Practical science communication strategies for graduate students

Area of Science:

• Graduate Education
• Science Communication Training

Background:

• A significant gap exists in graduate training regarding science communication skills development.
• Constraints like limited time and resources hinder graduate students' ability to acquire these proficiencies.
• Advisors and institutions face challenges in adequately supporting students' science communication efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

• To present a practical, portfolio-based approach for integrating science communication into graduate training timelines.
• To map science communication tools to core skills (writing, public speaking, leadership, project management, teaching) essential for scientific careers.
• To empower graduate students to proactively manage their communication goals and activities.

Main Methods:

• Development of a portfolio approach to organize outreach activities within a graduate study timeline.
• Mapping of science communication tools to five core skills: writing, public speaking, leadership, project management, and teaching.
• Emphasis on advisor-student collaboration in designing personalized communication portfolios.

Main Results:

• The portfolio approach helps students align communication activities with desired skills, time constraints, and personal/societal goals.
• Advisor input ensures appropriate outreach levels, balancing communication with research, teaching, and coursework.
• Students gain mentorship, promote research, and build an engagement track record.

Conclusions:

• A "do-it-yourself" approach, coupled with advisor guidance, can effectively address science communication skill gaps in graduate education.
• This strategy encourages students to define their outreach objectives and time commitments.
• Fostering a proactive culture of science communication within graduate programs is achievable.