This program is designed to equip researchers, students, professionals, and science communicators in astronomy and other basic sciences across BRICS and African countries with essential skills in science communication. The initiative aims to strengthen participants’ ability to effectively convey scientific knowledge, engage the public, and inspire greater interest in astronomy, basic sciences, and science as a whole.
Each session will feature expert speakers or trainers from the Global South with academic and practical experience in relevant topics. The program also seeks to bridge the gap between academia and practice, addressing the current divide in science communication.
Key Features of the Program:
- Engaging experienced science communicators as trainers.
- Ensuring representation from each BRICS nation to promote diverse perspectives and collaboration.
Call for Participation: First Session of the Science Communication Program
We invite researchers, students, professionals, and science communicators in astronomy and other basic sciences across BRICS and African countries to join the first session of our Science Communication Program. This session will provide a foundational introduction to the program, setting the stage for deeper discussions in upcoming sessions.
Session Themes:
- Overview of Science Engagement – Its Importance and Impact
This opening session will explore the role and significance of science engagement, examining perspectives from diverse countries and regions. Participants will gain insights into why science communication matters, its various applications, and its broader societal impact.
Key Discussion Points:
- Why Science Communication? Understanding its purpose and importance.
- The Role of Science Engagement in fostering public trust, policy influence, and societal impact.
- Policy and Strategic Frameworks that guide effective science engagement efforts.
- Science Communication and Media Engagement
The foundation of democratizing science includes sharing innovations, technology transfer, and applying research to solve societal challenges such as poverty and unemployment.
One of the most effective ways to communicate science is through the media. This session will explore media relations and their role in science communication, providing practical training on engaging the public through press and digital platforms.
Key Discussion Points:
- Preparing for Public and Media Engagement: Understanding why your research matters and why the public should care.
- Writing an Effective Press Release: What to include, what to leave out, and tailoring content for different audiences.
- Anticipating Media Responses: Preparing for high engagement or limited responses and ensuring availability once the press release is issued.
- Interview Preparation: Presenting research from a public or media-friendly perspective without sensationalizing results.
- Beyond Traditional Media: Exploring alternative methods to engage the public and expand outreach.
Take-Home Lessons:
- Techniques to make it easier for media to pick up research stories.
- Strategies to engage the public alongside media for amplified reach.
- Adapting scientific writing for different audiences.
- Interview best practices—making research engaging and accessible.
- Effective communication techniques for speaking with media and the public.
- How to simplify complex science without misinterpretation.
- Reinforcing the importance of science communication in the Global South.
This session will provide participants with the skills and confidence to effectively communicate their work to a broader audience, ensuring that scientific discoveries and advancements have a meaningful societal impact. Whether you are a scientist looking to enhance your public engagement skills or a science communicator seeking to expand your network, this session will provide valuable insights and connections, laying the groundwork for deeper discussions in future sessions.
Date: 3 April 2025
Time: 10:30 – 12:00
Format: Online
Speakers:
Ms. Thembela Mantungwa (South Africa)
Ms. Thembela Mantungwa has a masters degree in public relations and she is currently pursuing a PhD in Media and Communication. She has extensive experience in communication spanning over 10 years. She works at the South African Astronomical Observation and she is the chair of communication at the African Astronomical Society. Her research interests is in relational communication in particular the way in which science institutes engage with society.
Dr. A.P. Jayaraman (India)
Dr. A.P. Jayaraman started his Science, Technology and Management career at the age of 22 joining the elite Scientific Officers’ Training School of the Atomic Energy Establishment of the Government of India.
He had a remarkable career in Atomic Energy for forty years in Science Technology and Management. He retired as Head of Media Relations of Bhabha Atomic Research Centre. He also served the Directorate of Purchase and Stores
After retirement, he served as professor of Environmental Engineering Management at Singapore. Later he worked as Dean at Sadanam Institute of Management in Palakkad teaching Supply Chain and Logistics Management.
He is a Past Chairman of the Indian Institute of Materials Management Mumbai and is a consultant on Green Supply Chain Management
Presently he is the Principal Scientific Advisor to HSNC University, Mumbai.
He holds a PhD in Science, a PGDMM in Management and a Diploma in Engineering.
He is the President of STEAM Academy and the Chairperson of the National Centre for Science communicators. He is an elected member in the PCST Global Network Scientific Committee. He serves as a member of the Academic Councils of several prestigious Colleges. He is the President of Indian development Foundation.
He is a popular bilingual Science communicator in English and Malayalam. He has authored 25 science books, written over 5000 popular science articles and delivered over 70,000 hours of discourse in Science, Technology, Innovation and Management. His English and Malayalam science columns have a readership of 4 million.
He has won the International Copernicus Award for Science popularisation from Poland. He is a peripatetic professor of Science Technology and Management having interacted with audiences in the US, UK, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, China and the Middle East and numerous schools, colleges Universities.
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Join us in shaping a more engaged and informed scientific community!