Get your story straight.
Tell a compelling story. Boost your communication skills.
Lose the stage fright. Upgrade your media savvy.
Turn research into policy.
Flexible, interactive workshops, designed for researchers.
One hour, one day, one week … whatever you need.
From postgraduate students and early-career researchers, to seasoned experts in their field — we can tailor a skills programme to your team’s specific needs. We deliver in-person and online, across the UK. If there’s something you’d like to cover that we haven’t included here, let us know — we’ll see what we can do!
The Facilitators
Depending on the type of training and size of group, we often deliver training workshops as a team, to provide a breadth of expertise and more opportunities to give focussed attention. We’re based in the lovely city of York, UK, and deliver tailored programmes across the UK and online.
Chris Stewart
Chris is a freelance science communication and outreach specialist, telling fascinating stories through video, audio and public performance — from 360-degree dome presentations on fusion energy, to podcasts on astrophysics, to live cabaret events that throw scientists on stage and into the spotlight
Kate Ravilious
Kate writes for major media publications, including New Scientist, The Guardian, Nature and Physics World. She covers stories across the breadth of science, with topics ranging from the mathematics of traffic jams to the crystallography of a beetle’s wings.
What do you need?
We can tailor a half-day, full-day or two-day workshop to the particular needs of your team, comprising a series of interactive sessions to build their confidence and skills. Here’s a selection of what we can offer.
Here’s an example of what we can offer — 1.5 day training programme (PDF)
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You often hear, "You need to tell a good story”. But what does that even mean? Learn and practice simple storytelling methods to find your most powerful narrative.
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Strip out the jargon, identify and understand your audience, tailor your message and find just the right hook to grab their attention.
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Get over your fears, get in front of the camera or behind the microphone for an interview about your science — and then receive valuable feedback on your technique and style, and tips for calming your nerves, controlling the conversation, and staying on-message.
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Learn what journalists look for in a science story, and how their timelines and editorial pressures differ from yours — and how you can help them to help you get your message out.
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You know more than you think! By making yourself known and available, thinking ahead about issues and potential stories, and offering timely and valuable information, you might find yourself on a journalist’s go-to expert list!
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The pros and cons of developing your professional social profile. Beyond the memes and GIFs, social media can be a powerful tool for researchers to talk about science and help direct important public conversations.
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Understand the needs of policy makers, how to find the right people to influence, and how to make sure your message is pitch-perfect when you do.
Like what you see?
Need something different?
Get in touch and let’s work something out!
“Absolutely brilliant, probably the best I've done on storytelling, with actual useful advice. Very engaging and well-paced. The three hours just flew!”
Research scientist, Storytelling & Science Workshop,
Sustainable Management of Marine Resources network
“I really enjoyed this workshop … it gave me with useful ideas on how to go about communicating my research to a wider audience.”
PhD student, University of York
“I really loved how interactive the whole day was, it didn't feel like I was being lectured at all and that was really refreshing.”
Postdoctoral researcher, University of York