2016 Science Communication Course

2016 Solicitation Closed

Tired of the blank stares after you’ve just explained your life’s work?

If you’ve answered yes, then apply for this year’s Science Communication at NASA course. Developed by NASA’s Office of the Chief Scientist, it’s an agency-wide leadership development course that is a cornerstone in the agency’s effort to cultivate and support science communicators just like you.
Past participants have told us:

• I took everything I learned in that Science Communication 3-day course and applied it to this Flight Readiness Review. The result was my most fun, best FRR yet.
• Thanks to your course I have started working with (another participant from my Center) on blogging and social media strategies. We are also talking about how we can work better across the divisions and combine our science.
• That workshop was amazing! I’ve been through a few leadership/training workshops in and outside the agency, and I honestly believe this is the best one I’ve taken.

This course is currently available for civil servant scientists, engineers, and technologists with an interest and responsibility for communicating their work to both internal and external audiences, from staff meetings to documentaries, and everything in between. This is more than just a skills course; it is a course that addresses the over-arching culture of science communication at NASA as well as the opportunities and challenges therein

Offering: Course offered November 29 to December 2, 2016 at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. Space is limited to predetermined allocations.

Application Process: Interested applicants must complete and submit an application (see below) by October 17, 2016 to HQ-SciComm@mail.nasa.gov. It is anticipated that, by November 4, 2016, the Headquarters Office of the Chief Scientist will evaluate applications, select and notify participants and alternates.

Funding: Agency-funded offering. All travel costs must be covered by the participant’s Center. Goddard POCs are available to help with lodging and transportation recommendations.

Frequently Asked Questions

I am not a civil servant. Can I apply?
Thank you for your interest in this program. The course is currently only available to civil servants.

I am not a scientist. Can I apply?
While this course is certainly tailored to scientists, we encourage all interested individuals who meet the eligibility criteria to apply.

The application asks for a current research project. I am a manager and don’t have a current research project. Can I apply?
While this course is certainly tailored to scientists with a specific research topic in mind, we encourage all interested individuals who meet the eligibility criteria to apply. If it helps, you may want to think about a science story that you are interested in sharing – either within NASA, within government, or to a broader audience. The course is designed to help individuals communicate their story, regardless of their specific technical background.

How many candidates will be selected from Ames?
The Headquarters Office of Chief Scientist will determine allotments based on the total number and distribution of applications.

Application

All applicants must complete the attached form and submit it to HQ-SciComm@mail.nasa.gov absolutely no later than COB October 17, 2016 solicitation closed.