Breakfast Roundtable: Bridging the Gap: Enhancing Science Communication Skills for Graduate Students Beyond Academia

Graduate students are often well-trained in presenting their research to academic audiences but receive limited formal training in communicating with non-academic stakeholders. As the impact of scientific research increasingly extends beyond the walls of academia, the ability to effectively communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences is crucial. Whether the goal is to influence evidence-based policy, build public trust in science, or foster interdisciplinary collaboration, graduate students must develop strong science communication skills tailored to non-specialist audiences. This workshop, hosted by the Student SIG, addresses this critical need by bringing together 3-4 experts who excel in science communication and have substantial experience conveying their research to lay audiences for a roundtable session. Roundtable experts will speak on best practices for communicating your research with individuals outside of your discipline and provide suggestions for professional development in this area. Additionally, participants will engage in discussions with these experts on strategies for translating their research into accessible language, framing their messages for different audiences, and leveraging various media platforms to broaden their reach.

Chair - Mary Frazier   Student
Virginia Tech

Presenter - Katie McMahon   Student
Colorado State University