Science Communication Programs

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As part of the SOT Strategic Plan and its focus on increasing communication skills among SOT members and increasing the Society’s influence through science communication, SOT has developed new programs focused on science communication opportunities.

SOT Science Communications Training Award

Designed to enhance members’ ability to effectively communicate and engage with audiences.

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SOT InTOXicating Science Talks

An innovative way to discuss and present scientific research and other toxicology topics.

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SOT Science Communications Training Workshops

Over a five-year period, SOT is partnering with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science to train members in the Alda Method© to enhance their ability to effectively communicate and engage with the public, with policymakers, and with fellow scientists.

Twice a year, SOT is sponsoring a virtual workshop titled “The Essentials,” which is the Alda Center’s core training program, for 24 participants each. All SOT members are eligible to participate in these three-hour virtual workshops, and spaces are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

2023 Workshop Dates

The virtual training workshops for 2023 will take place:

  • Monday, May 15
    10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (US EDT, UTC -4)
    Apply by April 1 for first consideration.
  • Friday, October 13
    10:00 AM to 1:00 PM (US EDT, UTC -4)
    Apply by September 1 for first consideration.

How to Apply

Spots in the science communications virtual training workshops are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Training workshop openings will be filled six to eight weeks before the scheduled training, so for the best chance of success, apply by April 1 for the May 2023 training workshop and September 1 for the October 2023 training workshop.

Apply Now

Applications can be submitted any time, as applicants will be placed on a waiting list for the next training. Once a training workshop is full, applicants not participating in that training will remain on the list for first consideration for the next training session.

About the Alda Method©

During the three-hour session, participants will:

  • develop strategies to connect and understand an audience
  • learn to set meaningful realistic communication goals
  • practice approaches to designing a message that will help others connect to you, your work, and why it matters

Rather than focusing on tactics and tips (i.e., do and don’t lists), the Alda Method centers around learning through experience, guided reflection, and peer feedback. This training is about transforming how participants think about communication, which gives them skills that can apply to all forms of communication and all topics, including science.

Please contact SOT Communications Director Michelle Werts with any questions.

InTOXicating Science Talks

SOT InTOXicating Science Talks highlight toxicology by capturing short (15 minutes or less) talks on video about the motivation behind and importance of the work being conducted by SOT members. These are not scientific presentations but an exploration of science through storytelling and relatable experiences. Essentially, SOT wants to showcase its members’ passion for toxicology!

View Recorded Talks

Participation Timeline

  • September 21, 2023: Submissions open.
  • November 30, 2023: Submissions deadline.
  • December 20, 2023: All applicants notified of results.
  • January 31, 2024: Selected speakers submit a video of their full presentation for feedback.
  • February 15, 2024: Feedback on the presentation is provided.
  • March 11, 2024: Selected speakers deliver their InTOXicating Science Talk during the SOT Annual Meeting and ToxExpo in Salt Lake City, Utah.

How to Participate

Create a three-minute-or-less video in which you provide a short preview of your InTOXicating Science Talk by showcasing your topic and the presentation style that you will use. The video quality of the submission is not important since submissions are not expected to be polished video productions.

The deadline to submit an InTOXicating Science Talk proposal is November 30, 2023.

Submit Proposal

Tips for Successful Submissions

  • Focus your talk on one aspect of your life or work.
  • Choose a topic that is new, surprising, interesting, or a twist on a well-known topic.
  • Develop anecdotes, analogies, or examples that illustrate and explain your chosen topic.
  • Share why your topic is important—how does it have an impact?
  • Determine if your talk would benefit from visuals or not—think engaging, simple slides or props.
  • Rehearse before you record your submission.

For additional inspiration, watch previously recorded InTOXicating Science Talks.

Please contact Michelle Werts with any questions.