Title: The Art of Science Communication
Date: Monday, July 7, 2025
Time: 10-11:30AM
Location: Berkeley Way West, First Floor Colloquia Rooms: 2121 Berkeley Way-CR-1102 & 1104
Abstract: Science communication goes far beyond academic papers. The benefits of science communication are vast and include an increase in science literacy and better-informed science policy. In addition, exceptional science communication includes effectively disseminating scientific information across myriad platforms, including lectures, public talks, grants, labs, publications, outreach initiatives, and interactions with policy makers and the mass media. Please join me to learn the foundations of effective science communication and essential strategies to translate your complex work into clear, compelling stories that engage, inspire, and inform.
Topic: Pitchapalooza
Date: Tuesday, July 8, 2025
Time: 10-11:30AM
Location: Berkeley Way West, First Floor Colloquia Rooms: 2121 Berkeley Way-CR-1102 & 1104
Abstract: Join us for Pitchapalooza! This hands-on workshop will help you hone your ability to pitch your scientific research in compelling – and understandable – language to the media, funders, policymakers, and others. You’ll work in small groups to craft your research “elevator pitch” for a non-specialist audience. We’ll take you through an interactive activity, working in small groups to craft and refine your message, then pitch it to a panel of friendly experts from the media, communications, and development for real-time feedback. Your work is important! Whether you're preparing to talk with journalists, funders, the public, or policymakers, this is your chance to make your science shine.
Topic: Systemic Racism in Science Communication
Date: Wednesday, July 9, 2025
Time: 10-11:30AM
Location: Berkeley Way West, First Floor Colloquia Rooms: 2121 Berkeley Way-CR-1102 & 1104
Abstract: The importance of increasing public understanding of scientific issues, like the environment and health, is rising, especially in our most vulnerable communities. As a result, scientists are learning the importance of making their work more accessible. But first, we must confront the inequities embedded within the systems that we exist in. This lecture explores how systemic racism shapes who is heard, who is represented, and who benefits from science communication. We’ll discuss strategies for building equity into your science communication efforts—from choosing inclusive language to partnering with underrepresented communities and elevating historically marginalized voices.
Topic: Science-Self-Fandom: Promoting your work and your worth
Date: Thursday, July 10, 2025
Time: 10-11:30AM
Location: Berkeley Way West, First Floor Colloquia Rooms: 2121 Berkeley Way-CR-1102 & 1104
Abstract: The ability to highlight your professional strengths, promote your work, and identify and endorse your transferable skills does not come naturally for most of us. But self-advocacy is not self-indulgence—it's essential. This session empowers researchers to promote their work, highlight transferable skills, and share their story with confidence. You’ll learn how to organize your educational and professional experiences (in the lab, classroom, workplace, etc.), build a personal brand rooted in your values, build a compelling professional portfolio (digital or physical), and engage effectively across career development platforms—from interviews to LinkedIn.
Topic: Broader Impacts 2.0
Date: Friday, July 11, 2025
Time: 10-11:30AM
Location: ZOOM
Abstract: “Broader impacts” describe the effects of research on society—the benefits beyond academia through avenues like public policy, the economy, science literacy, and community partnerships. This session, co-hosted with the Berkeley Research Development Office, demystifies NSF’s broader impacts criterion and offers concrete tools for designing, evaluating, and embedding meaningful societal benefits into your science. With recent updates to NSF guidelines, we’ll also cover strategies for meeting new expectations. In today’s climate—where science faces increasing scrutiny—communicating public relevance is not just valuable, it’s essential. Developing these skills has also become a critical component of grant applications across all agencies (local, state, and federal) and foundations, as well as preparing successful application packages for career positions, awards, and promotion and tenure cases.
Your host: Dr. Dione (Dee) Rossiter has been hosting sciomm and career workshops and seminars for nearly 15 years and is the Executive Director of Science at Cal, a program that shares the excitement and relevance of UC Berkeley research with public audiences. Science at Cal also works directly with scientists across campus to build sustainable and impactful science outreach collaborations with community and campus partners. Throughout her career, she has worked with non-profits, universities, government offices, and for-profit businesses to improve their science engagement efforts; this includes creating new and/or improving existing science communication, marketing, education, diversity, and outreach initiatives. Dee’s previous positions include: Director of the Mass Media Fellowship at the American Association for the Advancement of Science and Scientific Programs & Outreach Manager at the Carnegie Institution for Science. Accessibility and inclusiveness are hallmarks of Dee’s efforts. Dee received her bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley and her PhD from UC Santa Cruz, both in Earth & Planetary Sciences.
If you require accommodation for a disability for effective communication (ASL interpreting/CART captioning, alternative media formats, etc.) or information about campus mobility access features in order to fully participate in this event, please contact Dione Rossiter at rossiter@berkeley.edu with as much advance notice as possible and at least 7-10 days in advance of the event.
