Science Communication | 2026

Training Series | Application

Facilitated by Jive Media Africa

Invitation to apply for science communication and research engagement training

The Division for Research Development (DRD) is offering a science communication and research engagement training programme to early career academics currently part of the Early Career Academic Development (ECAD) Programme.

This training series, happening from April till July 2026, is designed to help researchers progressively build skills and competencies for science communication and research engagement to advance in their academic careers and communicate their work more effectively.

The training workshops will be facilitated by Jive Media Africa, an award-winning specialist communications agency with a focus on science and research with over 20 years of experience in innovative media production and cutting-edge researcher training.

IMPORTANT:

LIMITED SPACE IS AVAILABLE - this training series will accommodate 15 early career academics from Stellenbosch University. Please complete the application form and provide a motivation to express your interest in applying by the 30th of April 2026.

For email enquiries about applications, write to: Lerissa Fourie | lerissa@sun.ac.za

Apply here

About the training course:

Workshop 1: Research engagement strategy (in-person)

Perfect the art of sharing your research/science with an impactful engagement plan.

Description:

Discover the essentials of a powerful research engagement strategy in this practical course. Learn what science communication really means, explore inspiring examples, and define your own personal communication goals. Then use our tried and tested methodologies to shape a strategy that delivers not just engagement, but real impact, for any topic or audience.

Learning Outcomes:

A clear understanding of science communication and why strategy matters
A simple framework to measure and improve communication efforts
A draft engagement strategy tailored to your research context

Workshop 2: Popular Writing (online)

Storify your science by perfecting the art of writing for the public with words that work.

Description:

Academic publications are essential, but not enough when it comes to public engagement. This hands-on course equips research teams with the skills to translate complex work into plain-language stories that connect. Participants learn the principles of popular science writing and apply them to produce a professionally designed one-pager or poster that can be shared across digital platforms, with the media, or with stakeholders. Ideal for institutional comms strategies, this training builds capacity for broader impact and equips researchers to better meet engagement and dissemination goals.

Learning Outcomes:

A practical understanding of how to shift from academic to public-friendly communication.
Storytelling techniques, including narrative structure and audience-first framing.
A professionally edited and designed one-page summary, research profile or poster, ready for publication, media use, or stakeholder engagement.

Workshop 3: Build your Research Brand (online)

Discover the art of enhancing your professional researcher profile.

Description:

Who is brand YOU? This energetic, practical workshop shows researchers how to build a fresh, cohesive personal brand that pops online and in person. Learn how to craft a compelling narrative, present yourself with clarity and confidence, and make your work impossible to ignore. Gain tools to connect with audiences, decision-makers, and funders, and measure the impact of your brand over time.

Learning Outcomes:

A clear understanding of what a researcher brand is, and why it matters
A step-by-step guide to building your brand and shaping your story
A first draft of your personal brand narrative
Tips on sharing your profile across platforms like The Conversation
New ways to track and grow the impact of your personal brand

Workshop 4: Media Mastery (online)

Harness the power of the media by learning the art of using journalism to amplify your research.

Description:

Take your research from lab notes to headlines. This practical, media-focused course gives you the tools to engage with journalists, shape your message, and speak with confidence. You’ll build a fresh media strategy, practice real-world interviews, and learn how to make your work pop in the public eye boosting its impact across platforms.

Learning Outcomes:

A clear understanding of today’s media landscape
A strategy to communicate your research with purpose and precision
Skills to tailor your message and respond to media with confidence
Hands-on experience through mock interviews with media professionals

Workshop 5: Spark Talks (in-person)

Get your work heard by the right people by perfecting the art of a spark talk.

Description:

What if you had just 3 minutes to shine to make your research irresistible to funders, collaborators or investors? This fast-paced, practical course helps you craft a fresh, compelling pitch that grabs attention and delivers results. Learn how to communicate your work with clarity, confidence and a clear call to action, then capture it on video for use across your professional network.

Learning Outcomes:

A proven structure for a high-impact elevator pitch
Pitching techniques that connect with the right people, fast
Tools to lead with confidence and purpose
A polished video of your pitch ready for funding applications, media, or chance meetings

The training series will conclude with a final in-person event featuring the awarding of certificates and the launch of a magazine that profiles the participating researchers and showcases the outputs produced during the programme.

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