Learn SciCom
Signature Workshops
Signature workshops are specifically designed to give you a well-rounded science communication education. Each workshop will allow you to master skills that are transferable throughout all fields, even if you decide not to pursue science communication. All workshops are highly interactive, and you will leave with a working product to apply to your career.
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This is the prerequisite for all USC workshops. Upon request, this can be combined with another signature course.
This workshop will teach you the fundamentals of science communication that will apply to all forms of communication. You will learn how to identify your outreach topics, how people learn, and you will leave with a working elevator pitch.
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You will need to have taken our Science Communication Essentials workshop or one of out boot camps before attending this workshop. In this workshop, you will bring your writing samples and learn how to improve your writing skills for general audiences and learn how to navigate common writing pitfalls for science writing.
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Step away from the PowerPoint! Learn the best practices for presenting and engaging your audience. You will leave this workshop with a working personal story.
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Learn the art of creating a safe and interactive environment for your students. You will also learn and apply classroom management techniques during this workshop.
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You can teach anywhere! Learn how to use your surroundings as teaching tools. Get people excited about your research outside traditional classroom settings such as festivals, parks, bars, and special events.
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Need to say something but have a character limit? In this workshop you will learn how to be concise yet engaging and accurate with your content.
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One tool that is critical in effectively engaging your audience is having a hands-on activity. In this workshop you will leave with your own prototype.
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Authenticity is an effective science communication tool that many educators and communicators rarely use during instruction. When used properly, presenters can create a lasting impression on their audience and create a memorable experience for everyone. Founder, Tamara Poles, shares her personal experiences with authenticity while engaging participants to do the same in order to create more impactful outreach in the future.
Specialty Workshops
Universal SciCom loves to support other awesome science communication workshops, as our work should never be done in a silo. Below is a list of trusted science communication workshops that are led by Universal SciCom’s expert trainers and consultants that span topics from science policy to scientific illustrations.
Please note, in order to participate in the below workshops, you must complete the Science Communication Essentials workshop or one of the other Signature workshops.
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Learn how to invoke emotion and make people feel as passionately as you do about your research by applying these advance performance techniques. This workshop is led by professional actor, Brian Palermo.
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Learn and apply the same techniques used by Disney and Pixar to convert your research into a compelling narrative. Workshop led by Professional actor, Brian Palermo.
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Learn how to effectively speak with journalists from expert conservation communicator, Dr. David Shiffman.
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Learn from the expert in how to get the public to care about conservation. This workshop is led by Dr. David Shiffman.
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Learn how to get involved in policy and advocacy from expert Dr. David Shiffman.
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Learn from expert science writer, Stacey Lukoski, how to write for science publications.
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Learn from expert science exhibit developer and science writer, Wendy Lovelady, how to write for any audience.
Bootcamps
Bootcamps are intensive two-day workshops designed for those who want to level up their communication skills quickly.
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Led by expert science communicator Tamara Poles and professional actor Brian Palermo, this immersive experience blends the science of learning used by educators with the art of engagement used by professional actors to invoke intrigue and emotion with their audience.
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Ready to launch your own science podcast? This hands-on bootcamp trains scientists to create, produce, and publish their own podcasts—from concept to final recording. By the end of the bootcamp, you'll have a fully recorded podcast episode—ready to share with the world!
Universal SciCom Institue
This immersive multi-day (or multi-week) in-person training experience is designed to equip scientists with all the skills for effective science communication. Through a combination of expert-led workshops, personalized consultations, and real-world practice, participants will develop and refine their ability to engage diverse audiences with clarity and impact. By the end of the program, participants will leave with polished, ready-to-use content they can immediately apply to their work—whether in research, teaching, public engagement, or media outreach.