This presentation is written by science communication committee of iGEM foundation. This material consisting of tutorial on how to performing science communication, ranging from write a policy brief, create a public discussion forum, as well as doing media relationship agenda to convey science innovations to the stakeholders. Because scientific innovations will not have any benefits if it is not well communicated, especially to the government officials

2. 01
KNOW YOUR
WHY/WHO

3. Know your why 3
● To offer subject matter expertise
● To inform
● To persuade
● To know their stance

4. Know your where 4
● Local (City, County)
● Regional (State(s)/Provincial)
● National (Country)
● International

5. ● Online searches about the policymakers and the
issue
● Policymakers’ webpages and social media (with a
focus on their press releases)
● News aggregator sites (e.g., Google News)
● Conversations with related networks or advocates
experienced on the issue
Know your who
Ten Questions for Researching Policymakers

6. KNOW YOUR
HOW
02

7. Strategies 7
1. Define the problem and the
solution
1. Identify target audience
1. Get to know how the
government makes policies

8. ● If you want to persuade policymakers or learn more about their
understanding and stance on the issue you are working on →
direct interaction
○ Interviews
○ Panel discussions
○ Speech/presentations
Methods for Science policy
● If you want to offer subject matter expertise and
inform policy makers → policy brief is a great option

9. Communication: Writing a policy briefing note 9
1. Title
2. Issue
○ Keep it short
3. Background
○ Relevant info to understand the context
4. Considerations
○ Analysis of situation, options, benefits and challenges
5. Recommendation
○ Outlining recommended course of action and steps
6. Conclusion

10. KNOW YOUR
RESOURCES
03

11. Resources
● Learn the basics of Science policy in India with Science & Technology Notes for UPSC IAS
Prelims
● History of Science Technology and Innovation (STI) Policies in India by Aditya Kaushik, B.
Chagun Basha & Lakshmi Ganesan
● Communicating science to policymakers: six strategies for success by Hannah Safford &
Austin Brown
● Opinion: Science policy for scientists: A simple task for great effect by William Gaieck, J.P.
Lawrence Maria Montchal, William Pandori and Evelyn Valdez-Ward
● How to write a briefing note by Evidence for Democracy [Video]
● Ten Questions for Researching Policymakers by the Union of Concerned Scientists

12. Who are we?

13. Who can also help you?

14. Connect with
the Science Communication and Policy and
Governance Steering group of the iGEM
Community
Social Media
Follow iGEM Community on Social Media
to stay connected and receive updates
on our events, projects and
opportunities.
policy@igem.org
scicomm@igem.org