Communicating Your Science Workshop

Apply here for the workshop. The application deadline for the workshop has been extended to the 8th of March.

Note: All applications must first be signed off by your supervisor prior to submission. We will contact your supervisor for a reference using the email you have provided for them and also keep you updated by email on the progress of your application.

Next workshop will be at Chicheley Hall on 22nd-24th April 2024.

An important part of science is getting your results and ideas across to others, through papers, presentations, theses, grant proposals, conversations and interviews. Your audience may include specialists in the field, those from other disciplines, industry, or the general public.

How can you best communicate your science?

This workshop brings together experts in different fields to help you explore and develop your communication skills.

Working together with others on the course you will learn how to structure stories, bridge disciplines, simplify concepts and communicate effectively with a range of audiences. You will also get in-depth tutoring and practice in storytelling and public talks, developing hands-on demonstrations and multimedia (podcasts/Youtube).

The Genetics Society will cover travel (within the UK only), accommodation and meals for successful applicants.

Tutors will include:

Helen Keen (Award winning comedy writer and performer; author of the Radio 4 series, “It Is Rocket Science!”)
First Create the Media (Led by award-winning writer and broadcaster Dr Kat Arney)
Alison Woollard (Presenter of the 2013 Royal Institution Christmas Lectures and Professor at University of Oxford)

Organiser:
Professor Jonathan Pettitt (Winner of the 2020 Genetics Society JBS Haldane Lecture and Professor in Genetics, University of Aberdeen)

Who can attend?

The course is open to PhD student and postdoctoral researcher Society members working in genetics and related areas.

Please note that your application will need to be accompanied by a supporting letter from your supervisor and confirmation of their Genetics Society membership will be required.

Carer’s Award.  In recognition of carer’s responsibilities, an award of (up to) £60/day will be made available to enable members and selected speakers to attend Genetics Society scientific meetings and events.  Awardees can spend this money as they think will best support their attendance.  Applications can be made through the mySociety portal.

2022 Gallery, comments and feedback

2018 Workshop Gallery.

2017 Workshop Gallery Listen to 2017 Podcasts from Team 1, Team 2, Team 3, Team 4

2016 Workshop Gallery Listen to 2016 podcasts from Team 1, Team 2, Team 3

2014 Workshop Gallery

2013 Gallery, comments and podcasts

Listen to the 2015 podcasts from Team 1, Team 2, Team 3

Feedback from previous Workshops include:

This was one of the best workshops I have attended. I have learned a lot of new skills and it feels they all sank in without me having to refer back to any notes. In fact I can’t stop talking about it. The organisers were very friendly and approachable as well as knowledgeable. Chicheley Hall  is a beautiful venue and I think it really added something special to the whole experience.
Ozge Ozkaya

A fantastic workshop! Every session was stimulating and there was a wonderful atmosphere throughout the three days. Each task allowed us to push ourselves, be creative and really apply the principles we had learnt.  I only wish the workshop had been longer! I came away with great enthusiasm, having learnt so much and having met so many nice people.
Claire Bushell

A truly excellent course that I think all scientists should attend! It was a great opportunity to meet other aspiring scientists and to be inspired by amazing speakers. I thoroughly enjoyed it – one of the best courses I have been on. Thank you!
Lizzie Wood

What an absolutely wonderful experience! Apart from trying my hand at story telling,TV-­‐show-­‐writing and podcast-­‐making, I learned so much about these various Aspects of science communication. It has definitely opened my eyes to the opportunities out there, and I am more confident and eager to apply the skills I learned.
Stefanie Knappe

This workshop was a fun and thought-provoking experience, in a wonderful location. I genuinely enjoyed meeting and working with a mix of people, and taking the time to step back and think about my work in a different way. I would recommend to anyone who has even the slightest interest in developing their communication skills.
Nick Groves-Kirby

I just gave a talk at a symposium today, presenting my work to a room full of scientists.  I used the tools that you taught us in the Communicating Your Science workshop, to construct and deliver my presentation, and I won the prize for best talk!  I know I’ve said this to you before, but I honestly think that attending the course made a massive difference to my confidence and my presentation delivery.
Matthew Sinton

EDI statement:
The Genetics Society is committed to supporting and promoting equality and diversity. We welcome applications for the summer studentship programme from all sections of the community regardless of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, ethnicity, disability, caring responsibilities, age, religion or belief.