Science communication is spreading! Invasive biology researchers get a competitive advantage

Healthy and robust ecosystems are essential for the health and wellbeing of the planet. That’s why Jive Media Africa is thrilled to be working with the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology. The principal aim of the Centre’s work is to reduce the rates and impacts of biological invasions by furthering scientific understanding. Engaging with communities affected by these issues is a critical part of this process and Jive Media Africa’s science communication training bridges the gap between researchers and the various stakeholders who have the potential to impact on invasion issues.

Many of our critically important eco-systems are under threat from invasive alien species which displace native species and disrupt ecosystems. However, invasive species can sometimes provide livelihoods and other benefits. Developing solutions to these issues requires engagement between experts and affected communities. Jive Media has been working closely with researchers from the DST-NRF Centre of Excellence for Invasion Biology to develop skills for effectively translating their science for public audiences. Jive Media Africa’s engaging training program explores why science communication is so crucial and discusses the barriers to effective communication. Trainees are equipped with presentation skills applicable in radio and television and trained to deliver short science presentations maintaining audience interest with expert storytelling and physical performance techniques. Participants of the training also prepared short popular articles, which can be used in a variety of contexts for publicising their work. 

The trainings took place at the University of Pretoria and the University of Stellenbosch and included scientists working on a broad range of species from trout to freshwater crayfish and from acacias to grasses. and rodents to frogs. Jive Media Africa is sought after to help scientists and science organisations get creative about engaging public audiences with their research. Contact us to find out more about our science communication and science engagement training. https://jivemedia.co.za/jive-science/