complete short homework assignments outside of class and bring questions and ideas to discuss with the whole group.
  • The workshop is based on a foundation of active participation and peer-to-peer feedback, so we will make use of a variety of virtual facilitation tools, including video conferencing breakout rooms and the virtual whiteboard tool Mural.

The Workshop Includes

  • Message Box introduction
  • Discussions and Q&A with subject matter experts and COMPASS staff 
  • Introduction to the science of science communication with COMPASS staff
  • Hands-on Message Box practice with peers and subject matter experts and peers 
  • Personal feedback from subject matter experts and COMPASS staff
  • Personalized practice scenarios with subject matter experts
  • Customized small-group sessions with subject matter experts and COMPASS trainers on focus areas such as: working with policymakers or journalists, getting started with social media, writing op eds, and more 
  • Customized small-group sessions with subject matter experts and COMPASS trainers to help you prepare for impact, such as: storytelling, setting your engagement goals, network mapping, and more

Faculty Participants

For a full list of faculty who have participated in IEE's Science Communication training please see the list of Science Communication Training Alumni.

If you are interested in participating in the future, please email us at iee@psu.edu.

If you have questions, please feel free to email us at iee@psu.edu.