Science Communication and Society M

Academic unit or major

Graduate major in Earth-Life Science

Instructor(s)

John William Hernlund / Thilina Nishadh Heenatigala

Class Format

Exercise (Face-to-face)

Media-enhanced courses

-

Day of week/Period
(Classrooms)

3-4 Mon (石川台7号館(ELSI-1)三島ホール) / 3-4 Thu (石川台7号館(ELSI-1)三島ホール)

Class

-

Course Code

ELS.C432

Number of credits

020

Course offered

2026

Offered quarter

3Q

Syllabus updated

Sep 30, 2026

Language

English

Syllabus

Course overview and goals

This course equips master’s students across disciplines with the practical skills and critical perspectives needed to navigate communication within science and between science and society. It examines how research is communicated, published, funded, presented, and discussed, while exploring how science interacts with publics, culture, institutions, and wider society. Through lectures, discussions, and project-based learning, students will develop experience in academic communication, storytelling, professional networking, collaboration, and inclusive communication, while considering questions of trust, ethics, responsibility, risk, and equity in scientific practice. The course also encourages students to reflect on emerging changes in science communication, including AI and responsible innovation. The overarching goal is to help students become researchers who communicate clearly and responsibly, collaborate effectively, and understand communication as an integral part of scientific practice and its relationship with society.

Course description and aims

Students will develop the skills to communicate their research clearly and effectively across academic and public contexts, while gaining a broader understanding of how science interacts with society. By the end of the course, students will be better prepared to publish and present research, participate in conferences and professional networks, collaborate across disciplines and cultures, and communicate through appropriate narratives and formats. They will also develop critical awareness of public trust, inclusion, research ethics, risk, and the wider responsibilities of researchers, enabling them to approach scientific communication as an integral part of responsible research practice.

Student learning outcomes

実務経験と講義内容との関連 (又は実践的教育内容)

The instructors bring extensive professional experience in scientific research, science communication, publishing, funding, international collaboration, public engagement, and the organisation of academic and public-facing events. Their experience connects the concepts introduced in the course with the practical realities of research careers, allowing students to learn from real-world examples of publishing and communicating research, developing grant proposals, participating in conferences, building collaborations and professional networks, and engaging with wider society. This combination of academic and professional perspectives helps students understand not only how to communicate effectively, but also how communication, ethics, collaboration, and professional practice shape contemporary scientific careers.

Keywords

Science Communication, Public Engagement, Science and Society, Science Policy, Academic Publishing, Inclusive Science

Competencies

• Specialist skills
• Intercultural skills
• Communication skills
• Critical thinking skills
• Practical and/or problem-solving skills
• Specialist skills Liberal arts skills Communication skills Applied skills (inquisitive thinking and/or problem-finding skills) Applied skills (practical and/or problem-solving skills)

Class flow

In-class participation includes participation in the in-class activities and dialogue with the instructors and other students. Instructors will let students know if their participation levels are insufficient so that they have a chance to improve.

Course schedule/Objectives

Study advice (preparation and review)

Students are expected to spend approximately 2–3 hours per week outside of class on preparation and review. This may include reading assigned materials, preparing short writing or visualisation tasks, refining project work, and reviewing feedback from in-class activities to strengthen their communication skills.

Textbook(s)

None

Reference books, course materials, etc.

Materials will be provided.

Evaluation methods and criteria

In-class participation includes participation in the in-class activities and dialogue with the instructors and other students. Instructors will let students know if their participation levels are insufficient so that they have a chance to improve.

Related courses

• GEG.S411 ： Global Science Communication and Engagement
• GEG.S413 ： Science Media and Communication for Global Development of Environment and Society

Prerequisites

The student should have a basic level of English communication skill, and scientific literacy.

Contact information (e-mail and phone) Notice : Please replace from ”[at]” to ”@”(half-width character).

thilinah[at]elsi.jp
hernlund[at]elsi.jp