Overview
Training and Science Communication Workshop
Time: 09h00 – 15h00 | Dates: 29 September 2017
Overview
The Nanotechnology Public Engagement Programme invites researchers and scientists from MINTEK/NIC to participate in the science communication workshop and training to facilitate the nanotechnology facility tour to be held on the 29 September 2017 at MINTEK NIC, Randburg.
The main aim of the training will be to equip researchers and scientists with the skills required to communicate the nanotechnology research at MINTEK/NIC to the industry, media, academia, learners and educators. Equipped with these skills, researchers and scientists will be in a position to effectively facilitate the facility tours with the target audiences. This will contribute to the following overall objectives:
- Raising awareness of nanotechnology research undertaken at the centre by reaching diverse audiences in an accessible way.
- Creating opportunities for collaboration between nanotechnology centres by connecting researchers and with industry.
- Stimulating interest in nanotechnology as a career by creating opportunities for learners and educators to understand nanotechnology and meet scientists and researchers.
The training will also highlight opportunities where researchers and scientists can collaborate with NRF, SAASTA and the sector to support public awareness of nanotechnology and further improve their science communication skills. The training will include the following important elements or modules:
- Introduction Into Science Communication
- History and theory of development of science communication and public engagement;
- Why communicate science (including impact of science on and understanding/acceptance of science by society from various perspectives, as well as how various perspectives impact science);
- Basic concepts of communication – Understanding the audience, knowing what to communicate (message), and which platforms are appropriate for different purposes;
- Formulating scientific messages for public consumption, how scientists can be involved in science communication and what platforms are available.
- Science Communication on Radio and TV
- Presenting radio as a form of media and as a communication platform, showing how radio and TV can be used as a media to effectively communicate science and research.
- Practical radio and TV interview skills (Preparing to be an interviewee and preparing the interviewer, Basics of effective interview techniques and Recording and playback of interviews).
- Public speaking for science communication
- Public speaking as a tool for science communication;
- Packaging science for public speaking;
- Platforms available for public speaking for science communication;
- Practical public speaking skills:
– Projection and voice training
– Use of body language
– Engaging with an audience