The Knight Center for Environmental Journalism and the Metcalf Institute recently welcomed the second cohort of fellows for the SciComm Identities Project (SCIP). The initiative, aimed at transforming science communication training in the United States, held a week-long workshop at the University of Rhode Island (URI) main campus in South Kingstown from January 15 to 19.
The workshop brought together 14 fellows from diverse backgrounds, marking the commencement of a shared journey in science communication. The workshop focused on cultivating inclusive communication techniques and honing skills in public engagement. Throughout the week, fellows immersed themselves in the fundamental aspects of storytelling, exploring characters and narrative structures. Additionally, practical podcast planning sessions provided hands-on experience to further enrich their communication toolbox.
Dr. Sunshine Menezes from the University of Rhode Island delivering a presentation on inclusive science communication.
The workshop also provided a space for participants to share their experiences and served as a catalyst for community building. Fellows are committed to science communication and the inclusion of underrepresented communities. Through SCIP, they will have the opportunity to focus their efforts on bridging the gap between science and society and attracting underrepresented minorities to STEM disciplines.
The workshop aligns with SCIP’s broader objective to transform science communication training in the U.S., aiming for greater inclusivity by centering on the motivations, experiences, and priorities of racial and ethnic minority scientists. SCIP is a collaborative project between the Metcalf Institute at URI, the Knight Center for Environmental Journalism at Michigan State University and the Science and Story Lab at URI and is supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF).
The next SCIP workshop is scheduled for July of this year at MSU, where fellows will have the opportunity to learn about media relations, interviewing skills, social media strategies and strategic communication. For more details about SCIP, please visit https://scicommidentities.org/
The SciComm Identities Project is supported by the National Science Foundation under Grants DRL-2115971 and DRL-2115522. Any opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this material are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Science Foundation.