Everything you need to know about science communication

Learn how to communicate complex science stories to a mainstream audience

Science communication can translate subjects as complex as evolution and quantum mechanics into accessible and entertaining stories that everyone can enjoy. Led by popular science author Brian Clegg, this lively seminar is ideal for anyone looking for advice on working in this fascinating field, whether as an author, broadcaster, blogger, journalist or PR.

The day includes talks from science blogger and Lab Lit author Jenny Rohn, New Scientist cosmology consultant Marcus Chown, and journalist and BBC broadcaster Angela Saini, who will advise you on how to communicate science to different audiences.

No matter what stage you’re at in your career, this course will help you to weigh up the different employment options available, allowing you to choose the best route. You’ll learn everything from what makes a great science article, to how radio and TV science is pitched to commissioning editors. Plus, you’ll have the opportunity to pitch your story ideas to our panel, and receive friendly and constructive feedback from them. It’s the ideal primer for anyone who wants to learn how to share their knowledge and passion for science with as many people as possible.

This course is for you if…

• You have a passion for science and want to learn more about different employment options in the field
• You’re a professional scientist who wants to learn how to communicate your findings to a broad audience
• You’re a teacher or academic keen to learn more about professional science communication
• You’re a science writer, author or blogger looking to improve your communication skills

Course description

This comprehensive seminar offers an overview of the field of science communication, with advice on everything from books, to journalism, broadcasting and blogging. Attendees will have the opportunity to pitch their story ideas to the panel for feedback, and get involved in discussions and Q&A sessions. Topics covered include:

• Why communicate science?
• What makes a great science article?
• What magazines and newspapers are looking for
• How to write for print and digital formats
• Science for TV and radio
• How radio and TV science is pitched
• Finding the right topic for a popular science book
• From idea to publication
• Why blog about science?
• How to get your blog noticed
• Pitch to the panel: attendees have the opportunity to pitch their ideas for any medium to our experts
• Q&A and discussion with all speakers

PLEASE NOTE: Attendees are encouraged to bring along an idea for a science article, book, TV/radio programme or blog, with a paragraph or two of detail. This is not essential, but if attendees would like to share their ideas for feedback they should come prepared with a rough idea of what they would like to present.

Tutor profiles

Brian Clegg is a popular science writer with 20 books in print who has written for publications from the Observer to Wall Street Journal. After degrees in Natural Sciences and Operational Research, he worked at British Airways before leaving to set up a company giving training in business creativity. These days, he enjoys spending most of his time writing popular science books and giving talks. He is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts. Find out more on Brian’s website.

Jenny Rohn has a PhD in microbiology and is currently a cell biologist at University College London. She has championed the field of Lab Lit (fiction with a science context that isn’t science fiction) and is a founder of the Science is Vital campaigning organisation. She has blogged for a good number of years, for the Guardian, Nature Network and at her blog Mind the Gap.

Marcus Chown is an award-winning writer and broadcaster. Formerly a radio astronomer at the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena, he is cosmology consultant of New Scientist and has written for many newspapers and magazines. His books include What A Wonderful World, Quantum Theory Cannot Hurt You and We Need to Talk to Kelvin, which was short-listed for the 2010 Royal Society Book Prize. Marcus has also tried his hand at apps and won The Bookseller Digital Innovation of the Year award for Solar System for iPad. Find out more about Marcus on his website.

Angela Saini is a science journalist, author and broadcaster currently presenting the BBC World Service’s Food Chain. She worked for ITN and was a reporter for BBC News in London, featuring on the 10 O’Clock News and winning a European television award. She has written for New Scientist and The Guardian and her first book, Geek Nation: How Indian Science is Taking Over the World was published in 2011. Find out more about Angela on her website.

Full course and returns information on the Masterclasses website