Abstract

Despite clear mandates from funding bodies and other institutions encouraging researchers to engage in science communication and outreach, formal opportunities for science communication training are rare and/or piecemeal in most academic science departments. We designed, facilitated, and evaluated an intensive online science writing program for graduate students and post-doctoral fellows. The program blended practical exercises such as writing and peer-editing blog articles with biweekly workshop sessions lead by experts in science communication. Pre- and post-program surveys revealed considerable advancement in trainees’ self-assessed knowledge, skills, and confidence in science communication, particularly science writing, blogging, and journalism, with completion of the program. We also reflect upon the overall process of the program, including the challenges of building community and maintaining engagement in an online environment. Online intensive training programs, such as the one piloted here, may be a viable and accessible model for the teaching and learning of science communication skills.