Workshop Content
This section describes three set workshops that I've developed and delivered over the past five years, evolving each per successive delivery to keep things relevant and current and incorporate feedback from workshop participants. I am very happy to design and co-design & deliver and co-deliver other bespoke workshops with and for you.
Socially Responsible Science Practice
The content of undergraduate science education across the world, at all levels, typically focuses on natural scientific phenomena, laboratory-based technique, and quantitative research skills. These have been the foundations of the exponential advancement of science since the inception of such courses. What lacks in many Life Science-based degrees is a component of critical and reflective thought around research ethics and integrity, or any element in social studies and/or sociology.
This Socially Responsible Science Practice workshop is designed specifically for scientists and science communicators (and anyone else interested in the subject matter) to empower them to become better reflective and critical thinkers especially when it comes to their research design and implementation, and it's long-term impacts, as well as the underpinnings of their practice as scientists.
Equitable Science Communication and Global Health Reporting
The storyteller’s voice in scientific research and global health, comprising reflective and critical thought and evidence-informed opinion, is a highly powerful tool in shaping narratives within communications and reporting. These voices are relied upon by a general population who might not always necessarily understand the niche terminologies, contexts, and nuances of scientific and healthcare data and outcomes. This is further complicated by the storyteller’s power to craft specific narratives that can evoke a range of emotions by consumers of this content. Accurate, objective, and well-evidenced storytelling is critical to an equitable communication practice.
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This workshop explores the importance of accurate science and healthcare communication, using several case studies to demonstrate how inaccuracy often results not only in the spread of misinformation but also of colonialist narratives. The primary case study examines how many Western digital media outlets irresponsibly reported on Covid-19 and the African continent over a three-year period, analysing the patterns of rhetoric and discourse. This analysis forms the foundation for a ‘best practice’ framework around science communication in the context of research and global health narratives.
Creating and Maintaining Inclusive Work Spaces
This workshop addresses why we need to go beyond merely desiring equality, diversity, and inclusion in work places; and how we need to ensure that we foster healthy and just working environments that are genuinely welcoming to a diverse workforce we are seeking to recruit. Most importantly, how we ensure that healthy working environments are maintained in the longterm.
How we do we hold space for these conversations and ensure that they go beyond talk into action? How do we also hold space for our own growth, accountability, and wellbeing whilst doing this important work? This workshop uses case studies from the literature as well as from personal lived experience to connect with participants and provide relevant and tangible provocations and recommendations.