SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS

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.

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.

Courses and fellowships are now available at the science centre throughout the year, and every few years, the flagship two-week residency in Banff will also be staged. The next Banff program will be in the summer of 2021. Plan ahead! Space is limited to 20 participants.

JOIN THE SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS MAILING LIST

EXAMPLES OF COURSE SESSIONS

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.

FACULTY MEMBERS

Each course draws upon a pool of talent. Faculty members from previous Banff courses include:

Jay Ingram, science writer and broadcaster, member of the Order of Canada
John Rennie, deputy editor of Quanta, former editor-in-chief, Scientific American
Nadia Drake, reporter, National Geographic
Thomas Hayden, Stanford journalism prof, co-editor of the Science Writer's Handbook
Christie Nicholson, guest lecturer, Alan Alda Centre for Communicating Science
Henry Kowalski, former Executive Producer, Discovery Channel Canada
Trevor Day, musician, improv coach and physiology prof, Mount Royal University
Rose Eveleth, producer of 30 for 30 Podcasts, ESPN
Maggie Koerth-Baker, senior science editor, FiveThirtyEight
Niki Wilson, science communicator, Jasper Dark Sky host
Dennis Cahill, artistic director, Loose Moose Theatre
Nancy Baron, director of science outreach, COMPASS
Rob Davidson, journalist, TV guy, writer and producer
Mary Anne Moser, founding director of the Banff Science Communications Program, and CEO at Spark

COURSE LOCATIONS

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

FEES AND FUNDING

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:

THE REVIEWS ARE IN. THE BANFF SCIENCE COMMUNICATIONS PROGRAM IS NO HOLIDAY IN THE MOUNTAINS

Testimonials from previous Banff science communications programs, now operating out of TELUS Spark, the Calgary Science Centre.

"I feel inspired and like my eyes have been opened to opportunities I didn't realize were out there."
"This program has been two of the best weeks of my life. Not only has it changed how I will communication science and opened me up to many more experiences, it has also changed my everyday life. I cannot speak highly enough of this program."
"It has been an incredible experience. I have a much better sense of what my strengths are as a communicator of science."
"I loved the program. Not to be hyperbolic but I have been singing praises since I got back. it was very creative and I left with lots to think about."
"My Sci Comm experience is a mixture of awe-inspiring views of the mountains, combined with adrenaline-pulsing improvisational performance challenges. Back in my office now, I feel like the weekend-long program was transformational in some way that I don't believe has sunk in quite yet."

CHECK OUT AN UPCOMING PROGRAM!

SCIENCE COMMUNCATIONS FELLOWSHIPS

Spark will be offering six-month fellowships in science communications. Join the mailing list for news and launch date.

MAILING LIST

CONTACT SPARK FOR MORE INFORMATION ON CUSTOM PROGRAMS

scicomm@sparkscience.ca