This document discusses science communication strategies and opportunities. It provides information on: 1) A 2-week intensive science communication workshop at the Banff Centre that teaches skills like writing, podcasting, public speaking and covers various outreach projects. 2) A client animation service the author provides to develop scripts, storyboards and videos to explain scientific concepts. 3) A stem cell outreach pilot project called "StemCellShorts" that produced three animated videos explaining basic stem cell science concepts narrated by stem cell researchers.

1. CANPOLIN
Ben Paylor - @benpaylor
July 31st, 2013
Social Media

2. What is a PhD?
Doctor of a “love of wisdom”
All human knowledge Your PhD
http://matt.might.net/articles/phd-school-in-pictures/

3. Epigenetic Landscapes
(2010)
A Natural Selection
(2011)
Deflating the Genomic
Bubble(2012)
Screened:
GeneScreen (2010, 2011, 2012)
Imagine Science Film (2011)
DeafTVFest (2011)
Master ASL! Textbook (2012)
Michael Smith AMBL Genetics
Workshop (2012, 2013)

4. Science Communication
at the Banff Centre
2-week Intensive Workshop
20 Participants admitted each year
Covers: Communication, Writing, Podcasting, Video Production,
Media Training, Public Speaking, Drinking, Etc.
http://www.banffscience.ca/

5. Lesson’s Learnt
1. Be aware: You Are A Brand
2. Getting outside your comfort
zone will benefit your career
3. Improving your communication skills will
be valuable regardless of what you do
4. There are numerous training/educational
opportunities out there - use them

6. Science Communication
at the Banff Centre
Blogging

7. Client Animation
Service
http://www.infoshots.ca
Summer 2011 to Present....
Develop workflow (scripting, storyboarding, narration,
editing), client / provider relationships, learn how to not be
crappy

8. StemCellShorts
Pilot Project: 3 videos on basic stem cell Qs
Narrated by SCN PIs (Till, Rossant, Bhatia)
Us: Concept, Script, Storyboards, Narration, Production
Contract: Animation, Sound Design
Distribution: Let’s Talk Science, Science.ca, SCN, StemCellTalks
Granted March 2012 & May 2013
Up to $5000 for Public
Outreach projects

9. StemCellShorts - Pilot
1. What is a stem cell? (Dr. Jim Till)
2. What is an embryonic stem cell? (Dr. Janet Rossant)
3. What is an induced pluripotent stem cell? (Dr. Mick Bhatia)

10. http://www.actioncanada.ca

11. 600 - 700 Attendees for 2013 Conference
Always looking for volunteers!
November 20-22, Toronto, ON

12. Science Communication 101

24. Interesting, relevant, clear and
understandable to the audience
New and/or novel
Entertaining*
(True)*
Meets the medium’s non-
negotiable demands about
length, form, style, etc.
Qualities of a good story

26. Completeness
Thoroughness
Strict accuracy
Discussions of measurement
uncertainty, confidence levels, etc.
Acknowledgment of alternative theories
or explanations
Acknowledgment of collaborators,
competitors, previous work, etc.
Qualities that a good story doesn’t need

27. No one needs to read
about your stupid science

28. •Describe your work using the minimum number
of words and ideas new to your audience
•Use analogies or metaphors that might be helpful
in conveying the meaning of your work. (But be
aware of the limitations of analogies)
•Don’t be afraid to put caveats, qualifications,
technical details, etc., at the end—or even to leave
them out in some cases. The public’s needs are
different from those of your peers
Describing your research

29. From R.C.J. Somerville and S.J. Hassol, “Communicating the
Science of Climate Change,” Physics Today, October 2011, p. 48

30. Describing your research
•Use active voice sentence structures
rather than passive ones: “We analyzed the
sample” rather than “The sample was
analyzed…”
•Don’t be afraid to put yourselves in the
story of your research. It isn’t immodest.
You are characters in the story
•Think conversation, not lecture

31. Social Media for Scientists

33. Social Media for Scientists
The Big Four
Lesser Known Tools...Blogging Platforms

34. •Powerful news aggregator
•Dialogue with others at
conferences
•Create professional networks /
Develop personal identity
•Social Media (Facebook, Twitter)
use both predicts and increases
citations of papers
Why use Twitter?

35. Mainstream media
coverage led to 72%
more citations!

36. Don’t Be Overwhelmed!

37. Where to start?
1. Create Twitter Account
2. Don’t worry about followers
3. Follow those who interest you
4. Unfollow those who don’t
5. Tweet!
6. Use #hashtags/pictures/links

38. Top Twitter Tips for Academics
http://www.lwec.org.uk/sites/default/files/TwitterTips.pdf

39. Assessing Impact - altmetrics

40. Additional Resources

42. Questions?
Thanks
CANPOLIN
Banff Science Communication Faculty