Science Communication Initiative

Need help?

K-State has many experts and resources available to help faculty, staff, and students who are interested in communicating science and research to public audiences.

  • Broader impacts requirements can seem daunting, but KSCI can help with the following areas:

    • Facilitating connections to appropriate education or outreach programs to coordinate with a research activity;
    • Assisting with advertising and recruiting students for education/outreach activities through partner programs;
    • Letters of support for inclusion in grant proposals stating services provided by KSCI (a demonstration of institutional support); and
    • Other communication strategies and tactics (see below!)
  • News releases or videos can help communicate your research accomplishments to wider audiences. To discuss possibilities for having help in creating written news releases, research spotlights, or video promotions of your work, reach out to jaenlle@ksu.edu.

  • Communication training can help you get started with basic messaging and storytelling exercises. Check for training sessions offered through the Office of Research Development.

  • Media training can help you learn how to prepare for and practice interviews with reporters. Contact Jennifer Tidball from the Division of Communications at jtidball@ksu.edu and Marketing or Jason Hackett from K-State Research and Extension at jhackett@ksu.edu to schedule training for a group or class.

  • Improv exercises can help you learn to focus and relax when communicating, build on the ideas of others, generate new approaches to communicating your messages, and more. Contact Sally Bailey, director of the drama therapy program, at sdbailey@ksu.edu to schedule a session for a group or class.

  • Visual Thinking Strategies can help you learn to communicate visually and use visuals to help a group build skills in discussion and critical thinking. The technique has been used in medical and nursing skills as well as with students from the K-State College of Veterinary Medicine to help develop diagnostic skills. Paying closer attention to visuals also enhances research/science presentations to both expert and non-expert audiences. Contact Linda Duke from the Beach Museum of Art at lduke@ksu.edu to schedule activities for a group or class.