February 11, 2020
Update: Due to COVID-19, #SciCommMake is going virtual! The match-making session is April 20, 2020.
Media Contact:
Heather Thorstensen
Manager of Communications
Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society
hthorstensen@sigmaxi.org or (919) 549-4691 ext. 216
RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC—Attendees of Science Talk ’20 from March 26–27 in Portland, Oregon, will be the first to experience a new competition at the conference, #SciCommMake. The competition will form teams of scientists and artists while providing them with expert advice and the chance to win funding to create projects that share evidence-based scientific research findings with non-traditional scientific audiences.
#SciCommMake will be hosted by Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society in partnership with Science Talk. Sigma Xi’s members are scientists and engineers, and part of the Society’s mission is to promote the public understanding of science.
“We’re looking for accessible science communication products that introduce science, and the excitement of discovery, in new and engaging ways,” said Jamie Vernon, Sigma Xi executive director and CEO.
#SciCommMake will take place from March 25–27. Scientists and artists will participate in a matchmaking session to find partners and develop a project concept. Teams will meet with researchers for feedback on their project concepts, and then the teams will pitch their ideas to a panel of judges. Two teams will be selected to receive $1,000 each to complete their projects, thanks to support from Burroughs Wellcome Fund. The two teams will have seven months to create and test their products, which will be featured at the Sigma Xi Annual Meeting and Student Research Conference from November 5–8, 2020, in Alexandria, Virginia, particularly during a public science day. In addition to the prize money, registration and travel expenses to the Sigma Xi conference will be provided for up to two members from each team. Products will also be featured at the Science Talk ’21 conference in Portland, Oregon.
People who are interested in participating in #SciCommMake should fill out the sign-up form.
More about Science Talk: Science Talk is a professional society that empowers and inspires the science communication community to expand their communication potential and affect the world. Science Talk provides professional development and networking opportunities through annual conferences, blogs, community discussions, online courses, and more. www.sciencetalk.org. On Twitter: @ScienceTalkOrg.