Lay summaries offer researchers opportunities to increase the visibility and accessibility of their scientific studies and thus invite public dialogue. As a way to promote science communication, many open access journals, public policy institutes, and granting agencies require researchers to provide summaries of their studies for non-specialists. But how do experts communicate specialized research to non-specialist audiences, and why?

This workshop introduces graduate researchers to some of the ways in which lay summaries differ from scientific abstracts, the multiple purposes of lay summaries, and how lay summaries enhance science communication. Participants will write or revise a draft lay summary during dedicated writing time and receive feedback from facilitators and peers. Therefore, this workshop is most useful for those with a research project underway.

A dedicated Q&A concludes the workshop; however, facilitators welcome questions and comments from participants throughout the interactive talk, whenever something sparks your interest.

Workshop Facilitator: Dr. Patty Kelly, Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication

Date & Time: Tuesday, March 2 │10am-12pm PT   

Registrants receive the Zoom link 1 day before the workshop.

Questions about this event? Please contact the Centre for Writing and Scholarly Communication: cwsc.info@ubc.ca.