UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Institute of Energy and the Environment is hosting a facilitated science communication panel discussion aimed at helping researchers improve how they communicate about their work. The event, titled “Science Communication: How to Connect, Get Noticed, and Get Funded,” will occur at 1:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 4, in 134 HUB-Robeson Center. The event will also be available online. Those attending online must register. The event is free and open to the public. 

“Successful researchers are often successful communicators,” said Bruce Logan, IEE director. “Being able to accurately and concisely communicate about your work is an essential skill. It allows others to understand its value and impact. Good communication can also separate your proposal from your competitor’s and lead to external funding.” 

The panel will feature an interdisciplinary team of researchers that was awarded a 2023 IEE seed grant. The team comprises Christine Kirchhoff, associate professor of civil and environmental engineering in the College of Engineering; Kimberly Van Meter, assistant professor of geography in the College of Earth and Mineral Sciences; and Hannah Wiseman, professor of law in Penn State Law and IEE faculty member. 

The event will feature discussions on language choice when communicating about research, team communications across disciplines and a discussion on developing a successful proposal. The panel discussion will be followed by time for questions from the audience. 

Faculty members, staff, postdoctoral students and graduate students are encouraged to participate in person.