Science communication is a vital skill that bridges the gap between research and society, making complex scientific concepts more accessible and impactful. Recognising this, the NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) Communications Team hosted a Science Communication Workshop for Zoology and Entomology Honours students from the University of Fort Hare (UFH) on February 27-28 at its Makhanda office.
Facilitated by NRF-SAIAB’s Communications and Stakeholder Relations Manager, Lucky Dlamini, the workshop aimed to equip students with the tools to effectively communicate their research outside of their science or academic community. Lucky emphasised the need for early exposure to science communication, stating, “It should be a dedicated module within any Bachelor of Science degree, ensuring that students are trained in the fundamentals of sharing their research beyond the scientific community. By doing so, we can cultivate future scientists who recognise, appreciate, and understand the importance of communicating their work to the general public and other relevant audiences. This, in turn, would help create a society capable of forming informed opinions and engaging in meaningful discussions on scientific matters. Ultimately, making science more accessible, relatable, and appealing to the public fosters greater trust in scientific knowledge.”
Workshop Highlights
Communication & Stakeholder Relations Manager and facilitator of the workshop Lucky Dlamini presenting: ‘What is science communication all about? And Why communicate science?’ to the UFH students.
The two-day workshop featured a series of presentations, discussions, and hands-on activities designed to develop students’ science communication skills. Lucky introduced participants to the ‘3 Ms’—Market, Message, and Medium—stressing the importance of understanding one’s audience, crafting a clear message, and choosing the appropriate communication channels. “I hope the students have begun to think about their research projects beyond just the topic itself. I want them to consider the broader relevance of their work – how it aligns with South Africa’s national priorities and contributes to addressing societal challenges such as climate change, food security, species conservation, and environmental management,” he said.
Students also had the opportunity to explore NRF-SAIAB’s world-class research facilities, including the National Collections Facility, the Aquatic Genomics Research Platform, and the Aquatic Ecophysiology Research Platform.
Left: Collections staff and curation technician, Siphamandla Mceleli, guiding students through the National Collections Facility.
Middle: Diplomics & Genomics Lab intern, Sibusiso Mahlangu, introducing students to the Aquatic Genomics Research Lab.
Right: NRF-SAIAB Instrument Scientist, Dr. Lubabalo Mofu, demonstrating the equipment used to study fish behaviour in the Aquatic Ecophysiology Lab.
University of Fort Hare Lecturer Dr. Curswan Andrews highlighted the workshop’s significance in complementing the students’ studies. “As part of their degree offering, there is a need to communicate details of research, scientific concepts, and methods, and this necessitates the need for communication, engagement, visibility, and relatability. This workshop allowed for that, or at least an introduction for some and a building block for others, making students aware that academia doesn’t happen in a vacuum. The affected parties in the study areas need to be kept abreast of trends in science and interventions.”
Curswan further emphasised the benefits of science communication for Honours students. “Honours students are expected to navigate a new terrain where more formal communication is needed with peers and academics as they are introduced to independent research. Even though students participate in oral presentations, there is not much emphasis on accessible language and visibility. Having dedicated workshops and content related to communication skills in Honours bridges that gap. Furthermore, most students will likely enter the job market, and communication becomes more important when making yourself more employable.”
Student Reflections
Sinobomi Fandana shared that she plans to apply what she has learned by making a report for the public once her research is complete. “My project involves the general public as my research aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, particularly food security. It involves access to the food people need and deserve.”
Sibahle Mjikwa admitted that before the workshop, she had no idea what science communication was but appreciated the inclusive and engaging nature of the sessions. “The fact that we were all given time to participate equally boosted my confidence. I always believed my views were not enough, but this workshop sparked my curiosity and made me more confident about my project.”
Sam Sibiya highlighted the practical applications of the skills he gained, saying, “The skills I got from the science communication workshop will benefit me in my career when I need to communicate my research to the public. I now understand who to send the message to, how it solves their problems, and which tool or medium to use to deliver it effectively.”
Science communication plays a crucial role in ensuring that scientific knowledge benefits society. Through workshops like this, NRF-SAIAB is actively shaping the next generation of scientists – not only as researchers, but also as effective communicators who can make science accessible, engaging, and impactful for all.
Link to an opinion piece from the science communication workshop; Bridging the Gap: Overcoming Challenges in Science Communication and the Way Forward – South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity
