BUILT ON THE BEST OF BANFF
The Spark science communications program is built on nearly 15 years of experience with the renowned Banff Science Communications Program.
Communicating science couldn't be more important – and it's still hard to do well. Learn from the best!
The need is greater than ever to engage mainstream audiences in science. Goodness knows, the science community has been aware of this for decades. Why is it so hard to do?
Whether you're a scientist or a communicator, a Spark program will help you engage new audiences through proven processes. We are as empirical about communications as we are about science – with a huge dose of creativity added to the mix.
Spark science communications program may be eligible as a professional development activity.
Courses and fellowships will be available at the science centre throughout the year, and every few years, the flagship two-week residency in Banff will also be staged. Space is limited to 20 participants. Dates will be announced at a later time.
The Spark science communications program is built on nearly 15 years of experience with the renowned Banff Science Communications Program.
Spark's science communications programs are offered in three locations:
- Spark, the Calgary Science Centre
- Your location, for custom courses
- Banff, for the biennial flagship residency program
Courses are $500 per person, per day. Some courses are subsidized by sponsors or donors of high-quality science communications training.
Scholarships are available for some programs.
Applicants are encouraged to look for funding available from their own employers, institution and other sources, such as:
Uber Pitch
Blaise Pascal famously said, "I didn’t have time to write you a short letter, so I wrote you a long one instead.” In this session, participants prepare a one-minute (in other words, short!) “uber pitch” and then edit/practice in groups of three before presenting it to the toughest audience in the world – a camera!
Personalizing the Impersonal
Science communication often focuses primarily on getting the science right. At its best it is powerful storytelling, with all of the profound and personal connections that make for great stories. This session encourages participants to ask why science matters to them, or, for that matter, to anyone else? Participants reveal something about themselves by personalizing their communication style.
Audience-Focused Communications
This is the linchpin of all Banff Science Communications programs. Audience first. Is anyone listening? If so, what are they feeling and thinking? People are not science illiterate vessels waiting to be filled up with the correct facts. We build on respect for the audience and what it means to be as empirical about understanding audiences as we are about science itself.
Improv
Many science writers are asked to speak publicly and take their work to the stage. Here’s your chance to prepare! Except there is no need to prepare – it’s improv night. Inhibitions are kindly asked to leave the room.
Spark will be offering six-month fellowships in science communications! Join the mailing list for news and launch date.
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