COMPASS' Engagement Training Experience

Since 1999 COMPASS has trained thousands of environmental scientists to be more effective communicators, and connected hundreds of scientists to share their insights with journalists and policymakers. This presentation, based on  COMPASS’ extensive experience empowering scientists with communication training and advice around the United States, will explore what motivations scientists describe as driving their participation in communications workshops or their efforts to engage with the media or policymakers. The presentation will highlight the development of –and researchers’ reactions to– their training experiences which include exploring the societal relevance of their science, understanding the journalism and policy cultures, and undergoing practice and real world engagement scenarios.