ANU - Centre for the Public Awareness of Science

Sharing Science

Want to add value to your science?
Want to see it adopted more quickly?
Having trouble explaining your research in simple terms?
Anxious about public presentations?
Would you like an official ANU award for your CV?

Attend a CPAS workshop to hone your communication skills!

Today, more than ever before, scientists are required to communicate their research to industry, government, the media and the public.

The pressure comes from many sources including employers, funding bodies and policy makers, all of whom want society to obtain greater value from science.

These workshops are for scientists and engineers and are tailored to your busy schedules. We understand that you cannot set aside a regular time over a long period so the workshop is short and focused.

Completing the workshop qualifies you for an ANU Graduate Short Course Award
Over 500 research scientists across Australia have completed our workshops

The Team


Professor Mike Gore AM Mike Gore, Founder of Questacon, is an internationally renowned science communicator. Mike will guide you in the do's and don'ts of effective science presentation and communication. There will be opportunities for personal feedback during the workshop.		Associate Professor Sue Stocklmayer AM Sue Stocklmayer, Director of CPAS, will help you to understand the public. She will discuss theoretical and practical aspects of science communication, increasing your confidence in how to structure and present your work.

Emeritus Prof. Chris Bryant AM Chris Bryant is an eminent parasitologist with a long and illustrious record of publication. He will explain how to write about your science in plain English so your audience wants to read and learn more. You will have opportunities to practise and refine your writing skills.		Professor Julian Cribb Julian Cribb is an outstanding science journalist with a unique background in science awareness at the corporate level. Julian is highly experienced in helping scientists to use the media and get the best results.

The Program

Communication is about getting value from your research. It will take your ideas, knowledge and discoveries further, to people who need and can use them.

In return for giving up your precious research time you will get:

skills in preparing presentations for a range of audiences
greater knowledge of how to present your science to the public and the media
improved writing skills in plain English
wider knowledge of audio visuals
understanding of the use and abuse of PowerPoint.
the opportunity to use CPAS as a long-term resource with problems and for advice.
a fully accredited ANU Graduate Short Course Award in Science Communication

OPTIONAL WORKSHOP SESSIONS

The following may also be included in the workshop:

How to present conference papers, posters and seminars
Designing a communication strategy
Communicating with industry
Communicating with government

Note that if you would like any of these options, more time may be required.

Comments from Past Participants

"I found out what my colleagues were up to."

"Very structured, very professional, very well organised!"

"I was surprised by how deceptively effective it was! I did not realise my marked improvements until the end of the second day."

"I really appreciated presenting my science to a general audience, together with the analysis and improvement of written articles."

"It was an intense pace to maintain but it was also very enjoyable."

"It was a lot more fun than I was expecting, but it was good."

"This workshop has empowered me. I now feel I have the confidence to explain my project to my family!"

"The feedback we got was great and encouraging. It didn't squash me, it made me want to improve."

"I don't know how you manage to do it, but I've never felt so relaxed with a bunch of strangers - and scientists at that!"

Previous CPAS Clients Include

CSIRO
The Bureau of Rural Sciences
The Environmental Protection Agency, Victoria
NSW Agriculture
The Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation
The Australian Quarantine and Protection
Agency

Arrange a Workshop

Contact CPAS at: cpas@anu.edu.au

Tel: 02 6125 0498
Fax: 02 6125 8991

We will be pleased to arrange a workshop in Canberra or elsewhere, with a mix of topics to suit your organization. Preferred numbers are 15-20 participants. Other numbers can, however, be negotiated.