On the 14-25th of January, 12 students from Beihang University, Beijing, attended CPAS for an intensive summer school program.

Over two weeks, students attended a number of academic science communication workshops including story telling, video content creation, risk communication and responsible research and innovation. 

They also got hands on with science communication, visiting the ANU Maker Space to make climate communication coasters, and creating prototypes with simple materials to build skills in creative thinking.

Visiting students were generous in sharing their own science communication practices with a number of CPAS staff, including fellow graduate students, and this was a key strength of the program.

“It was wonderful to hear different experiences of science communication from such a prestigious university in China, and be able to share these with colleagues," course convener Dr Will Grant said.

The group also got a full taste of Canberra life during their stay, taking in the city with walking tours, a visit to Questacon, and social events. A field trip to Tidbinbilla rounded out the experience, with local platypus, emus and kangaroos making a star studded appearance. 

“It’s always great to see people having fun and experiencing local wildlife for the first time”, Dr Grant added.

“Overall, it was an excellent two weeks, and we can’t wait to do it again next year.”