SARChI Chairs unpacking science communication

DST-NRF SARChI Chairs from across Gauteng have come together for a two-day workshop on 3 and 4 July 2019 at the National Research Foundation (NRF) in Pretoria, to delve into principles of science communication.  NRFISAASTA and the Research Chairs and Centres of Excellence Directorate at NRF corporate offices jointly host the workshop.

The first day, facilitated by Jive Media Africa, focuses on developing a science communication strategy. Key to developing an effective strategy is fundamentally knowing what one’s objectives are for science communication. Ensuring we are engaging on a level playing field and creating safe spaces for science engagement are important for effective communication.

During the course of the day, participants are reflecting on challenges of science engagement activities and considering what makes science engagement activities successful. They are being exposed to some innovative science communication and have made aware of opportunities and networks that can influence their science engagement activities.

Day 2 will be presented by The Conversation African and is focused on writing about science and research for popular media, more specifically, for The Conversation Africa. The workshop is hands-on and participants will be working with the facilitators to produce an article for The Conversation.

For anyone interested in running a science communication workshop in their organisation, contact Joanne Riley, Science Editor at SAASTA, at joanne@saasta.ac.za for more information.