Science Media SAVVY

Our flagship media training increases confidence and skills to help researchers to engage more effectively with the wider public through broadcast, print and social media. Apply below.

We create a unique experience for each workshop by drawing on our relationships with the media. Day One covers key communication skills and interview preparation. Day Two provides a behind the scenes opportunity for participants to meet and interact with experienced reporters who cover science and research.

  • 2-day workshop, with studio visit/interaction with national media
  • Limit of 12 per workshop
  • Entry by selection (each workshop aims for participants from a range of organisations and research fields)
  • Offered four times a year across Aotearoa

Ideally suited for researchers with previous media experience seeking further development of their skills, as well as beginners anticipating media interest in their work.

This workshop is created specifically to orient researchers to the realities of a rapidly changing media environment, and offers:

  • unique insights into decision-making behind the news
  • strategies to successfully navigate a range of media encounters
  • practical techniques to improve communication and deal with nerves
  • tips on adapting messages to audiences
  • strategies to contribute constructively to trending topics
  • tips on handling the initial phone call from a journalist
  • strategies to respond effectively when an interview becomes challenging
  • the opportunity to pitch potential stories to journalists in a supportive, confidence-building environment
  • take-home lessons that also apply to improving stakeholder engagement, funding applications, public talks and outreach.

Workshop fees

Course fees: $750 (excl. GST) – Needs-based funding is available

We provide needs-based funding support for two places in every workshop covering the full course fees. This is open to researchers at any career stage – contact us to find out more.

We also offer dedicated fees-free workshops for Māori researchers.

Science Media SAVVY’s impact

We regularly evaluate the impact of our workshops, both internally, and as part of a research collaboration with Victoria University of Wellington’s Science in Society group.

The results show that most participants have ongoing, positive contacts with media following the workshop, feel more confident and effective as communicators and can identify impacts on their careers including new research collaborations.

Read comments from workshop evaluations.

Apply for Science Media SAVVY

Please fill out the form below to apply for an upcoming workshop.

If the dates or locations available do not suit you, then you can register your interest in future workshops, or request a tailored training. You can also check to see if there are dates available for our workshop for Māori researchers.

 (If you are having trouble viewing the application form below, click here)

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