Science Communication Fellows Program

The Science Communication Fellows Program provides training to scientists and researchers to improve their science communication, especially in an informal science education setting. Fellows build their capacity for science communication by participating in five professional development workshops as well as three NHMU public programs. 

About the SCFP 2024 Workshops

Fellows participate in five professional development workshops focused on building the skills to effectively engage public audiences. Scientists refine key messages related to their areas of expertise and practice simple techniques for talking science with non-scientists.

Workshop 1

Wednesday, February 21, 2024 from 5:30-8:30pm

at Natural History Museum of Utah (Naturalist Lab)

One-on-One Meeting 1

Meet once on one of the following dates in person or on ZOOM:

Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Thursday, February 29, 2024
Friday, March 1, 2024
Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Thursday, March 7, 2024
Friday, March 8, 2024

Monday, March 11, 2024
Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Workshop 2

Wednesday, March 13, 2024 from 5:30-8:30pm

at Natural History Museum of Utah (Naturalist Lab)

Workshop 3

Wednesday, March 20, 2024 from 5:30-8:30pm

at Natural History Museum of Utah (Naturalist Lab)

Workshop 4

Wednesday, March 27, 2024 from 5:30-8:30pm

at Natural History Museum of Utah (Naturalist Lab)

Workshop 5

Wednesday, April 3, 2024 from 5:30-8:30pm

at Natural History Museum of Utah (Naturalist Lab)

One-on-One Meeting 2

Meet one-on-one within 4-6 weeks of your first public program to discuss it either in person or on ZOOM.

Who Should Sign Up?

We’re looking for graduate students, professors, scientists, researchers, and other science-based professionals who are committed to bridging the gap between the scientific community and the general public.  Fellows must be able to attend all five workshops, both One-on-One Meetings, and participate in all three public programs.

About the SCFP Public Programs

Fellows participate in two Scientist in the Spotlight programs and one Science Cafe event.  

Scientist in the Spotlight Program

Fellows will provide the general public with a window into their current research by telling stories and showcasing their field equipment, lab tools, and research specimens in an informal, open-house, face-to-face environment.

Science Café Program

Fellows will present their current research in an informal Ted Talk-like format. 

Why Participate?

For many members of the general public, scientific research and the development of new technology are the exclusive domains of scientists and engineers. Many people have never met or had a conversation with a working scientist, and thus feel no personal connection to science at all.

Face-to-face interactions between scientists and public audiences are important opportunities for improving public awareness and understanding of current scientific research and its application. They also increase public appreciation of the individuals who work in science-based fields. Informal science education institutions are uniquely qualified to facilitate such interactions in ways that create positive impacts for all parties involved.

Learn more about the SCFP impacts on participating scientists, public audiences, and the museum.

Fellow Benefits

  • Enhance your science communication skills in a dynamic, engaging, and participatory workshop setting.
  • Develop a hands-on educational activity which you can use in multiple educational settings beyond the Natural History Museum of Utah.
  • Receive documentation suitable for sharing with supervisors and for grant reporting.
  • Network with scientists amd museum professionals invested in science communication and public engagement.

Past Fellows

Past fellows have included undergraduate, postgraduate and PhD students, Research Assistants, PostDocs, Fellows, Collections Managers, Faculty, Science Museum Professionals, Working Professionals from Government agencies, and more.

A few out of the many fields that have been represented are Biochemistry, Anthropology, Physics & Astronomy, Botany, Mathematics, Genetics, Geology & Geophysics, and Ecology.

More Information

Applications are now closed. Please check back in 2025.