A three-part webinar series will explore the latest research into best practices for science communication, as well as offering a forum for agents and professionals to dialogue about successes and challenges in communicating science in their outreach.

Hosted by Katie Sanders, assistant professor of Agricultural and human sciences and Extension specialist of food systems communication, the online talks will include the following topics:

• Foundations of Science Communication, July 2, at 11 a.m. This webinar will discuss foundational models and frameworks for science communication. We will also explore the role of trust and values in communicating science as well as barriers faced by agents when engaging in science communication work.
• Moving Toward Participatory Science Communication, July 23, at 11 a.m. This webinar will explore new methods of participatory science communication, as well as best practices for connecting with diverse audiences and framing your message.
• Communicating Contentious Issues, Aug. 20, at 11 a.m. This webinar will discuss best practices for communicating about contentious issues, diving into a case study around gene editing and biotechnology.

“This webinar series is for agents, educators and other Extension professionals who want to learn more about the current best practices for communicating science, as well as offer a forum for dialogue about successes and challenges agents face when communicating science in their extension work,” says Sanders. “I’m hoping this will bring a generative dialogue about the ways in which we can enhance NC Cooperative Extension’s science communication and outreach efforts through the work we do every day!”

Extension employees may register through this link. Non-Extension NC State employees interested in attending should email Sanders at catherine_sanders@ncsu.edu.