The majority of scientists engage with public audiences about STEM topics, and there are ways to increase the efficacy of engagement using data from the learning and communication sciences. However, these best practices are rarely taught in graduate training programs. This curriculum gap has consequences not only for public engagement, but also for professional development. Public engagement builds skills that are fundamental to professional success, including enhanced communication, teaching, and leadership skills and enriched understanding of one’s own research and field. In this workshop, we provide context for STEM public engagement and science communication; think about and practice engagement / communication as a strategic act to achieve specific goals; share resources and opportunities to engage locally; and begin to build public engagement materials.
