Training and support
Several of the skills and attributes that you develop as a researcher [PDF] can be acquired through or used in public engagement activities.
These attributes have been highlighted by The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement.
You will develop many of these as you gain experience in public engagement, but there are training opportunities available to help you improve your practice.
Narrative skills workshops
Everyone wants to hear a good story, and great storytellers can bring an entire room to a standstill, so why not use these skills to explain your science?
Led by an ex-BBC executive producer, the skills and theory covered here will ensure that people will want to listen to the story you want to tell.
Contact us if you are interested in taking part in one of our sessions in 2013, which will be running on the following dates:
- 21-22 February
- 2-3 July
- 23-24 July
Other training opportunities
The Royal Society offers one-day communication and media courses for postdoctoral researchers.
The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement has a free online training course to help get you started in public engagement with STEM.
The British Science Association provides a Continuing Professional Development portal for researchers and public engagement professionals who wish to improve their engagement skills. The site helps you find out about training courses and local providers.
The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement also has a list of training opportunities.
Finally, a growing number of universities and research institutes run their own public engagement training, so please contact your HR department to find out about free training and development opportunities in your institution.
Resources and support
The National Coordinating Centre for Public Engagement has a growing collection of 'how to' guides and case studies in public engagement. These free resources provide advice on engaging with a range of audiences and using a variety of formats.
If you would like further support, please get in touch to discuss how we can help you.