Training opportunities in science communication

Thanks to support from the Centre for Research on Pandemic Preparedness and Health Emergencies housed at CIHR, we offered several training opportunities in science communication in 2022-2023.

We would like to thank all attendees for their interest and enthusiasm.

There are no workshops currently planned for 2023-24.

If you have any questions, please contact ScienceCommunication-CommunicationScientifique@cihr-irsc.gc.ca.

  • #SciComm on Social Media for Researchers (English)

    In this 2-hr interactive workshop led by Science Communicator Samantha Yammine (also known as Science Sam), we'll discuss best practices for communicating science through social media. Building off lessons learned so far in her career and sharing examples from others in the field, you'll see examples of effective science communication and myth-busting through social media platforms like Instagram, Tik Tok, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter, with lots of time for discussion and questions.

    Instructor

    Dr. Samantha Yammine (Science Sam)

  • Instagram and TikTok for #SciComm (English)

    In this 90-min interactive workshop led by Science Communicator Samantha Yammine (also known as Science Sam), we’ll take a deep dive into mobile-first short form video creation for science communication. Instagram and Tik Tok are the most popular social media platforms used by youth and young adults, and among the fastest growing across all age groups. With their explore-heavy newsfeeds, when used strategically they can be one of the fastest ways to reach massive audiences outside your typical echo chamber. Whether or not you have an Instagram or Tik Tok account, come ready to learn more about the pros and cons of these platforms and the role they play in the modern misinformation landscape. This is an introductory workshop ideal for beginners to video, and will focus on easy-to-produce short videos popularized by Instagram Reels and Tik Tok.

    Instructor

    Dr. Samantha Yammine (Science Sam)

  • Combatting Misinformation on Social Media (English)

    It’s important for researchers to respond swiftly to mis- and disinformation. However, in a digital age where disinformers are savvy with how they attack facts and those sharing them, it is important we debunk mindfully… and strategically. In this keynote, research scientist turned science communicator Samantha Yammine (also known as Science Sam) will share the importance and pitfalls of sharing science on social media, with lessons learned from the comms front lines during the pandemic. She’ll also share best practices and tips for effective myth-busting before a lively discussion. This is a session you’ll want to tune in for before sending that next hot take of a tweet!

    Instructor

    Dr. Samantha Yammine (Science Sam)

  • The ABCs of Health Misinformation

    This 90-minute workshop will draw on the most current research and best practices of addressing health-based misinformation and developing health- and science-related media literacy skills. Based on MediaSmarts’ “Check First, Share After” campaign and related resources, this session will teach participants three key topics:

    • Avoiding data voids: How can we anticipate misinformation before it appears? Learn to watch for data voids where dis- and misinformation can grow.
    • Beyond fact-checking: Why do people fall for – and even seek out – misinformation? What psychological and emotional needs does it meet and how can scientific communication meet them?
    • Countering misinformation: How can we empower people to be critical thinkers while avoiding the “do your own research” trap? We’ll look at how to communicate the difference between genuine skepticism and fringe or conspiracy thinking.

    Instructors

    Matthew Johnson (English) and Marc Alexandre Ladouceur (French)

  • #SciComm on Social Media (French)

    This three-hour interactive workshop led by science communicators from IMPAKT Scientifik will focus on using social media for #scicomm (including effective tools, strategies, and inspiring examples). Drawing on their own experiences and highlighting best practices from others in the field, the trainers will help participants tap into the potential of using platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, YouTube and Twitter for effective science communication.

    Instructors

    Dr. Mandy Ducy and Anthéa Deffry

  • Personal Branding (French)

    This two-hour interactive workshop led by science communicators from IMPAKT Scientifik will focus on the concept of “personal branding” in an academic context. Using a case study and other concrete tools and strategies, the trainers will help participants consider their own unique “brand” and ways to communicate it clearly.

    Instructors

    Dr. Emilie Dubois and Dr. Mandy Ducy

  • Engaging youth in STEM

    In this 2-hour interactive workshop from Let’s Talk Science, participants will explore the why, what & how of engaging youth in STEM topics.

    • Why is it important to talk to young people about STEM?
    • What are some of the best ways to engage youth (from elementary school-aged kids through to young adults) to make STEM appealing and accessible?
    • How should we approach misconceptions, misinformation, and complex topics in our discussions with youth?

    Instructors

    Susie Brown (English); Gabrielle Veilleux and Bernice Chabot-Giguère (French)

  • Multicultural Science Communication (English)

    While “know your audience” is the golden rule of public engagement, cultural identity and language are often overlooked in science communication practices. This workshop, which is divided into three parts, will focus on expanding science communication and embracing diverse languages, cultures and ways of knowing.

    • PART 1: The Fundamentals of Multicultural Science Communication
    • PART 2: At the Intersection of Culture, Language and Storytelling
    • PART 3: Evaluating Your Multicultural Science Communication

    Instructors

    Celia Du, Priya Iyer, and Dr. Roopali Chaudhary

  • Critical Thinking Skills (French)

    In this 2-hour interactive workshop led by science communicators from IMPAKT Scientifik, we will cover tools and strategies for developing critical thinking.

    Using fresh approaches and perspectives, discussion topics will include:

    • exploring the “public interest”
    • Web ethics, including managing your own social media presence
    • anticipating responses online
    • the power and influence of images (both positive and negative)

    Instructors

    Dr. Mandy Ducy and Anthéa Deffry

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