Science in Society

Useful links on science communication

Science in Society • Useful links on science communication

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Useful links on #SciComm in SA and elsewhere

SAASTA offers some training/workshops
Check this guide to journalists on reporting gender-based violence?
The UK’s Economic and Social Research Council has designed a great impact toolkit.
UCT’s science writing toolkit
Lund University guide on popular science writing.
University of North Florida presentation on science communication
New practical #scicomm guide developed by Dr Elodie Chabrol (@EloScicomm on Twitter), with many expert co-authors.
The Open Educational Resources (OER) Africa short learning pathway assists researchers to summarise existing research findings such as articles, theses or conference papers into an accessible form to be read by non-specialists.
The IDRC’s Knowledge Translation Toolkit provides a thorough overview of how to most effectively bridge the “know–do” gap between research, policy, practice, and people. It presents the theories, tools, and strategies required to encourage and enable evidence-informed decision-making.

Online science communication course:

The online science communication course at Stellenbosch University is designed to help researchers and communication professionals to get to grips with the principles and practice of effective science communication.

Around the world, researchers, research funders and policymakers are increasingly aware of the need to make scientific research more accessible to public audiences, and to engage a wide range of public groups in the processes of science. Science communication is emerging and expanding as a vibrant field of practice and scholarship, while science communication and public engagement strategists and researchers are increasingly in demand.

Stellenbosch University offers a 6-week online course in science communication to help guide researchers and communication professionals navigate the dynamics and trends in science communication and public engagement with science. Since 2015, over 500 scientists and science communicators have completed this course successfully.

The course is designed for scientists who want to enhance their ability to integrate public communication and engagement as a part of their research activities, as well as for science communication professionals eager to enhance their professional experience and network.

The course is presented by Dr Marina Joubert, a pioneer of science communication practice and research in South Africa.

Course overview and dates

The course platform will open again in 2025. Six weekly modules are presented, followed by a practical assignment. The course is delivered via online content and regular, interactive online presentations and discussions. The following topics are covered: