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Training the Neuroscience Workforce Through Science Communication and Public Engagement

Adriana Bankston, Nicole Catanzarite & Claire Charpentier

DC Metro Area Chapter of the Society for Neuroscience

The “How” & “Why” of SciComm Skills

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How to Engage Policymakers & the Public

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SciComm Training & Resources

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Increase the accessibility of science by honing the ability to communicate technical concepts to diverse audiences

Consider your audience!

• Policymakers, public, future STEM leaders

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Where can I engage?

• Local - town halls, city council
• Federal - Capitol Hill

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Mediums of communication

• Written - policy memos & op-eds
• Oral - elevator pitch + ask/offer help

Name + Affiliation + Topic + Impact

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Communicate

science to

policymakers

through

Congressional

meetings!

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Opportunities to advocate

• Universities, Capitol Hill, outreach, lobbying, social media, virtual conferences

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Social media as an effective tool

• Decide which platform is appropriate for your message

FB/Instagram → self-branding

Twitter/LinkedIn → conversation

• Build your presence
• Engage w/ your audience
• Establish relationships

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Make a career out of it!

• Science or medical writing
• Communications management
• Public relations
• Advocacy engagement
• Journal editing & publishing
• Scientific marketing

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Attend career & professional dev. events hosted by SfN-DCMA!

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Necessary training

• Written communication
• Engage public in STEM
• Prepare scientists to

communicate w/

non-scientists

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Courses & resources

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Nonprofits & journals

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Scientific societies

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Organizations

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