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.
Here is some feedback from SAVVY alumni:
“The SAVVY workshop was a hugely empowering experience. I had known for a little while that I was interested in increasing my media impact, and SAVVY gave me the skills, confidence, and connections to make this happen. Since doing SAVVY, I have had over 100 media engagements, which have opened new doors, advanced my career trajectory, and given my job as an academic a new sense of purpose. I highly recommend SAVVY to anyone — even those who don’t like the limelight!”
Dr Andrew Lensen – Wellington SAVVY, June 2023
Senior Lecturer in Artificial Intelligence | Programme Director, Artificial Intelligence
School of Engineering and Computer Science | Te Kura Mātai Pūkaha, Pūrorohiko
Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellington
“I thoroughly enjoyed the Science Media SAVVY course. It gave me the confidence and practical skills to engage with the media, including speaking on camera. The most valuable takeaway was learning how to distil complex scientific results into clear, media‑friendly messages. I feel much more confident when fronting media now than I did before attending the workshop. The team are excellent — highly experienced and genuinely skilled at helping scientists communicate better. I couldn’t recommend the course more highly.”
Professor Jonathan Tonkin – Christchurch SAVVY, April 2024
Rutherford Discovery Fellow
Te Kura Pūtaiao Koiora | School of Biological Sciences
Te Whare Wānanga o Waitaha | University of Canterbury, New Zealand
“The SMC workshop was a great experience. Presenting to people and in front of a camera in a friendly environment helped to make it seem less stressful, and I picked up lots of helpful tips that I would never have thought of myself. Seeing how different people (both other participants and the SMC Team) think about media changed the way I see things.”
Dr Paul Hume – Wellington SAVVY, December 2025
Senior Research Fellow
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences | Te Wānanga Matū
Te Herenga Waka | Victoria University of Wellington
Read more feedback from researchers who have attended past workshops.
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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