Skip to main content
Indiana University School of Medicine
Indiana University School of Medicine
Faculty Affairs and Professional Development

Communicating Science

Do you struggle to summarize complex scientific information into short, easy-to-understand concepts? 

Are you passionate about your work and eager to share it with as many people as possible? 

Indiana University School of Medicine's Communicating Science program teaches tangible techniques for communicating more effectively and engagingly with a variety of audiences, from patients and their families to reporters and conference-goers.

One Communicating Science participant describes his research project to another, who will provide feedback about what she's learned.

Apply Now

The priority deadline for applications is Nov. 27. Application details are available below.

The Details

Program overview

  • This hands-on, interactive series teaches communication techniques that will allow you to effectively share your work with a variety of audiences.
  • You will put theory into practice while receiving real-time feedback.
  • Your participation includes one-on-one coaching with experts in advocacy and public communication.
  • The program curriculum is grounded in the latest research on science communication.
  • The curriculum incorporates techniques from public relations, applied improvisational theatre and health communication.

Content includes topics like:

  • Analyzing your audience
  • Finding common ground with your audiences
  • Adapting your language to varying levels of complexity based on your audience
  • Effectively answering questions about your work
  • Helping your audience make sense of your message
  • Fine-tuning your message for brevity and impact

By the end of the series, you will be able to:

  • Develop strategies for making your messages memorable
  • Prioritize clarity by avoiding jargon and using evocative language and analogies
  • Use and apply a strategic communication tool that considers your audience, the context, the challenges and your communication goals
  • Develop, practice and refine a short talk through practice and constructive feedback
  • Harness the power of narrative to discuss complex science and research
  • Gain a stronger understanding of the science behind science communication

Program structure

  • Three, two-hour sessions
    • One each in January, February and March each year
  • Participants must commit to attending all three sessions.
  • Sessions are held in person on the IU Indianapolis campus.
  • Individual session details are below.

Who is eligible to participate?

  • Communicating Science is open to members of IU School of Medicine, including faculty, residents, fellows, learners and staff.
    • IU faculty, staff and learners from other schools are welcome to apply. If a cohort fills, preference will be given to medical school faculty and learners. Other applicants will be registered for the next cohort.
  • Each cohort is limited to a maximum of 16 participants.
  • Participants must apply to the program.

How can I apply?

  • Complete the application form by Nov. 27, 2024, to be considered for the 2025 cohort.
    • Applications are due by the end of November each year.
    • Participants will be accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.
    • After a cohort fills, additional applicants will be placed on a waiting list and given priority for the next cohort.
  • The application form includes a short-essay question. To prepare in advance, briefly summarize (in 250 words or less):
    • Your background
    • Why you are interested in receiving communication training
    • The primary goal you hope to accomplish by participating

Due to the time commitment required to successfully complete this program, we strongly encourage you to seek support from your department chair or division director before you apply.

Participating in Communicating Science can be an important component of an annual review and contribute to promotion and/or tenure. 

 

2025 series details

Session descriptions and dates

Thursday, Jan. 23, 2025, 4 to 6 p.m. ET

  • Explore ways to effectively engage audiences, build trust and speak about your work.
  • Practice connecting with your audiences, paying attention to nonverbal cues, and responding to questions appropriately.
  • This session will help you invite audiences into your work by bridging experience, culture and background gaps.

Thursday, Feb. 27, 2025, 4 to 6 p.m. ET

  • This session will introduce you to principles of clear communication.
  • Learn:
    • To speak clearly and vividly about your work in a way that non-scientists can understand
    • Storytelling techniques that will help you break down complex topics into digestible messages
  • Practice:
    • Defining your communication goals
    • Identifying main points
    • Explaining the meaning and context of your work
    • Responding to questions effectively
  • Course content, experiential exercises and group work will build skills that will be valuable for:
    • Presenting research
    • Giving interviews
    • Engaging with the community
    • Pitching to potential donors
    • Explaining what you do to someone unfamiliar with your field

Thursday, March 20, 2025, 4 to 6 p.m. ET
Cavanaugh Hall Room 446 Recording Studio

Put what you have learned into practice:

  • Plan, develop and deliver engaging messages about complex topics in an unscripted format.
  • Learn to answer questions and succinctly explain your research as you encounter different types of media and audiences.
  • Participate in an on-camera interview with a journalist.
  • Offer and receive feedback from your peers.

The Communicating Science workshop is outstanding! Each interactive tool and engaging exercise better equipped me to effectively communicate science to lay audiences.

Valerie Willis, PhD, RN, PPCNP-BC, PCNS-BC

Visiting Assistant Professor, Clinical Division
IU School of Medicine, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics

Learn more about Communicating Science

Krista Longtin (left) coaches 2024 Communicating Science participants during on-camera media interview practice at Cavanaugh Hall in March.
Faculty News

Ranting and relating: How improv techniques can help scientists break down walls and build cathedrals

Communicating Science partner workshop series

IU School of Medicine departments that wish to host a three-session Communicating Science workshop for their units should contact Krista Longtin, PhD, to discuss options. Planning, logistics, recording studio reservation fees and communications will be the responsibility of the requesting department.

Graduate minor in Communicating Science

IU graduate students in the biomedical sciences and health professions can pursue a graduate minor in Communicating Science. The minor is a partnership with the IU School of Liberal Arts at IU Indianapolis.

The Communicating Science workshop that I did was one of my favorite faculty development activities, ever.

Mary A. Ott, MD

Professor of Pediatrics