Science communication training for researchers who want to make an impact

  • Bespoke science communication training for researchers who want to communicate more powerfully and impactfully with non-specialist audiences

  • Learn and practice real-world communication skills in a supportive environment

  • Build your confidence to communicate strategically with diverse audiences and drive impact

What you’ll learn

The power of stories

Reflect on your story. Learn storytelling techniques to communicate for impact.

Strategic communication

Learn to develop a targeted communication strategy with specific and measurable communication goals to up your impact.

Media skills

Learn to confidently communicate with journalists so that you ace your next media interview.

Communication tools

Explore animations, podcasts, photography, social media and other creative ways to communicate your research.

What clients say about our science communication training

“Brendon and Tali have helped my research team gain skills in effectively communicating our science-based work at The South African Research Chair: Mineral Law in Africa (MLiA). This has been a great catapult for our productivity.

MLiA’s PhD researchers now produce an average of 6 blogs each, annually. They have gained much more confidence in writing scientifically, and their work is accessible and relatable. I will keep returning to Brendon and Tali to request their training for new research team members, and I am deeply grateful for what they have contributed to the MLiA team.”

Prof. Hanri Mostert - DST/NRF SARChl Research Chair: Mineral Law in Africa.

Why do science communication training?

The world needs scientists who can communicate about their work in a way that people without PhDs can understand!

Effective science communication makes science accessible and relevant so that it can inform positive changes in policy, practice, and behaviour.

Learn more about the benefits of science communication training.

How it works

1 - We consult with your team to identify your science communication training needs.

2 - We tailor our learning material so that course participants work with examples of research relevant to your organisation.

3 - We run a training programme that includes online learning, facilitated sessions (online or in-person), and practical assignments with real-world value.

Testimonials

  • "An excellent sci-comm 101. [The training] gives a great introduction to essential communication strategies and tools for everyone from science students to tenured professors to science practitioners.”

    Alta de Vos - senior lecturer, Environmental Science, Rhodes University

  • “The best communication course l have attended. It helped me strengthen my communication techniques and strategies and understand my audience. The course is well structured and informative.”

    Dr. Darlington Sibanda - postdoctoral research fellow, African Climate and Development Initiative, University of Cape Town

  • “I really enjoyed the course. I learned different things that will be invaluable in my writing for different audiences. I would recommend the course because it is very informative and imparts skills to enrich your writing.”

    Kennedy Chege - PhD candidate (Law), University of Cape Town

What clients say about our science communication training

“Mr. Bosworth and Dr. Hoffman made every effort to ensure that the science communication training course they produced was up to UNEP’s quality standards. They are an excellent team that is highly flexible and client-orientated.

Their professionalism and expertise are continually appreciated by course participants who express their enthusiasm for the training programme and how, upon its completion, have shared that it has made them more confident about science communication.”

Dr. Andrea Hinwood - Chief Scientist of the United Nations Environment Programme

We’ve trained over 300 researchers from leading institutions worldwide, including…

  • African Climate and Development Initiative (University of Cape Town)

  • ARUA-CD Centre of Excellence, Climate and Development

  • Australia’s Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO)

  • The International Development Research Centre (IDRC)

  • The South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI)

  • The South African Research Chair: Mineral Law in Africa

  • UN Environment Programme (UNEP)

  • UN Food and Agricultural Organization (FAO)

  • University of Saskatchewan School of Environment and Sustainability

Meet the instructors

Dr Tali Hoffman - science communicator & director of Honeyguide Science Communication

With a PhD in Zoology, Tali is is able to interpret the technical details and complexity of a wide range of scientific disciplines.

Through a decade of working as a science communicator, Tali has honed her ability to make science more accessible to diverse audiences. Her passion for teaching and experience as a trainer allows her to help others build their science communication capacity.

Brendon Bosworth - communications specialist & founder of Human Element Communications

Brendon believes that academic research needs to be paired with a softer, more human approach that relies on the power of storytelling to bring science to life.

He has 15 years of experience as a journalist, editor, and communicator. Through his work inside and outside research institutions, he has identified challenges and opportunities for creating better synergies between researchers and non-specialist audiences.

Brendon is a Fulbright scholar with a master’s degree in Journalism from the University of Colorado Boulder.

Want to build your team’s science communication skills and increase your impact? We’d love to hear from you.

Get in touch to learn more about training for your organisation.