Do you need to effectively communicate science-based information?
We offer hands-on, customizable workshops for people in government, private sector, or academia who are interested in developing their science communication skill sets.
Delivered in an upbeat, interactive, small-group format, these workshops equip participants with concrete tools to connect with their audiences.
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Workshops are modular and customizable in content and length. Our science advisors will work with you to tailor examples and outcomes to your objectives and projects.
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Workshops can be delivered in English and/or French, online or in person.
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The cost for a customized, half-day workshop (one or two modules, plus a break) is typically $6,000. Price and content can be scaled according to time and budget constraints.
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Workshops are capped at 60 participants to foster engagement, ensure personalized attention, and maximize each participant's opportunity to contribute and benefit from the workshop. For larger groups, lectures are available.
Have questions? Ready to book? Please fill out our questionnaire.
Why science communication training?
A shift in how people access information has created an immediate need for awareness, training, and capacity building in organizations and individuals who deliver scientific messages to the public, peers, and across sectors. Effectively sharing the importance and impact of science on everyday life — and its potential to address societal issues — empowers audiences to make informed choices.
Available workshop modules
While some modules are longer and better suited to stand-alone workshops, others can easily be combined to create a session that meets your specific goals. We are happy to discuss your needs and recommend module packages.
SciCom 101: Planning effective communication
You’ve done the science… now what? Tailored to those who have little or no experience in science communication, this module focuses on three core principles of science communication: defining your communication goals, knowing your audience, and creating your key message. From planning to delivery, applying these three concepts ensures that information is clear, relevant, and impactful - regardless of your communication method.
Science explained simply: Quick tools to convey complex concepts
Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) is riddled with discipline-specific terms that can be hard for non-specialists to understand. Build your confidence in communicating science outside your discipline, and gain tools to explain complex or confusing concepts in a simple, accessible, and engaging way. Participants will co-create takeaways that are directly relevant to their own projects. Themes and activities will include simplifying science jargon, making the abstract concrete, and using physical explanation tools.
Difficult conversations: Talking to science deniers
With group discussion, role play, and practical tips, this interactive workshop will give participants the tools they need to navigate challenging conversations around science, while protecting their mental health. Topics range from climate change to vaccination, or can be customized to specific topics or situations participants encounter in their work.
Data visualization 101
Tailored towards participants with no background in statistics or data visualization, this workshop empowers communicators to elevate their data storytelling skills. Participants will learn how to choose the appropriate chart type for their data and research questions, and how good design choices can make data easier to understand and more user-friendly. No calculators or graphical software needed — this workshop emphasizes data visualization best practices that can be applied using any tools.
Effective slide design: Elevate your presentation
Avoid death by PowerPoint and wow everyone at your next presentation! Learn the ins and outs of creating a great PowerPoint that will hook your audience and engage them in your topic, by exploring the principles of effective visual communication. We take an overburdened PowerPoint presentation and systematically strip it down — lightening and tightening it at every turn — until it is a lean and efficient communications vehicle.
Info + graphics = Infographics!
Combining visuals with text can be helpful to summarize information and make it easier to understand. This workshop shares best practices for creating informative text and image-based visuals that are clear, accessible, and effective at communicating your message. Learn to avoid the pitfalls that can turn a good infographic bad.
Science storytelling
Stories are powerful tools to connect with audiences and engage them deeper in a topic, all while increasing retention. This workshop outlines how storytelling techniques like narrative and characters can help organize and provide context for your information and create an invested, empathetic audience. In this session, participants will explore elements of compelling science stories through hands-on activities, and refine their own storytelling using simple, practical tools.
Visual accessibility: Making visuals for everyone
This session will delve into the barriers that visually disabled individuals encounter with educational and outreach visual materials. Learn best practices, explore practical tools, and gain valuable insights into making your communication materials more inclusive and accessible to a wider audience.
Post, paper, or presentation: Finding the right platform
Should I write a post, a paper, or a presentation? The right choice depends on your audience, your goals, and the message you want to convey! In this workshop, explore various communication platforms — along with their strengths and weaknesses — and how to adapt communication approaches appropriately. Discover the power of multimedia, discuss best practices, and explore new formats to elevate your communication skills.
Meet the experts
These workshops are led by Ingenium’s Science Advisors — three scientists and science communication experts who have been engaging a wide range of audiences for decades.
Renée-Claude Goulet is a science communicator with over 15 years of experience interpreting the science and technology of agriculture and food production to various audiences. She is the Science Advisor at the Canada Agriculture and Food Museum, where she supports the development of exhibitions and public programming through review, advice, and content research. As a Science Aadvisor, she also represents the museum to the media and builds and delivers presentations and workshops on a wide range of topics. She holds a BSc in Biology, a BEd in Sciences, and is an Ontario Certified Teacher.
Cassandra Marion has 15 years of experience in education and public outreach, focusing on the development and delivery of science programming and knowledge transfer. As the Science Advisor at the Canada Aviation and Space Museum, she serves as a passionate science communicator, sharing her expertise in Earth and planetary science with communities near and far. She holds a PhD. in Geology and Planetary Science and Exploration from the Earth and Planetary Institute at Western University, where her research concentrated on meteorite impact craters and lunar and Martian analogue environments in the Canadian Arctic and sub-Arctic.
Michelle Campbell Mekarski is the Science Advisor at the Canada Science and Technology Museum. With a PhD in Evolution and Systematics from the University of Alberta and a BSc in Biology and Mathematics from Queen’s University, she brings over 15 years of experience in scientific research and communication. Michelle has worked and studied in diverse fields, including fisheries ecology, breast cancer, human anatomy, and paleontology, and has taught science at five Canadian universities. Since 2019, she has been bridging the gap between science and the public, consulting on exhibitions, digital projects, and educational programs, and training others in effective science communication.
Reserve today!
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