Workshop for science teachers on Science Communication

CSIR-NIScPR (National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research) organised a day long workshop on Science Communication on 13 September 2023 at its Pusa Campus. The workshop was specially organised for teachers teaching science and more than fifty teachers joined the event. The workshop was attended by Ms Suman Aswal of The Indian School.

Shri C. B. Singh, Head, Jigyasa, Training and HR division of CSIR-NIScPR, delivered the welcome address. Dr Sharmishtha Banerjee, Professor, University of Hyderabad, was the chief guest and she emphasised on teaching interdisciplinary science to the students and shared the importance of teaching and thinking science in an integrated way rather than isolating and dividing it into physics, chemistry and biology. She shared various examples of how integration is the need of the hour and most research requires expertise in more than one subject. Giving examples of bio engineering, cell signaling and 3D printing, she highlighted the need for thinking about science in an integrated way.

Shri Hasan Jawaid Khan, Chief Scientist, CSIR-NIScPR and Editor of Science Reporter, gave a thought-provoking presentation on the responsibilities of a citizen. He shared several news items that were factually incorrect and scientifically wrong. He explained that people tend to believe what they see and read in the media. Since communication drives progress, it is very important that science communication is prompt and most importantly, accurate.

Ms Sonali Nagar, Associate Editor, Science Reporter, shared a presentation- Nuances of Popular Science Writing. She explained the basics of popular science writing with examples and anecdotes.

The workshop ended with a question answer session followed by certificate presentation. It was an excellent workshop which motivated the teachers to take the first step towards popular science writing.