Why and how to present research? This question will be addressed by an expert from Edinburgh Napier University.

Dr Sam Illingworth, an expert in science communication, public engagement and interdisciplinary research, already cooperates with VSB - Technical University Ostrava (VSB-TUO) within the PhD Academy, where he runs courses for PhD students. Now, these workshops are intended for a wider audience from VSB-TUO; academics, researchers, including early career researchers, as well as staff involved in supporting international collaborations can sign up. Edinburgh Napier University, at which Illingworth is based, has recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding with VSB-TUO.

On Monday 17 April at 14:00, Dr Illingworth will run a workshop entitled Effective Science Communication. "We will explore what it means to effectively communicate science and how to develop your message so that it is appropriate to all audiences in a manner that is engaging and effective," Illingworth says. The audio invitation is available here. 

A day later, the Making an Impact with Your Research workshop will take place at the Business Centre from 10:00. After attending this workshop, participants should have a better idea of how to identify key audiences for their own research, why they want to reach them and how collaboration can increase the impact of scientific work. The audio invitation is available here. 

Dr Sam Illingworth has experience of developing impact with a wide range of stakeholders, from policy makers to community groups. He is the author of over 75 publications, with an h-index of 18. He is also an award-winning poet and games designer. His work has generated a significant amount of local, national, and international media coverage. For example, he has appeared on both the BBC and NPR talking about his research, and has had his work featured by Scientific American, Buzzfeed, and the Times Higher Education. Outside of research, he has run several successful writing workshops and has also written for radio and the stage. Several of his plays have been performed in the UK, including by the Royal Shakespeare Company, and he has performed his poetry at a number of venues including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and the Green Man Music Festival.

There will be time for discussion at both workshops. You can register here:
Effective Science Communication (Monday 17 April, 14:00 - 15:30, Business Centre PI332) - online registration form. 

Making an Impact with Your Research (Tuesday 18 April, 10:00 - 12:00, Business Centre, PI232) - online registration form. 

Text: Martina Šaradínová, PR specialist for R&D
Photo: archive of SI