Expand Your Broader Impact Skills: AIBS Communications Boot Camp for Scientists

Dear Colleague, Rarely has the need for effective and influential communication about science been more important than it is today. Politicians and political interests are redefining and reinterpreting science—with great persistence and impact. The public is routinely asked to make decisions about matters informed by science. The news media is endeavoring to share increasingly complex stories about science with the public. The majority of the public still respect scientists and value science, but they often find it challenging to discern who and what is legitimate. Simply adding to the noise will not provide individuals with the understanding they need to inform their deliberations and decisions. Scientists must become more skilled at communicating in impactful ways. As called for by many sources, the time for business as usual has passed. There is a real and immediate need for scientists to become effective and engaged communicators. The American Institute of Biological Sciences (AIBS) is responding to this need by offering scientists a professional development opportunity. The AIBS Communications Training Boot Camp for Scientists expands on our highly successful media and science policy training workshops. The program meets the needs of everyone from graduate students to senior researchers and program administrators. AIBS is the scientific organization that promotes the use of science to inform decision-making that advances biology for the benefit of science and society. AIBS has a long and successful track record of engaging, informing, and influencing the public and science policy decision-makers. Our audiences include members of Congress, federal agency heads and program managers, state officials, and university administrators. In addition to working directly with these groups, we routinely engage the public through traditional and digital media. Our staff members have used their decades of science policy and communications experience to develop training materials and resources that provide scientists with the skills needed to successfully communicate about their research with decision-makers and reporters. To date, AIBS has trained more than 1,300 scientists. AIBS Communications Boot Camp The Boot Camp is an intensive, two-day, hands-on training program in Washington, DC. Participants will learn: How to translate scientific findings for non-technical audiences How to tell a resonant story that informs decision-makers How to prepare for and participate in a news interview How to prepare for and engage in a meeting with a decision-maker How to protect your scientific reputation How to identify and define the audience you need to reach What policymakers want and need to know from a scientist What reporters are looking for in an interview How to leverage social media How the nation’s science policy is developed and implemented Participants will have the opportunity for formal and informal discussions with science policy and communications experts working in Washington, DC. Read the course outline. Dates: October 9–10, 2017 Location: AIBS Washington, DC, Offices, 1201 New York Avenue, NW, Suite 420, Washington, DC 20005 Cost: The registration fee covers instruction, materials and resources, breakfast and lunch during the program, and a reception on October 9th. Transportation and lodging are not included, but AIBS can offer recommendations about lodging options.  $440/person      AIBS Individual Members. The course is not tax deductible, but a portion of an individual AIBS membership is tax deductible. A non-refundable $100 deposit is required at the time of registration. Join or renew now. $440/person Individuals officially nominated to participate by an AIBS Member Society or Organization (MSO) in good standing. A non-refundable $100 deposit is due at the time of registration. $495/person Individuals who are not AIBS members or nominated by an AIBS MSO. A $100 deposit is due at the time of registration.Join AIBS now to save $55.00. Group Discount: For any group or organization that sponsors the participation of four or more individuals, the registration rate will be reduced by $30/participant in the group. Please contact jpalakovichcarr@aibs.org for details. Register now: https://www.aibs.org/public-policy/communications_boot_camp.html We look forward to seeing you in October! Sincerely, Robert Gropp, Ph.D. Co-Executive Director