UF Science Communications Academy

Dr. David Norton, Vice President for Research

As part of an effort to empower scientists to extend the reach of their discoveries to a broader audience, the Office of Research and the College of Journalism and Communications announce the UF Science Communications Academy. This comprehensive science communications program will consist of six one-day sessions between May and October 2013. The sessions will include media training, presentation workshops and graphic design consultation. Participants can expect to emerge with a deeper understanding of the value of science communications and the skills needed to succeed at it. For examples of great science presentations, visit this link to top science TED Talks — http://goo.gl/YLlMN

There is no cost to participants, but they will be encouraged to share their knowledge with colleagues and students and to represent the university and their scientific disciplines in public discussions of discoveries and issues.

The first graduates will represent the university at the joint annual meeting of the National Association of Science Writers and the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing in November 2013. Hundreds of the nation’s top science writers from media outlets including The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Scientific American, NPR, CNN and MSNBC will be in Gainesville from November 1-5, 2013 for professional and scientific presentations. The meeting offers unprecedented opportunities for UF faculty to present their research to this important audience.

Any UF faculty member is eligible to apply. Deans and department chairs are encouraged to nominate faculty for the program, although a nomination is not necessary to apply. Applications will be accepted until November 19, 2012.

Please submit a single PDF via email to scicommacademy@research.ufl.edu with the following information:
**A cover letter describing the applicant’s research program and motivation for wanting to participate.
**A letter of support from the applicant’s department chair and/or dean.
**The applicant’s CV

A selection committee chaired by Dr. Rob Ferl, director of UF’s Interdisciplinary Center for Biotechnology Research, will review the applications and provide a list of finalists to the program director of the Council for the Advancement of Science Writing, who will visit campus in Spring 2013 to select presenters for the conference. Any questions about the academy can be directed to Joe Kays, director of Research Communications, at joekays@ufl.edu or 392-8229.