Training for Researchers and DPhil Students
Training available to help you find out more about public engagement and develop your skills
We have a number of free training courses available to help you learn about and develop your public engagement skills. Unless otherwise stated these courses are available to all DPhil students and researchers.
Save the date! Booking for courses will open in September 2017.
Note about deposits: You should always ensure that you check that you can attend courses before you book, and make a note of them in your own calendar. Please note that where stated, a refundable deposit may be payable. This deposit will only be refunded if you attend the session or notify us of withdrawal in good time. Full terms and conditions will be provided.
Introduction to Public Engagement
An introduction for those looking to get started in public engagement with research covering the basics of what it is, how to get started and a chance to be inspired by those already doing it. You will also have the chance to start developing your own plans, get feedback and get pointers to further support and information.
- Thurs 12 Oct 2017 (up the hill)
- Thurs 30 Nov 2017
- Tues 30 Mar 2018
- Weds 16 May 2018
Telling Stories That Matter: Communicating Your Research through Story
Discover what elements of storytelling and narrative can be used to enhance a profession in the sciences. Craft compelling and moving stories from your experiences as a scientist using these key story elements: character, conflict, structure, metaphor and description. Apply these storytelling and narrative skills to working in the sciences: communicating research to a range of audiences (including publics, media and funding bodies); enhancing presentation skills; telling scientific stories across a range of media. Robert Holtom is a professional storyteller and consultant who has worked with a range of organisations to help them refine and hone their stories for a variety of audiences.Mon 20 Nov 2017
- 10am - 4pm, Mon 20 Nov 2017
- 10am - 4pm, Mon 4 June 2018
Deposit: £25
Podcast Your Science
From inception to publication; this practical session delivered by Emily Elias, journalist and producer of the Oxford Sparks podcast series, is a whirlwind tour through the basics of how to share your research in an engaging manner through podcasting. The session will introduce approaches to podcasting, present inspiration from a range of different podcast styles, and take you step-by-step through the basic technical skills of recording, editing and publishing audio files; you’ll have the chance to develop an idea and have a go recording it with support and feedback during the day.
N.B. Please note that you will need to bring a laptop and headphones.
- 9.30am-5pm, Weds 8 Nov 2017
- 9.30am-5pm, Weds 14 Mar 2018
Deposit: £25
Beyond Communication: Effective Two-Way Engagement
This introductory session will introduce you to what, why and how of turning your engagement into a rich, two-way conversation with your public audiences; dialogue and debate are valuable approaches to move beyond communication to involve and consult wider publics in the research process. It can also provide the means to make any informative activity more engaging for those taking part. The session, delivered by Bridget Holligan, Director of Education and Engagement at Science Oxford, will highlight examples, practical tips and provide the opportunity for you to start to develop your own ideas and plans.
- 0930-1230, 22 Nov 2017
- 0930-1230, 21 Mar 2018
Deposit: £25
Hands-On Science 101: Developing Interactive Activities for Festivals and More
Interested in creating appealing and engaging interactive activities based on your research to take to festivals, schools and other settings? This comprehensive introduction to working with hands-on activities will include thinking about how people learn, the value of a hands-on approach and consideration of the practical issues you may face. We’ll also run through some of the opportunities available. This course will be delivered in conjunction with the University Museums.
- 2-5pm, 25 Feb 2018, Museum of Natural History
Lunchtime Light Bites
Write for The Conversation
Interested in writing to increase the profile of your research and engage with wider public audiences? The University has teamed up with The Conversation to offer a range of training opportunities to researchers and academics direct from the editors of The Conversation.
The programme of events will be available in October.
One-to-one Surgeries
Do you have an idea you'd like to develop or get funding for? Need advice or a sounding board for a new project? Not sure what to do about your Pathways to Impacts? If you'd like help with anything public engagement related, Dr Michaela Livingstone (Public Engagement Facilitator) holds open office hours on Tuesday afternoons, 2-3.30pm, at 9 Parks Road. Just email to arrange a time to suit.