Science Communications

Program Chair: Jay Ingram
Program Director: Mary Anne Moser

Listen to a  live recording of the celebrated Science Communications Kick-off with renowned scientists and speakers Sid Nagel, Adam Summers and Allison Sekuler, hosted by Jay Ingram. The Kick-off took place in the Max Bell Auditorium on August 18th, 2005 to a full crowd. It was recorded by John Spittal from CBC and Rod Shoup from The Banff Centre.

Professional development for scientists, journalists, public and private sector communications professionals, and educators responsible for communicating about science.

Science is a part of a vibrant society. As science and technology become more and more integral to decisions in the public sphere — from genetically modified foods, to nanotechnology, to wireless devices, to reproductive technology — a widespread engagement with the ideas and practices of science is crucial to the public good. There needs to be many ways to communicate science so that innovation, exploration, and diverse views thrive.

At present, there are very few dedicated top-quality professional development programs for science communicators committed to exploring new ways of communicating science.

A unique immersive residency program at The Banff Centre in Banff, Alberta, will explore new frontiers and foster excellence and creativity for science communicators in Canada and around the world. This is an outstanding opportunity for participants to advance high quality, engaging ways of telling science stories.

About the Program

• This program supports the professional development of science communicators.
• It explores the use of ideas, texts, and images in print, radio, television, the web, visual and interactive media, and other formats, with the goal of fostering a broad, ethical, and more engaging role for science in public culture.
• The proposed program is aligned with the values, reputation, and expectations of The Banff Centre — for excellence and innovation — and fills a need not currently met elsewhere in the world.
• A complementary partnership approach with research organizations, science outreach organizations, media partners, and academia builds on existing strengths and fosters ongoing collaborations.

Participants

• The core two-week residency program is aimed at individuals with a keen interest in science communications, and is open to participants from anywhere in the world. Participants may be working in journalism, communications, research, education, or involved in other science outreach approaches. They will take the ideas and experiences from Banff to their respective communities to raise the calibre of science communications.
• A competitive process will select highly qualified participants based on a statement of interest and portfolio of work.
• A combination of working science communicators, emerging science communicators and scientists will be selected.
• Associated activities may be developed in conjunction with other Banff Centre programs to meet the specialized needs of targeted groups or projects in science communications.

Faculty

• Highest level science journalists working in print, radio, television, and film.
• Highest level science communicators working in research and science learning organizations.
• Highest level scientists with a track record in public engagement.
• Academics studying science in the public sphere.

Program Components

• Two-week residency in Banff each August
• Science writers-in-residence (in development)

For more information, please contact arts_info@banffcentre.ca .