Canadian University and Community College Directory

FIRST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION GRADUATE DIPLOMA PROGRAM IN NORTH AMERICA

Canadian University Press Releases

September 15, 2005

Source: Laurentian University of Sudbury:
http://www.laurentian.ca/?file=newsrelease/2005/sept/sept15_science_communication_e.php

FIRST SCIENCE COMMUNICATION GRADUATE DIPLOMA PROGRAM IN NORTH AMERICA

SCHOLARSHIPS AWARDED TODAY

SUDBURY , ON - Students enrolled in North America 's first Science Communication Graduate Diploma Program have started their studies at Laurentian University and Science North. Today at Science North, eight full-time science graduates received scholarships to support their quest to be among the best at communicating science to the public. There are also two part time students enrolled in the program.

Why a Science Communication Program?

Science is woven into decisions that are made at every level of life. >From international environmental agreements, to responses to outbreaks of disease by community agencies, to many of the personal life style choices people make, understanding the science behind a situation is essential for making good decisions. Science is also part of our curiosity-driven culture. A revolution in the electronic availability of information has fuelled interest in all that science tries to explain about the world around us. And, scientific and technological innovation is the engine that drives economic growth. Understanding the science that both promotes and constrains development must be part of the background of more people than just scientists.

All these trends have created a need for effective science communicators. Science communicators will work in many areas, in different media and with different priorities, but all will need to illuminate science in the context of a changing and challenging world.

The Science Communication Graduate Diploma Program at Science North and Laurentian University covers subjects such as “Learning Theory”, “Science and Society”, and “Research Methods in Science Communication”. To gain experience in the practical aspects of communicating science to the public, students will develop projects in radio and television, on the internet, through live shows and with exhibits.

“Laurentian strongly believes in the value of the Science Communication Program as it enhances our graduate level programs, and allows the University to foster excellence in teaching and research,” explained Laurentian University President Dr. Judith Woodsworth. “While attracting high-calibre students, this new program will enable Laurentian, Science North and the City of Greater Sudbury to attain national and international recognition.”

“Science North's core mission is to involve people in the relationship between science and everyday life by communicating science to people in a way they can understand and enjoy,” said Science North CEO Jim Marchbank. “The Science Communication Graduate Diploma Program is a natural extension of what we've been doing for the last 21 years. Our partnership with Laurentian University is also a natural fit, with the University's strong science faculty located just down the road from a great science centre, and the Laurentian Program Co-Director, Dr. David Pearson, having served as a Project Director for Science North from 1980 to 1986. It's a given that we would work together on this project.”

The City of Greater Sudbury Council believed in the importance of this project and provided start-up funding of $20,000 from the Greater Sudbury Development Corporation. Mayor David Courtemanche congratulated the Science North and Laurentian University team. “I am delighted that the city was able to support this exciting project. Sudbury is already the education capital of the North - the perfect place to host the first Science Communication Graduate Diploma Program in North America ,” he said.

“The students that we have accepted into this program are just as passionate as we are about science and its role in our everyday lives as we are. It will be an exciting year!” said Dr. David Pearson, Program Co-Director from Laurentian University. “We are grateful to our donors for making it easier for these pioneering students to achieve their goals.”

Contributions from the F. Jean MacLeod Trust ($10,000), FedNor ($6,000) and Jim Marchbank ($5,000) provided the means to award each student with a $2,000 scholarship today at Science North.

“The launch of this program raises the profile and the importance of science communication research in this country,” said Science North Program Co-Director Chantal Barriault. “The United Kingdom and Australia are leaders in this field with successful degree programs and research. Our program, its students and its faculty will forge new paths into understanding and developing the best practices in science communication.”

Details of the program can be found at http://www.sciencecommunication.ca.

Media Contacts:

SCIENCE NORTH:

Chantal Barriault

Co-Director, Science Communication Program

(705) 522-3701, ext. 245

barriault@sciencenorth.ca Nancy Griffin

Marketing Specialist, Media & Communications

(705) 522-3701, ext. 276

griffin@sciencenorth.ca

LAURENTIAN UNIVERSITY:

Dr. David Pearson