FameLab International Australia Training Plan

This suggested training plan was kindly developed and shared by our the FameLab International partner in Australia – The Museum of Western Australia. You may use this or use it as an example to develop a plan that best works for you and your organisation.

Training for FameLab participants

Applicants, semi-finalists and finalists will receive free, specialist science communication training at various points through the FameLab competition:

■ All qualified applicants will be invited to a 90-minute online science communication workshop.

■ Tailored science communication training will be delivered to all semi-finalists.

■ Masterclasses in science communication will be delivered to the 12 finalists.

■ The 12 finalists will be invited to Perth to participate an immersive 3-day science communication program, culminating in the live FameLab Finals event. A 1.5day workshop will cover a range of advanced science communication topics, delivered by various speakers and trainers. The Perth program will also include networking and social opportunities with the finalists, guests, and the broader Perth science community.

1. Qualified applicants will receive a 90-minute workshop, covering general information about science communication and FameLab e.g.

– Introduction to FameLab

– Importance of science communication

History of science communication

– Presentation basics

– Dealing with nerves

Science capital

– Being strategic – knowing your purpose, audience, and message

– Writing (scripting) a presentation – structure, storytelling

2. Semi-finalists will receive tailored communication training prior to their semi-finals. Training will focus on key areas relevant to early career scientists and their participation in FameLab e.g.

– A strategic approach to SciComm: Understanding the audience, crafting the key message, striving for a specific outcome

– The importance of FameLab’s judging criteria – the three Cs: content, clarity, charisma

– History and importance of science communication

– Presenting to an unspecialised audience

– Specific presentation skills – voice control, body language, tech checks, and using props – focussed primarily on online presentations

– Media training and interview skills

Dealing with nerves

3. The 12 finalists will receive additional Masterclass science communication training. e.g.

– In-depth communication strategies, from purposedriven, in-person presentations to social media

Structure of content and storytelling

– History of science scepticism

– Misinformation and disinformation: a post-truth era?

Additional media training and interview skills – TV, radio, press, social media and podcasts

– Finding your global advocacy – what’s your cause?

– Adding interest, colour and energy

Presentation skills – primarily focused on live presenting

4. The Perth workshops for finalists could include:

– Science scepticism and communicating with modern audiences

Leveraging SciComm exposure for research projects and personal profile-building

– The role of SciComm in activist science

– You’re a FameLab finalist – what’s next? Insights from a past winner.

ChatGPT and SciComm – how will AI impact science communication?

– The importance of listening in communication

– Being put on the spot: dealing

Appendix 6