Training and networks
The Division provides a variety of training opportunities in communication and public engagement. The Department also runs tailored training sessions and a graduate course in public engagement. Further details below.
NEW: Skills Training
Following our successful trial of public engagement training in 2023/2024, we are offering a suit of skills development sessions relevant to outreach and engagement in 2024/2025. These sessions are open to all researchers in physics and to current UG Ambassadors in Physics and Materials Science.
The skills developed in these sessions are transferable and can be applied to many different scenarios. The sessions are stand-alone and researchers are welcome to attend a combination of skills sessions to develop a broad set of skills, or choose the skills session that would benefit them most. The session can also lead into a pathway that allows you to take part in an engagement activities, such as a talk for schools or a festival stall, where you can apply your training, guided by an experienced engagement person.
Foundation: How to Speak
Wednesday 20th November 2024, 1pm-2:30pm, Fisher Room DWB
An interactive session, run by Kat from the physics access and engagement team, covering the basics of presenting in all situations. Focussing on core skills such as pacing, breathing and physicality, you'll leave this session ready to present confidently.
Session 1: How to Interact
Wednesday 4th December 2024, 1pm-2:30pm, Fisher Room DWB
Building on the core skills of session 1, this session looks at two-way interactions. The session will look at questioning technique, audience management and interactions to prepare you for interactive presenting in a wide range of scenarios. This session is also run by Kat.
Session 2: Make it Relevant (NEW)
Thursday 12th December 2024, 1pm-2:30pm, Fisher Room DWB
This session will help you explore how make you research relevant and accessible for secondary school students (and other audiences) by telling the story of your research in an audience-appropriate way, linking core ideas from your work to relevant parts of the school curricula. This session is run by Rachael Hawkins, Academic Coordinator of the COMPOS programme, who has worked in research, teaching and outreach.
Session 3: Science Communication Strategies
Thursday 16th January 2025, 1pm-2:30pm, venue TBC
This practical session uses recent research examples to focus on language used in science communication. This session is run by Kat alongside Chris Lintott who is a researcher, broadcaster and author.
All sessions can be signed up for via this webform for skills sessions - please note, the new skills session ‘make it relevant’, will be added to the booking form soon. In the meantime, please just add it to the free text part of the form if you are interested.
Graduate course in Public Engagement with Research
We also have a Public Engagement Course for Graduates which supports you in developing your own activities.
