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Effective Science Communication

For researchers in the natural sciences who would like to communicate their research to a broader audience

8 experts in science communication, science writing and editing, science outreach, engagement and presentations, and the Springer Nature press office

6.5 hours of learning

10–30-minute lessons

1-module course with certificate

About this course

Knowing how to effectively communicate research with non-experts requires a certain skillset that can be learned and developed with practice. This course on ‘Effective Science Communication’ will provide researchers with the core tools and techniques to help them communicate any piece of research, published or unpublished, to a variety of different audiences. It covers the essential steps, including identifying communication goals, understanding different audiences, and crafting a key message. The course also explores the different communication methods and channels available. 


If you would like to preview lessons from the course, you can try a free sample.

What you’ll learn

  • Compare different audience requirements to help you tailor your communications
  • Select a relevant communication channel for your specific needs in a particular instance
  • Understand how storytelling techniques can build a compelling scientific story to communicate your research
  • Apply strategies to help you communicate your research in an accessible and persuasive way to a non-scientific audience 
  • Tips and techniques for communicating your research via writing, public talks and presentations, social media and media interviews

The course

Free Sample
Effective Science Communication - section

13 lessons 6h 30m

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Effective Science Communication: Free Sample - section

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3 lessons 45m

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Select the dropdown to explore an overview of the course content

  • Set your communication goals
  • Understand your audience
  • Reach your audience
  • Identify your key message
  • Build on your key message to create a story
  • Apply strategies to communicate science to non-specialists
  • Write about your research
  • Present your research
  • Communicate your research on social media
  • Discuss your research in a media interview

Developed with renowned science communication professionals

This course contains insights from experts with a wide range of experience, including award-winning science writers, editors and communicators.

Meet the expert panel that have helped shape and refine the content of the course:

Laura Helmuth

Editor-in-Chief, Scientific American

Alok Jha

Science and technology editor, The Economist

Suze Kundu

Director of Researcher and Community Engagement, Digital Science

Advice from experienced science communicators

The course has additional insights through video interviews from:

Lisa Boucher

Press Manager, Springer Nature

Patience Kiyuka

Research Scientist, Kenya Medical Research Institute

Isobel Lisowski

Press Officer, Springer Nature

Agostina Mileo

Science communicator and activist, EcoFeminita

Subhra Priyadarshini

Chief Editor, Nature India

Video

Why should you take this course?

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