Programs at The Banff Centre

Science Communications 2010

Program dates: August 8, 2010 - August 20, 2010

Application deadline: May 14, 2010

Program Information

Faculty: Jay Ingram - Program Chair, Mary Anne Moser - Director, Thomas Hayden - , Erika Check Hayden - , Mark L. Winston - , Christie Nicholson - , Henry Kowalski - , Jane Mingay - ,

Science writing and broadcasting is an intensive pursuit, preoccupied with explanation. Sometimes the attention that must be paid to those qualities can stifle the passion which most of us bring to the subject.

Our aim at Banff is to allow participants to take a step back from their daily pursuits, and open themselves to different ways of expressing that passion and the science that is behind it. We hope to re-awaken some of the art in the presentation of science.

Jay Ingram, Program Chair

About Science Communications

Science Communications is an intensive two-week program aimed at scientists and communicators interested in exploring new ways of telling science stories. Working with some of the world’s leading science communicators, participants explore the use of print, visual, and interactive media, as well as other communication formats, with the goal of fostering a more engaging role for science in public culture. A unique immersive residency experience, the program is structured around daily seminars and workshops on new forms of creative science communications. Emphasis is on group discussion and work, and participants will be urged to create outside their usual medium of scientific communication. At the end of the program, participants publicly present collaboratively-created group projects using media such as the web, television, print, and three-dimensional scenarios, that have developed under the influence of debates, visits, talks, and one-on-one dialogues.

The Science Communications program fosters excellence and creativity for science communicators in Canada and around the world. Participants return to their professional practices in science, media, research, or other realms transformed by ideas and confident to provide leadership in the advancement of science communications.



The Science Communcations program teaches scientists to communicate their work to the world- and communicators to interpret science to their public. The energy of the committed faculty and the diverse participants translates into the weeks of frenetic activity. The program gives you a new way of seeing science… and yourself.
Carolyn Brown, Science Communications 2009

The Banff Centre would like to recognize the following sponsors for their generous support of this program:


Lead Sponsor



Perimeter Institute Canada Foundation for Innovation NSERC
Alberta Innovates CSWA

Extend your stay after this program and continue your work at the Centre. Self-directed writing residencies run year-round, and provide you with the time and space for focused work. For more information, see Self-directed residencies.

All programs, faculty, dates, fees, and offers of financial assistance are subject to change. Non-refundable fees and deposits will be retained upon cancellation. Any other fees are refunded at the discretion of The Banff Centre.