Alan Alda Center workshop, The Essentials, being hosted virtually at Vanderbilt April 15, 1-4pm CST; limited spots available to current postdoctoral fellows
The Office of Biomedical Research Education and Training is hosting the 2021 VITA Scholars Symposium which brings biomedical PhD students to Vanderbilt to present their research, learn about the Vanderbilt community and resources, obtain training in scientific communication, and establish a durable, personal mentoring relationship with a Vanderbilt junior faculty member. This unique opportunity in biomedical sciences training provides high value for students as they progress to the next stages in their scientific careers.
During the VITA symposium, there will be a three-hour Scientific Communication Training from the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science for symposium participants. There are approximately 5-10 spots available at this workshop for current Vanderbilt biomedical science postdoctoral fellows to attend. If you would like to participate in this workshop, please review the information below and apply!
Scientific Communication Training from the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science
The Essentials Program
Date: Thursday, April 15
Time: 1:00-4:00pm CST
Duration: 3 hours
This event will be conducted virtually.
To apply: complete this application by noon, Thursday, April 1st.
Only current postdoctoral fellows are eligible at this time
You will be asked to provide a 2-6 sentence personal statement letting us know why you are interested in participating in this workshop
This program is designed to offer busy scientists and researchers an intensive introduction to effective and engaging science communication.
In a more condensed version of the one-day, in-person workshop, participants will explore and practice using communication strategies that are responsive to the needs of others.
Like all Alda Center programs, The Essentials combines improvisational theater exercises with message-design strategies to help others incorporate their experiences to engage with the wonders of science.
At the end of The Essentials, participants will be able to:
- Learn to connect and interact with an audience in meaningful ways
- Employ strategies that make messages and information memorable
- Shift their focus to others; learn when and how to adapt messaging to aid others’ comprehension
- Prioritize clarity by minimizing jargon and using evocative language and analogies
- Apply a strategic communication tool to consider audience, context, challenges, and communication goals
For additional information about this particular workshop, please reach out to Kate Stuart (kate.stuart@vanderbilt.edu).