Lights, camera, action!

Eighteen post-graduate students from the Department of Biochemistry, Microbiology and Biotechnology at the University of Limpopo were treated to a stimulating and interactive science communication workshop.

Young scientists were given the opportunity to do mock television interviews … to feel the pressure of being interrogated in front of a camera.		SAASTA's Science Communication Unit, which manages the Public Understanding of Biotechnology (PUB) programme on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology, is focusing on young scientists in particular to encourage and train them to communicate their science.		The PUB programme hosted the workshop at the Science Education Centre of the University of Limpopo.

The Public Understanding of Biotechnology (PUB) programme hosted the workshop at the university's Science Education Centre, assisted by Graeme Addison from the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism (IAJ).

New generation of scientists

SAASTA's Science Communication Unit, which manages the PUB programme on behalf of the Department of Science and Technology, is focusing on young scientists in particular to encourage and train them to communicate their science. In this way SAASTA is developing a new generation of scientists with awareness and understanding of science communication and of the need to develop communication skills.

The workshop at the University of Limpopo had a specific focus on media skills. Participants were given the opportunity to do mock television interviews to feel the pressure of being interrogated in front of a camera. They also gained insight into how the media functions, the role of the media and how they can work together with the media to communicate their science.

All this was presented within the context of communicating science beyond their scientific community. For many, it was the first time they had considered their research outside of the context of their MSc or PhD projects. They were challenged to think about how they would communicate their work to their communities in an interesting and informative way without overwhelming their audience with scientific terminology.

Broadening horizons

All participants offered very positive feedback. Their perception and understanding of the importance of science communication was improved through the workshop. One participant stated, "The workshop has really simplified how science can be communicated and has removed my fear of taking science to the public". Another said "As a researcher, it has broadened my horizons".

With such positive feedback, SAASTA aims to present this workshop regularly at the University of Limpopo, to complement the overall development of their young scientists.

By Joanne Riley, SAASTA