Training for Researchers and DPhil Students

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, researchers at all levels, and professional services/support staff). 

Booking opens at the start of each term

Due to current and ongoing restrictions in response to the covid-19 pandemic, our training has moved online. Any changes to sessions are highlighted in descriptions by italicised text.

Public engagement with research 101

Engagement describes myriad ways that we can share our research and its value by interacting with wider public audiences, generating mutual benefit. We look at what public engagement is and some of the reasons why you might want to do it. We'll highlight the multitude of different approaches you can take, including real examples from the University and further afield. We'll provide tips on getting started and where to get support. Researchers will present their experiences and answer your questions.

• 09.30-12.30 | 28 Oct 2020 - online

• 10.00-13.00 | 1 Dec 2020 - online

• 09.30-12.30 | 3 Feb 2021 (down the hill)

• 10.00-13.00 | 13 May 2021 (up the hill)

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.

• 10.00-13.00 | 6 Nov 2020 - online
• 10.00-16.00 | 9 Feb 2021
• 10.00-16.00 | 19 May 2021

telling stories that matter: one-to-one coaching 

OPEN TO ATTENDEES OF 'TELLING STORIES THAT MATTER' WORKSHOPS IN FIRST INSTANCE: Book a half hour Skype session of individual coaching and feedback on your presentation/storytelling work, whether you want to develop a story for an event, practice a presentation, craft/edit a piece of written/filmed work (e.g. blog, article, vlog, video) and/or develop public speaking skills.

• 13.00-17.00 | 02 June 2021

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.

• 09.30-12.30 | 16 Oct 2020 - online
• 09.30-12.30 | 24 Nov 2020 - online
• 09.30-16.30 | 02 Mar 2021
• 09.30-16.30 | 08 Jun 2021 

Podcasting one-to-one coaching sessions 

Book a half hour Skype session of individual coaching and feedback on your podcasting work, from technical tips to journalistic insight in to editing and identifying stories.

• 13.00-17.00 | 08 Dec 2020
• 13.00-17.00 | 16 Mar 2021
• 13.00-17.00 | 22 Jun 2021

Beyond Communications: effective two-way engagement

In this introductory session you will explore how to introduce opportunities to transform your public engagement in to a rich, two-way, interactive experience. Dialogue and debate are valuable approaches to move beyond communication. It can provide the means to make any informative activity more engaging for those taking park. The session will highlight examples, practical tips and provide the opportunity for you to start to develop your own ideas and plans.

• 09.30-12.30 | 12 Nov 2020 - online
• 09.30-12.30 | 25 Feb 2021
• 09.30-12.30 | 03 Jun 2021

Booking

To browse all sessions and book, visit the training and development pages here.

Training from around the University