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Internship bridges gap between scientific research and the community

Posted: October 12, 2023

By: Jocelyn Adams Moss

A group of four people stand on a stairwell with one person seated Recipients of the John Dingle Science Communication Internship

Science communication is a critical skill, serving as a bridge between scientific research and the community. It impacts how we exchange knowledge, strengthens decision-making, and promotes a deeper understanding of the natural world.

At HÂş»­, the Faculty of Science continues to prioritize the importance of science communication, not only as a skill but as a valuable career opportunity for the next generation of scientists through the John Dingle Science Communication Internship program.

“The knowledge gained from the process of science is only useful if it is shared broadly with the public, in a way that is accessible and relatable,†says Dr. Leanne Stevens, associate dean academic (acting). “The ability to communicate science is a skill that is essential for our students regardless of their career paths — whether students are speaking to patients in a clinical setting, explaining the importance of their research to granting agencies or inspiring the next generation to pursue science — effective communication is key for community connection and engagement.â€

Now in its third year, the 10-week summer internship — funded with generous support from the Dingle family — provides a unique opportunity to four undergraduate science students interested in exploring science communication.

This year, 70 science students applied to the internship. The four successful applicants were matched with units from the Dal Science community, including the ,Ìı,Ìıthe Department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and a new Medical Sciences initiative called Inclusive Pathways to Medical ProfessionsÌı(±õ±Ê²Ñ±Ê).

The internship also provides a rich experience for host units. “The internship helped us to reimagine how we might communicate the successes of the research training program and highlight the science and people achieving it,†says Nazanin Omidvar, CREATE BioActives program coordinator.

As a part of the internship, students participated in a week of training, exploring workshops in areas such as knowledge translation, digital marketing and written communications.

Hear what this year’s interns had to say about the program:
Caliyena Brown – Ocean Tracking Network

Harshita Pasumarthi, CREATE BioActives

Lamisa Rahman,ÌıInclusive Pathways to Medical Professions (IPMP)

Adam Sykes,ÌıDepartment of Earth and Environmental Sciences