Training for Researchers and DPhil Students

Our public engagement with research training sessions are free and designed 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) in both the MPLS and Medical Sciences Divisions. 

Sessions are available to book from 0th Week of Michaelmas term via the Training pages.

ONLINE INTRO TO Public engagement with research

 Click here to take a look at our online course. You can complete this in your own time and at your own pace.

Getting Started in Public AND COMMUNITY Engagement with Research

Engagement describes the ways in which we can share our research and its value by interacting with wider public audiences, generating mutual benefit.

In this introductory session tailored to those new to engagement, 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, and provide tips on getting started and where to get support.

Michaelmas: Thursday 30th October 2025 2-3pm, Online

Hilary: Thursday 5th March 2026 2-3pm Online

Trinity: Thursday 11th June 2025 2-3pm Online

Ideas to Action: Effective Public Engagement with Research

Ready to bring your engagement idea to life? This 3-hour session is tailored to those looking to explore evidence-based strategies for designing activities/events, apply for PER funding, or get practical tips for organising an activity.

Trinity: Thursday 14th May 2026 1-4pm Online

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.

Dates are preliminary:

Michaelmas: Thursday 6th November 2025 10am-4pm In person

Hilary: Thursday 19th March 2026 10am-4pm In person

Trinity: Thursday 28th May 10am-1pm Online

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.

Michaelmas: Thursday 20th November 2025 9:30am-4:30pm In person

Hilary: Thursday 29th January 2026 9:30am-12:30pm Online

Trinity: Thursday 21st May 2026 9:30-4:30 In person

Interviewing for Podcasts

You are behind the mic, ready to record your first podcast ... but wait! What do you ask? This hands-on training session helps you navigate the world of podcast interviews. The session will cover preparing for interviews, creating a question line, finding your authentic voice and active listening.

Participants will be paired up and asked to conduct short interviews with a fellow participant which will be recorded over Zoom. As a group we'll listen back to them and workshop the interviews for constructive feedback.

This course is aimed at anyone looking at working on interviewing skills as a presenter but is also useful to those asked to be a guest on a podcast.

Attendance on the 'Podcast Your Science' session might be useful but is not a requirement to attend this session.

Michaelmas: Thursday 4th December 2025 9:30-12:30pm Online

Hilary: Thursday 22nd January 2026 9:30-12:30pm Online

Trinity: Thursday 4th June 9:30-12:30pm Online

Hands-on Science ENGAGEMENT

Dive into the world of experiential learning with our immersive course, 'Hands-On Science.' This program is designed to equip you with the practical skills and insights needed to effectively communicate your research through engaging desktop activities.

Uncover the art of facilitating interactive science demonstrations that captivate and educate. Learn the pivotal elements of event design and planning specifically tailored for public engagement activities. By the end of this course, you'll not only have a repertoire of engaging activities at your disposal, but you'll also possess the skills to thoughtfully design, execute, and adapt events that leave lasting impressions.

Michaelmas: Thursday 13th November 2024 1-4pm In person

Engaging with Controversial and Sensitive Topics

Engaging with sensitive or controversial topics in research requires a thoughtful and strategic approach, especially when communicating with diverse audience groups.

In this interactive online session, Science Communicator Hana Ayoob will take us through the importance of engaging with these topics, aiming to equip researchers with the skills and knowledge to engage confidently in an empathetic and effective way.

This session is relevant to scientists across the sciences, and will explore topics ranging from the use of animals in research, to nuclear power, and topics arising from your research area.

Upon completion of the course, participants will be well-prepared to engage with sensitivity and confidence on controversial topics, contributing to a more inclusive and informed public discourse within their respective fields.

Hilary: Thursday 12th February 2026 1-3.30pm

Sci-Comm Skills Lab

You’ve got interesting cutting-edge research and it’s time to share it with the world. But how do you make it land with people outside your field? This interactive session dives into the craft of science communication. We’ll explore how to shape your message, frame your story, and speak with clarity and confidence.

Through practical exercises and group discussion, you’ll test out tools and techniques designed to communicate with clarity, build trust and spark dialogue. Whether you're presenting at public events, engaging with journalists, or posting on social media, this course helps you to translate complex ideas into compelling stories that stick.

Hilary: Thursday 5th February 2026 10am-4pm

Three Minute Thesis Competition

An 80,000 word thesis would take 9 hours to present; how about in just 3 minutes with the aid of a single slide?

Each year we invite DPhil students to take part in the competition. There is training and guidance provided. Winners and runners up receive prizes.

For more information, visit the 3MT webpage.

Booking

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

Training from around the University