It is primarily aimed at communicators or managers at the interface between research and public/policy audiences, as wel
Register now for #Scicomm online 2018 Stellenbosch University (South Africa) is once again offering its popular online short course in science communication. This year, the course will be presented over a period of six weeks from 6 August to 17 September 2018, followed by a practical assignment. Who is the course for? This course offers a flexible study opportunity for people who are interested to advance their knowledge, skills and networks in the field of public science communication and engagement. It is primarily aimed at communicators or managers at the interface between research and public/policy audiences, as well as scientists who are interested in exploring new, evidence‐based approaches to communicating their research. Participants typically work at universities, science councils, government departments, statutory bodies, research funding agencies, industry organisations, NGOs, museums and science centres. What will the course cover? The course will explore the histories and futures of science communication as a field of practice and research, including the challenging of creating effective and meaningful linkages between practitioners and scholars. The content and interactive discussions are designed to encourage critical reflection on best practice in terms of ethical and responsible science communication. In addition to learning from global trends and leading scholars in the field of science communication, the course content emphasises science engagement challenges in the developing world. The course content is divided into the following six themes: 1. An introduction to science communication theory 2. Science communication role players and platforms 3. Science and (new) media 4. Communicating about health, the environment and risk 5. Science, pseudoscience and quackery 6. Practical skills and creative approaches in sharing science Who will present the course? This course is presented by the Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology (CREST), the home of a DST‐NRF Research Chair in Science Communication, in partnership with the Centre for Science and Technology Mass Communication (CENSCOM) at the Department of Journalism. Both centres are at Stellenbosch University. Dr Marina Joubert is the lead designer and presenter. She is joined by a number of colleagues and partners who will take the lead in specific modules, namely Dr Bankole Falade, Professor George Claassen and Dr Lars Guenther. The voices and views of global leaders in the field of science communication are included via video lectures and online conversations. How will the course be presented? The course will be presented through the web‐based learning management system of Stellenbosch University. All course materials are 100% online (i.e. there is no need to travel to Stellenbosch) and participants may access course materials and work on the weekly assignments when it is convenient for them. Participants must have access to a reliable and
reasonably fast and stable internet connection, in order to be able to download the multimedia components of the class and participate in online forums. Upon successful completion of the course students will receive a certificate from Stellenbosch University. How much time will it take? Successful participation will require six to eight hours per week. Participants should plan to spend at least another 10 – 15 hours on the final practical assignment. What are the entry requirements? Participants must have a recognised university bachelor's (or higher) degree or relevant tertiary diploma. What will it cost? The enrolment fee for 2018 is R8 500 (South African Rand) per delegate. How do I register? Places are limited and will be allocated on a "first‐paid‐first‐served" basis. Register at https://bit.ly/2GUb8J4. The closing date to apply is 9 July 2018. You are welcome to contact Rolene Langford (
[email protected]) if you experience any problems with the registration process, or if you have any further questions. Dr Marina Joubert Researcher: Science communication CREST (Centre for Research on Evaluation, Science and Technology) Stellenbosch University, South Africa Facebook group for science communicators in Africa: https://www.facebook.com/groups/scicomafrica/ Twitter: @marinajoubert