Do you struggle to summarize complex scientific information into short, easy-to-understand concepts for reporters, patients or even family members?
Do you want to be able to share your work with as many people as possible — including non-scientists — in a way they’ll understand?
If yes, Communicating Science will give you the tools and techniques you need so that you can share your work with — and capture the interest of — patients, policymakers, funders, learners, non-scientists and more. Apply now for the 2025 cohort.
What is Communicating Science?
This three-session, interactive, in-person program from Indiana University School of Medicine Faculty Affairs and Professional Development (FAPD) teaches communication techniques that can help you think on your feet, clarify your message and get people's attention when talking about science-based topics with various audiences, from conference-goers and colleagues to reporters and relatives.
The curriculum is based on cutting-edge research in communication and executed through a series of exercises rooted in the principles of applied improvisation (improv, for short). While improvisational comedy isn’t part of the experience, building skills in improvisational thinking and learning to embrace the unknown, rather than shy away from it, are.
The Communicating Science program is an opportunity for faculty members, learners and staff members to explore a new way of thinking about communicating, particularly communicating across disciplines and with the public.
By learning to think differently about how one shares information — and about the research participants, reporters, learners or others who are receiving it — those who participate in Communicating Science learn to break down the barriers between their knowledge and their audience’s interest and understanding. Krista Longtin, PhD, assistant dean for faculty affairs and professional development and facilitator of the Communicating Science program, provides practical tools, frameworks and exercises to help.
"The Communicating Science workshop is outstanding!" said Valerie Willis, PhD, RN, visiting assistant professor, clinical division, Department of Medical and Molecular Genetics, a 2024 cohort participant. "Each interactive tool and engaging exercise better equipped me to effectively communicate science to lay audiences."
Details about the upcoming session
Two-hour sessions are held monthly in January, February and March. Cohorts are limited to 16 participants and are open to IU School of Medicine faculty, staff and learners of all levels from all campuses. Successful participants commit to attending and participating in all sessions and receiving in-session coaching and advice from communication scholars.
2025 Schedule
In-person sessions are held from 4 to 6 p.m. on the IU Indianapolis campus; no virtual option is available. Location details will be provided to accepted participants.
JAN. 23 | Session 1: Connecting with Your Audience
Explore ways to engage audiences effectively, build trust and speak about your work effectively and responsibly.
FEB. 27 | Session 2: Distilling Your Message
Through experiential exercises and group work, learn to speak clearly and vividly about your work in a way that non-scientists can understand.
MARCH 20 | Session 3: Media Training for Scientists and Physicians
Practice delivering engaging messages about complex topics in an unscripted format during an on-camera interview with a journalist. The video recording will not be broadcast live but will be yours to keep and use as you'd like.
Interested?
- Learn more about the program and what it’s like to participate.
- Complete an application by Nov. 27 to be considered for the 2025 cohort.
Questions?
Contact FAPD at fapdd@iu.edu, and we will be happy to answer them.
