ERI Seminar Series: “Advancing your science communication practice with evaluation”

Abstract:

As researchers, universities and funding organizations increasingly recognize the important role of public engagement in research, more and more researchers are taking up the call to communicate about science. However, other research and teaching obligations limit the time and resources available to invest in science communication efforts, making the effectiveness of these efforts a key concern. Evaluation can not only assess the effectiveness of science communication efforts, but can also be used for learning from and improving efforts, as well as for strategizing, planning, and managing projects and programs, and as a mechanism to lobby for institutional support. However, to the time-limited researcher or novice to science communication, taking the next step to evaluate their activities can seem daunting. My research focuses on making evaluation of science communication more feasible, useful, and practice-able. I will share theory- based, actionable methods for incorporating evaluation into science communication practice, whether you are interested in evaluating your own activities or prefer to work with a professional, and highlight how evaluation can support your science communication and help meet your goals.

Biography:

Jessica Rohde is a PhD Candidate at Victoria University of Wellington School of Science and Society where her research is focused on evaluation of science communication. While earning her M.S. in Aquatic and Fishery Sciences the University of Washington she discovered her calling for science communication by giving a public talk on her salmon migration research. She then taught graduate level course in science communication and led a collaboration with the course’s students to crowdfund an evaluation the course and publish the evaluation. Her current research aims to make evaluation more accessible, useful and practice-able for both science communicators and scientist-communicators.