GLOBES Policy and Communication Training About Scientific and Technology Issues

DRAFT

GLOBES Policy and Communication Training about Scientific and Technology Issues

BIOS 60521 CRN# 20909S/U – 1 credit module

Instructors on record: Jessica Hellmann and Melinda Gormley

Faculty and staff contacts

Jessica Hellmann, Ph.D., Director of GLOBES and Associate Professor of Biological Sciences

; 179 Galvin Life Science Center

Melinda Gormley, Ph.D., Assistant Director for Research, Reilly Center for Science, Technology and Values

; 453 Geddes Hall

Peter Annin, Managing Director of the Environmental Change Initiative

Ginna Anderson, Administrative Coordinator of the GLOBES Program

; 434 Geddes Hall; 1-3287

About

Policy and Communication Training is geared to researchersin thesciences and engineering who seek to engage with people outside of their specialization and outside of the academy. It provides information about science and technology policy and communicating with policymakers and media specialists. Each session focuses on a particular topic or skill set, from media relations to stakeholder engagement. Session formats vary from presentations and panel discussions to interactiveworkshops and mock interviews. The policy sections expose students to information about science and technology policy (STP), the roles that scientists and engineers take on when engaging with policy issues, and career opportunities in STP. The communications workshops teach skills and practices needed to effectively communicate science and technical research to non-academic audiences. These tools are effective on a range of audiences including policymakers, the media, general public, granting agencies and other stakeholders in your research. Social media as a form of communication and networking is explored.

Open to graduate students and postdoctoral scholars. This module is organized by GLOBES an interdisciplinary certificate training program in environment and society. You do not need to be enrolled in GLOBES to take this course.

Required Reading

Baron, Nancy.Escape from the Ivory Tower: A Guide to Making Your Science Matter. Washington, D.C.: Island Press, 2010.

Topics / Calendar: (tentative schedule of topics; dates/location of sessions to be confirmed)

Session 1: Tuesday, September 23 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Innovation Park

Read Baron chapter 8

Policymakers (Jessica Hellmann)

This session provides an introduction to the day-to-day life of policymakers, their science resources, and how these interact with the pressures and constraints they face in making policy-related decisions. We consider policy at the national and local level and both formal and informal policy-making. Guest presenters from the policy world (government and NGO’s) participate.

Communications I: Message Box (Jessica Hellmann and Melinda Gormley)

This workshop is devoted to large group lectures and discussions on basic communications principles, message development using the “message box.” You are expected to refine your pitch after this session so that you can practice it during the next session.

Session 2: Tuesday, September 30 from 5:00-7:00 PM at Innovation Park

Come with your message box completed and ready to practice your pitch/message box with peers.

Science and Technology Policy (Melinda Gormley)

Background information about Policy for Science and Science in Policy is presented. These topics include Scientific Integrity, Outreach and Engagement, Advising and Advocacy, Advocacy for Science and Advocacy for Policy. During this session, panelists will present on the educational, internship, and career opportunities in the areas of science and technology policy.

Communications II: Practice your pitch with peers (Jessica Hellmann and Melinda Gormley)

This workshop is devoted to practicing and refining your “message box.” You are expected to develop your pitch after this session so that you can practice it during the next session.

Session 3: Tues, Oct 14 and Wed, October 15

NPR’s Science Friday is taping on campus. Students will attend the taping on Oct 15 and meet host Ira Flatow at a lecture in Jordan Hall the night before.

Session 4: Saturday, October 25 from 9:00-5:00 PM at Innovation Park

Read Baron chapters[]; come ready to practice your pitch/message box.

Media (Peter Annin and Jen Tank)

Journalists from a variety of media (e.g. television, radio, newspapers, and magazines) provide information about their processes for reporting stories, hitting deadlines, and getting a good sound bite.

Social Media: Benefits and Pitfalls (Jessica Hellmann and Jessica Baron)

This session exposes students to the benefits and pitfalls of a variety of forms of social media. Panelists will include bloggers, tweeters, communications officers, and public relations specialists.

Communications III: Practice your pitch with Professionals (Peter Annin)

Having prepared your pitch, this workshop incorporates small working group activities (e.g. mock interview videotaping) that put into practice the communications skills and knowledge acquired from the previous workshop. Students practice their pitches with their peers and invited guests (faculty and staff) receiving feedback on how to improve them.

Session 5: Nov. 10-12 or Dec. 1-5

Reception

Students deliver their final, practiced pitches toinvited guests,includingjournalists, industry leaders, political aides, community members, campus leaders, and other GLOBES students. This session will be held in conjunction with the GLOBES Research Day.Business casual attire.