Popular science writing
A masterclass in popular science writing for scientists
Is your research getting lost in academic jargon?
Introducing "Writing about your Research" - a course designed specifically for universities, research institutions, and science companies. This course will transform your scientists into skilled communicators, enabling them to write about complex research in a way that captivates and engages non-specialist audiences.
Imagine the possibilities of effectively communicating your discoveries to a wider audience. With our course, attendees will master master the art of transforming complex scientific concepts into captivating narratives that engage and inspire readers. They will learn how to structure their writing to make it accessible and appealing, and gain valuable insights into getting their work published.
Forget generic science communication courses with bland, unfocused content that doesn’t hit the mark. We will bespoke the course to the needs of your scientists, to maximise their chances of success and ensure value for money for you. With more than 20 years’ of experience in training and a background in research-active science, our award-winning science writers have a unique perspective on the needs of scientists.
Enquire about ”Writing about your Research" now and equip your researchers with the skills they need to excel at reaching general audiences. Get ready for increased recognition, wider dissemination of knowledge, and greater impact on society.
Course curriculum
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1
Welcome to the course!
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Course welcome from lead trainer
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How to use this course
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What would you like to know? Please complete this short survey.
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Icebreaker: introduce yourself and share a science story you like (or hate!)
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2
Connecting with your audience
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Introduction to chapter 2
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Why bother communicating your research to general audiences?
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Understanding your audience
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Pitching at the right level
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How would you pitch your research?
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3
Structuring short articles
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Introduction to chapter 3
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Structuring short popular science articles
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Dissecting a short popular science article
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Comparing academic and popular-style writing
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Answering the "so what?" question
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Spot the "so what?"
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Preparing your first paragraph
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4
Effective use of language
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Introduction to Chapter 4
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Language: dealing with jargon
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Language: effective use of voice, words and imagery
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Putting it to use
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Bringing it all together: write a short article about your research
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Wrap-up of part 1
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Advance reading for live webinar
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Live webinar
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5
Long-form writing
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Writing longer articles: an introduction
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How to use storytelling to engage readers in longer articles
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Exercise: spot the narrative elements in this example feature
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Structuring longer stories
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Exercise: find the structural elements in this example
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Exercise: identify potential narrative elements in this scientific paper
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6
Next Steps...
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How to get your work published #1
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How to get your work published #2
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More resources for you
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Instructor(s)
Senior Instructor
Jon Copley
Jon is Professor of Ocean Exploration & Science Communication at the University of Southampton and a former reporter and news editor of New Scientist magazine. In his training, he draws on 20 years of experience of being a research-active scientist who communicates his work to the public and policymakers both directly and via the media. He is a regular contributor to BBC Radio 4 and World Service science radio programmes and has extensive experience of broadcast news interviews about his own research. He is a scientific advisor and onscreen contributor to TV documentaries including BBC Blue Planet II, and the author of popular science book Ask an Ocean Explorer (2019).
Senior Instructor
Claire Ainsworth
Claire is a freelance science journalist who writes for publications including New Scientist, Nature, Science and The Observer. Prior to going freelance, she was Senior Reporter, News and Features at Nature, and before that, a news reporter and features editor at New Scientist magazine. She has also regularly appeared as a science news commentator on The Science Hour on the BBC World Service. She has a doctorate in developmental biology and has won awards for her science journalism including an Association of British Science Writers Award. She has been training scientists in science communication in the UK, EU and further afield since 2000.