Master Your Research Message (2-session communication workshop)
Effectively explaining what you study—whether in a talk, at a conference, or in a hallway conversation—is a core skill for every researcher. If you struggle to articulate the essence of your work or find yourself stumbling when someone asks, “So, what do you research?”, this workshop is designed for you.
Over two highly interactive, in-person sessions, you will learn how to distill your research into a concise, clear, and memorable message. Through guided exercises, feedback, and hands-on practice, you will identify the central themes of your research and shape them into compelling narratives that match different audiences.
Participation in both sessions is expected, and you should be prepared to engage actively and complete light homework between meetings. If you are scheduled to give a talk to a new or unfamiliar audience, this is for you!
Session 1: Introduction
1. Why having a clear message is so important
2. Understanding your audience
3. Class member introductions
4. Exercise: Deconstructing your research story
Homework will be assigned!
Session 2: Review Messaging
We will spend the second session of this course reviewing everyone’s new research messages.
Rules of Engagement
- We’re all here to help you improve your science communications.
- Constructive feedback is essential and required.
- Active participation is required.
- This is work, but it should also be fun and informative!
This workshop series will be offered multiple times in 2026. Location will be sent to you in a confirmation Outlook calendar item. If there is overwhelming interest, we will keep a waiting list and consider adding more sessions.
Please send questions to the course instructor, Audrey Huang, MA, PhD, Director of Science Communication & Science Editor.
Session Dates
Spring 2026
Option 1: Fridays, March 27 & April 3 Times: 10-11:30am, please register by Friday, March 13!
Option 2: Thursdays, April 30 & May 7 Times: 4-5:30pm, please register by Friday, April 17!
Fall 2026
Dates for Fall 2026 will be announced later in the Spring
Register for Upcoming Workshops
Science Communication Seminar Series
The purpose of the Science Communication Seminar Series is to help UMB investigators approach talking about their research and knowing their audience. This series consists of one-hour, stand-alone sessions.
Please note: Faculty, fellows and postdocs are welcome to attend every session in the series or single sessions of interest.
Topics include:
- An Introduction to Science Communications
- Executive Panel Discussion on What Audiences Want
- Tips for Making Your Research Understandable to Broad Audiences
Register for Upcoming Seminars
To receive access to the slides and recordings for this seminar series, please contact Stacie Mendoza, Program Director.