Oxford Society for Science Communication and Engagement

27/02/2026

Have you ever shied away from explaining what you do because you're afraid that it won't be understood correctly? Do you want to communicate your work through social media? Come join OSSCE in our last workshop of Hillary 2026 on communicating theoretical subjects, particularly through social media!

With Dr. Tom Crawford ( ) as our speaker, this workshop is surely something you want to put in your calendar!

⏰ 5:30-7PM, March 2nd, 2026
📍Stocker Room, Brasenose College

25/02/2026

Yesterday was our Scientists in Schools workshop! Here's what Anthony Limburg, our Member Lead Officer, had to say:

"This week, we were fortunate to host Sean Elias, Public Engagement and Research Lead at the Pandemic Sciences Institute, for a workshop on how to engage children with science effectively.

Sean placed particular emphasis on the power of props, discovery, and strong visuals in bringing science to life. Physical objects and demonstration materials create an immediate focal point and invite participation. When children can hold, manipulate, or experiment with something tangible, the experience shifts from passive listening to active exploration. He encouraged creating moments of guided discovery, where the outcome is not announced in advance but uncovered together through observation and questioning.

We were invited to design our own workshops which, with the help of the Scientists in Schools charity, can in the future be carried out at primary and secondary schools around Oxford.

Fittingly, Sean’s workshop on how to captivate children turned out to be just as captivating for a room full of academics. Which, depending on your perspective, either speaks to his exceptional skill, or suggests we are not that different from the children we aim to inspire."

24/02/2026

If you're a grad student interested in local policy, Oxford's Local Policy Lab is accepting applications for their Fellowship Programme! Check it out here:

The University of Oxford’s ambitions to do more in the local community and to strengthen links and coordination with the county, city and district councils are stronger than ever. The Local Policy Lab is a strategic alliance between the University of Oxford, Oxford Brookes University and Oxfordshi...

24/02/2026

Applications for the Nuffield Foundation POST Fellowship are now open! If you are a social/life sciences PhD student interested in science and policy, give it a look:

The POST Fellowship is open to any PhD students in a scientific or quantitative social science field who are undertaking or have recently finished their PhD studies.

18/02/2026

Last Friday may have been the 13th, but OSSCE had the good luck of hearing from Dr. Fiona Suttle on how to turn your science into a compelling narrative. Thanks, Fiona, for your time! If you attended, let us know what your favourite insights in the comments 👇

13/02/2026

Do you remember how you first got into science? For many people, schools are where they first encounter and are fascinated by science. As scientists, we could nurture this curiosity and exploration by bringing our research to schools. But how do we do it in a way that inspires students?

Join us for a workshop run by Dr. Sean Elias, Public Engagement Lead at the Pandemic Sciences Institute, in conjunction with the Scientists in Schools program. Learn how best to engage children and teenagers in your research, and find out about future opportunities with Scientists in Schools.

The workshop is on the 24th of February, from 18:30-20:00 in the Stocker Room at Brasenose College . Sign up here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/e/Js8WfJREbM

06/02/2026

Yesterday evening's panel discussion on public engagement was a roaring success, with insightful commentary from across disciplines in the beautiful ambiance of the Holywell Music Room. Many thanks to our speakers - Prof. Irene Tracey, Tom Saunders, Rebecca Hill and Hazel Beaver - as well as Luisa Haiß for organising and hosting the event. Let us know your takeaways from the talk in the comments!

04/02/2026

Let's face it - your research is dry, dense and complicated, making it difficult for outsiders to understand why they should care. So what's the solution? Join us for a practical workshop with Dr. Fiona Suttle from Oxford Sparks. Learn how you can use storytelling techniques to engage others in your work.

This event will be on the 13th of February from 17:00-18:30, at the Amersi Lecture Theatre at Brasenose College . All are welcome, regardless of discipline or career stage! Sign-up is free - just fill in this form: https://forms.office.com/e/BYH7WDUCPP

23/01/2026

Our latest newsletter is out now! Check your inboxes to hear what we've been up to. There are also some really great opportunities available:

📱 Social Media for Academics with Oxford Lifelong Learning on the 19th of February - https://lifelong-learning.ox.ac.uk/events/view/social-media-for-academics

🧑‍🔬 SciComm Skills Lab with MPLS and the Careers Service on the 5th of February - https://www.mpls.ox.ac.uk/training/courses/sci-comms-skills-lab

🌳 Climate Communications Conference and Workshop on the 28th of February - https://actionnetwork.org/events/talking-climate-taking-action-better-communication-for-effective-climate-action-in-oxfordshire/

Plenty going on to keep you occupied next month!

17/01/2026

Calling all grad students and researchers - this one's for you! Join us for our biggest event yet: A star-studded panel discussion on the importance of public engagement for all scientists. Sign up today: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/public-engagement-what-why-how-tickets-1980476965918?aff=oddtdtcreator

12/01/2026

Looking ahead to next term? Us too - here's our termcard for Hilary 2026. You can look forward to a panel discussion with the Vice Chancellor herself, three practice-focussed workshops to hone your skills, and even a yoga class with a scientific twist! Keep an eye out on all our usual social channels for more information and sign-up links for these events.

18/11/2025

OSSCE is holding a research pitch event! You'll have 3 minutes to present an "elevator pitch" (essentially, a brief summary) on your current project, or any area of research that interests you, to a non-specialised audience. This can be slides, a poster, whatever you wish!

This will be a fun and relaxed event (there will be snacks!!) in which you can learn how to communicate research in a concise way and receive constructive feedback. Any career stage and discipline is welcome to sign up. You don't have to be doing your own project — you can pitch any topic that you personally find interesting.

Don't forget to sign up using the link in the newsletter! You can also find a link in our Instagram highlights.