Communicating Science

Program overview

• This hands-on, interactive series teaches communication techniques that will allow you to effectively share your work with a variety of audiences.
• You will put theory into practice while receiving real-time feedback.
• Your participation includes one-on-one coaching with experts in advocacy and public communication.
• The program curriculum is grounded in the latest research on science communication.
• The curriculum incorporates techniques from public relations, applied improvisational theatre and health communication.

Content includes topics like:

• Analyzing your audience
• Finding common ground with your audiences
• Adapting your language to varying levels of complexity based on your audience
• Effectively answering questions about your work
• Helping your audience make sense of your message
• Fine-tuning your message for brevity and impact

By the end of the series, you will be able to:

• Develop strategies for making your messages memorable
• Prioritize clarity by avoiding jargon and using evocative language and analogies
• Use and apply a strategic communication tool that considers your audience, the context, the challenges and your communication goals
• Develop, practice and refine a short talk through practice and constructive feedback
• Harness the power of narrative to discuss complex science and research
• Gain a stronger understanding of the science behind science communication

Program structure

• Three, two-hour sessions
  • One each in January, February and March each year
• Participants must commit to attending all three sessions.
• Sessions are held in person on the IU Indianapolis campus.
• Individual session details are below.

Who is eligible to participate?

• Communicating Science is open to members of IU School of Medicine, including faculty, residents, fellows, learners and staff.
  • IU faculty, staff and learners from other schools are welcome to apply. If a cohort fills, preference will be given to medical school faculty and learners. Other applicants will be registered for the next cohort.
• Each cohort is limited to a maximum of 16 participants.
• Participants must apply to the program.

How can I apply?

• Complete the application form by Nov. 26, 2025, to be considered for the 2026 cohort.
• The application form includes a short essay question asking you to briefly summarize (in 250 words or less):
  • Your background
  • Why you are interested in receiving communication training
  • The primary goal you hope to accomplish by participating
• After a cohort fills, additional applicants will be placed on a waiting list and given priority for the next cohort.

Due to the time commitment required to successfully complete this program, we ask that you seek support from your department chair or division director before you apply.

Participating in Communicating Science can be an important component of an annual review and contribute to promotion and/or tenure. 

Session descriptions and dates