Science Communication Workshops

I recently came across a viral post from an HR professional who described firing an employee for being late — only to later discover she had been living in her car with her child. The story ends with the manager tracking her down in a grocery store parking lot, offering her job back, and helping her find housing. I’m choosing not to reshare the post because I don’t want it to receive more traffic or further violate the subject’s privacy. But this post follows a troubling trend: using poverty and trauma as a vehicle for clicks, a redemption arc, or a personal brand moment rather than actually centering the person who’s suffering. It treats people’s pain as content. It flattens them into stories instead of seeing them as human beings. If the story is true, it raises serious ethical concerns: • Informed consent is impossible in this kind of power dynamic. Sharing a former employee’s deeply personal, traumatic experience — likely without permission — is unethical and exploitative. • The safety risks are real. There’s enough detail that the individual may be identifiable. If she’s fleeing an abusive ex or facing homelessness, this post could put her and her child at further risk from that ex, from CPS, or just from public exposure. • It’s another example of using an employee’s trauma as a narrative arc for engagement, for applause, for self-congratulation. Coming from someone in HR, this reflects a serious violation of privacy, professional ethics, and power. And if it’s fictionalized, it trivializes very real struggles. We see the same thing in higher education — students facing housing and food insecurity are too often treated as case studies or statistics, rather than people with agency, dignity, and the right to privacy. Ethical storytelling matters. Whether in HR or higher ed, the stories we tell about people should never put them at risk or center ourselves. #socialimpact #philanthropy #responsiblestorytelling

Jo Brand translated my science. And asked me if climate change is now so bad that scientists should be allowed to swear? Research shows that humour can be a transformative tool in science communication and have a positive impact on people’s understanding of climate change. So far, my video with Jo Brand has been viewed more than 3 million times and has gained mainstream attention, with celebrities like Ellie Goulding, Gary Lineker, Rainn Wilson and Thom Yorke retweeting the videos. Each time, that brings the core message to a broader audience. It works because comedians can say things that scientists cannot – for example, they can swear. Jo asked me in our chat after recording the main film, “was it time for scientists to be allowed to swear, as things are so bad?” My answer, which is in the video clip below, is no. Because the public expect scientists to be calm, rational and to stick to facts – as soon as we “become human” we lose credibility. So, in many ways, Jo Brand is my human side screaming at everyone to do something, now! #climatecrisis #climatesolutions #climatesolutions #comedy #comedyvideos

If you’re trying to reach multicultural audiences, community consultations are a must. 👍 First things first: always compensate participants for their time. Insights provided by community members are invaluable, and acknowledging their contributions is crucial for building genuine, lasting relationships. Community consultations are your pathway to building trust, understanding diverse needs, and sharpening your communication strategies. They are perfect for: ↪Multicultural Research: Gain insights into your audience’s opinions, desires, and communication preferences. For example, identify how different communities view and prefer information on a topic like diabetes. ↪Concept Testing: Gather valuable feedback on your product or campaign ideas before finalising them. For instance, share draft creative assets for a new diabetes awareness campaign to get feedback from diverse communities. ↪Co-Creation: Collaborate with communities to develop products and resources that meet their needs. For example, work together with communities to create culturally relevant educational materials on diabetes. Want to find out more? Check out our recent Ethnolink blog post (link in comments): #translation #CALD #multicultural #communications #culturaldiversity

Under the microscope, tissues and cells look complex and beautiful. But without context, their story can be hard to follow, much like the science behind them. That’s why I’m so passionate about accessible science communication. In biotech and life sciences, breakthroughs like gene editing and cell therapies are extraordinary. But if they’re hidden behind technical language, we miss the chance to inspire, build trust, and show their real-world impact. At Thermo Fisher Scientific, I’ve seen how storytelling can unlock that understanding. We tell stories about the researchers, patients and innovators behind science to bring discoveries to life, use formats like podcasting to make complex topics approachable to spark curiosity beyond the lab, and social media to turn small scientific details into moments of wonder for a broad audience. The communicator’s role is to help people see both the beauty and the meaning behind the work so that people can feel connected to it. The most successful science communicators are shifting their focus from complexity to clarity. 💡 They translate research into stories that resonate with non-scientists. 💡 They highlight the why behind innovation, not just the how. 💡 They use plain language without sacrificing scientific accuracy. When we make science more accessible, we don’t dilute it. We amplify it. And in doing so, we bring more people into the conversation, which is where real impact begins.

People feel before they think, or more precisely, they feel while they think.   And often, that’s what shapes their reality.   We love to believe we’re logical creatures. That our ideas will be heard if they’re well-structured, supported by data, and clearly delivered. We like to believe that logic leads our decisions. That reason comes first, emotion second.   Neuroscience and behavioral psychology tell a different story. One that every leader, speaker, and communicator needs to understand.   Antonio Damasio, a renowned neuroscientist, studied patients with damage to the part of the brain responsible for integrating emotion with decision-making. These individuals could still process information logically, but they couldn’t decide. They’d spend hours debating trivial matters, unable to move forward. Without emotion, even the most rational mind stalls.   Nobel laureate Daniel Kahneman introduced us to the concept of two systems of thinking. – System 1: fast, emotional, automatic. – System 2: slow, deliberate, analytical.   Most decisions are made by System 1, then justified (post-rationalized) by System 2. In other words, we often feel first and think second.   This has profound implications for how we lead and communicate.   When we speak, advise, or try to influence, we usually focus on content—on what we want people to understand.   People don’t absorb meaning through logic alone. They interpret it through emotional filters: – Do I feel safe with this person? – Do I trust their intent? – Do I feel respected and seen?   If the emotional atmosphere is off, even the best ideas fall flat.   This doesn’t mean abandoning logic. It means understanding that emotional presence is a prerequisite for cognitive impact. Before people remember your message, they remember how you made them feel.   Next time you're preparing for an important conversation or a presentation, don’t just ask, what am I going to say? Ask: – What do I want them to feel? – What emotional cues am I sending, consciously or not?   Influence is not just about clarity. It’s about connection. And connection always begins with emotion.

For centuries, the way we communicate science has remained remarkably consistent. Since the 17th century, when scientific societies emerged during the scientific revolution, researchers have recorded their hypotheses, methods, and results in written articles for others to read and build upon. But now, we’re in the digital age—a time when sharing knowledge can be faster, more dynamic, and more accessible than ever. One format leading this evolution is video. At the University of Utah, my colleague Dr. Feng Liu from our Materials Science & Engineering Department founded Coshare Science, an innovative platform for sharing science in video format. This platform allows researchers to present their original studies or review articles through peer-reviewed, DOI-registered videos. Even better, these videos are searchable and accessible on platforms like Google Scholar, making them a credible and impactful way to share findings. I recently had the opportunity to contribute to this exciting new medium with a video review on generative machine learning for discovering new materials. It’s an exciting frontier, and I hope more scientists embrace this modern way to communicate their work. Check out my video and learn more about this platform here: https://lnkd.in/eMBrzkbd What do you think about video as a tool for sharing research?

Have you ever watched a T-cell fight cancer in real time?  Understanding our immune system's battle with cancer is key to creating more effective treatments. Check out this remarkable video, when a T-cell attacks a cancer cell, sensors light up, showing the interaction. This helps us learn more about how our immune system works and how cancer tries to escape detection.  Turning complex science into clear visuals not only educates but encourages action.  At 3DforScience - Global Scientific Communications, we use advanced 3D animation to transform complex biotech research into clear, engaging, and impactful content. When the likes of Novartis, Pfizer, Roche, or Biocon Biologics need to explain a mechanism of action (MOA), when an investor needs to grasp a novel therapy, or when a healthcare professional must educate patients, scientific visualization makes the message clearer, faster, and more memorable. How do you use visuals to communicate science effectively? Let’s discuss in the comments! Video Credits: Jeroen Slaats #Biotech #PharmaInnovation #MedEd #ScientificStorytelling #MedComms

Science Communication: Turning Your Scientific Knowledge Into a Voice That Matters When I began my journey in science, I thought the only place my degree would shine was in a lab. But over time, I discovered another rewarding path Science Communication & Content Creation and it is a lane where scientists like you and me can thrive! I started by simply sharing what I knew simplifying microbiology terms, breaking down lab experiences, and guiding fresh graduates on career transitions on YouTube, LinkedIn, and Instagram. Now? It is more than a hobby it is a career booster. How Can You Get Into Science Communication? You do not need a second degree. You need: 1. Curiosity ✔️ 2. Clear writing or speaking ✔️ 3. A desire to make science relatable ✔️ Here is how to build the skill: Learn the basics: Take free or low-cost courses on Coursera, ALX, FutureLearn, or EdX (topics like science writing, digital storytelling, video editing, Canva design, etc.) Follow experienced science communicators on LinkedIn or YouTube for inspiration Start practicing: ✅Write LinkedIn posts simplifying scientific concepts ✅Create short videos with tools like CapCut or Canva ✅Host Instagram/Facebook Live science talks ✅Build a portfolio and your posts, videos, and articles count ✅Join communities Volunteer to write or speak for student groups, NGOs, or science events Where Can This Lead? Science communication is not just about personal branding, it is a gateway to real jobs: 💼 Roles to explore include 1. Science Writer / Blogger 2. Health or Medical Content Creator 3. Digital Science Educator 4. Social Media Manager (for science orgs) 5. Public Engagement Officer 6. Science Illustrator or Infographic Designer 7. Communications Assistant (NGOs, research centers, EdTech) You can work with: Research institutes Health NGOs EdTech companies Science publishers Your own personal brand or YouTube channel What I have learned: Your degree is powerful, but so is your ability to communicate it well. You do not have to wait for a lab job to show your skill. You can create visibility, influence, and opportunity right where you are. Science is not only for journals. Sometimes, it belongs on a reel, a post, or a story. Let your voice speak beyond the pipette. 🌍 #ScienceCommunication #ScienceContentCreator #LifeAfterGraduation #Microbiology #FreshGraduateTips #DigitalSkills #LinkedInScience #PublicEngagement #ScientistsWhoWrite

In a new white paper, we present the lessons we learned about how to share knowledge among Indigenous knowledge holders, scientists, and elders from very different places. The gathering included people from the ‘Etolan Amis Community (Taiwan), Māori Communities (Rarotonga, Atiu, and Mitiaro), Polynesia (Tahiti), and the Wayuu Community (Colombia).  The white paper is here: www.tinyurl.com/pacifaran Key lessons learned are: 💙 Age matters - Traditional approaches used to engage elders may leave younger community members under-involved in knowledge sharing. These younger community members may be more academically educated and more technologically capable than older community members and may be essential partners in knowledge sharing and conservation. 💙 Gender matters - Respecting cultural aspects, even when they conflict with individual perspectives, can be challenging but essential. When the role of gender differs across collaborating cultures, compromise will be required that still allows participants to remain within the comfort zones of their culture, even if gender norms differ significantly across the cultures present. To enhance knowledge sharing, it may be important to find both formal and informal ways of meeting. 💙 Relationship building is unstructured - The structured parts of workshops are limited in their ability to build trust and relationships.  Meetings, especially first meetings, involving people from different cultures require significant unstructured time, with lower-stakes goals. Non-Indigenous institutions and network weavers can play an important role in creating opportunities for people from different Indigenous cultures and communities to come together. Inter-Indigenous relationship building, however, requires that non-Indigenous partners know when to step aside. 💙 Indigenous science is an emerging force - It is important to give visiting Indigenous scientists and traditional leaders the opportunity to engage with the community on a personal level about their research and their experiences with science. This could be particularly influential for local youth who are considering studying at university. 💙 Assign sensemakers - It is important to take the role of listening and sense making seriously. Identify someone (or multiple people) with good knowledge of all the participants and a wealth of experience to act as the “sensemaker.” ⁉️ Have you worked to catalyze knowledge sharing across Indigenous peoples who come from different places, hold different cultures and beliefs, and speak different languages?  Please share your experiences. ⁉️ Moonjelly Foundation Future Earth Kōrero o te `Ōrau Inc. Futuru Tsai Antony Vavia Liam Kokaʻua Teriitutea QUESNOT Hsiao-Chun (Jean) Tseng Ph.D Sophie, H.L. Su Bryce Groark Claudia Baron Stella Alexandroff Teina Rongo #IndigenousKnowledgeSharing #OceanKAN

Risk Analysis: The Triangle That Holds Your Strategy Together Effective risk management isn’t built on spreadsheets—it’s built on understanding, action, and communication. The visual breaks it down into three interlocking pillars that make risk analysis truly impactful: 🔍 1. Risk Assessment The starting point: → Identify and evaluate risks (qualitative & quantitative) → Analyze likelihood, impact, and exposure → Prioritize threats to focus mitigation efforts 📊 This step tells you: What could go wrong? And how bad could it be? 🛡️ 2. Risk Management Now comes the execution: → Apply a framework to control or respond to the risks → Design action plans, assign ownership, monitor controls → Integrate responses into your strategy and operations ✅ This pillar answers: What will we do about it? 📣 3. Risk Communication The often overlooked—but essential—pillar: → Communicate risks and responses clearly → Engage stakeholders through reports, training, and workshops → Build a risk-aware culture 💬 This ensures: Everyone understands the risks and their role in managing them. Bottom line: A risk plan without assessment is blind. A response without communication is fragile. And managing risk without analysis? That’s just guessing. Master the triangle, and you manage risk with purpose. #RiskAnalysis #RiskAssessment #RiskManagement #RiskCommunication #ERM #GRC #OperationalRisk #Leadership #DecisionMaking #RiskCulture