Faculty Panel: Communicating Research to the Public

For academics, explaining the depth and complexity of their specialized research to those outside their discipline or the general public can be a significant challenge. However, effectively communicating your research is crucial for academic success.

This webinar will explore strategies for communicating your research effectively, including:

• Identifying your key messages: Clearly and concisely articulating the significance and impact of your work.
• Adapting your communication style: Tailoring your message to different audiences, from policymakers to the general public.
• Handling challenging questions: Developing confident and insightful responses to critical inquiries.
• Building your public profile: Leveraging various channels to share your research with the world.

The session will feature brief opening remarks from our esteemed panelists followed by a facilitated discussion and Q&A.

Facilitators

Moderator: Genevieve Creighton (She/Her), PhD, Knowledge Exchange Manager for the UBC Office of the Vice President Research & Innovation.

Panelists:

Dr. Anna Blakney is an Assistant Professor at the University of British Columbia, where she leads a research program at the forefront of RNA therapeutics. Building upon her doctoral work in Bioengineering and postdoctoral research at Imperial College London, Dr. Blakney's lab employs a multidisciplinary approach to engineer innovative RNA vaccines and therapies. Her expertise spans bioengineering, molecular biology, and immunology, enabling her team to develop cutting-edge solutions to address pressing global health challenges. Beyond her groundbreaking research, Dr. Blakney is a passionate advocate for science communication. Her engaging TikTok channel has garnered a massive following, reaching millions with accessible and informative content about RNA biotechnology. Through her platform, Dr. Blakney effectively demystifies complex scientific concepts, inspiring a new generation of scientists and fostering a deeper public understanding of this transformative field.

Dr. Andrew Trites is a Professor and Director of the Marine Mammal Research Unit at UBC's Institute for the Oceans and Fisheries. He leads a research program focused on seals, sea lions, whales, and dolphins. Known for his work in marine mammal ecology and conservation, Dr. Trites is frequently called upon to share his research findings and provide expert opinion. His media appearances span television, newspaper articles, magazines, radio, books, and public presentations. His engagement with media and his ability to make complex ecological concepts accessible has helped him reach audiences around the world.

Dr. Priti Narayan is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Geography at UBC. Dr. Narayan's research explores the intersection of urban development and state-society relations in India, particularly in Chennai. Using ethnographic and archival methods, she examines how residents navigate the complexities of urban change, including slum evictions, by engaging with local authorities and activists. Her work is informed by struggles for tenure security in the city, and engages in the politics of knowledge production and the potential for scholarship to influence public discourse. Dr. Narayan also contributes to public scholarship, frequently collaborating with organizers to write about labour and urban development in outlets like The Times of India, The Hindu, OpenDemocracy, and Kafila.