Aiming to equip researchers with the skills to effectively report their scientific work through basic science news writing, the DOST-Forest Products Research and Development Institute (DOST-FPRDI) held a two-day workshop titled iSPEAK SCIENCE: Storytelling through Science News Writing at the Institute’s Conference Hall last November 3-4.
On the first day, BusinessMirror’s Lyn Resurreccion shared insights into the local media landscape, newsworthiness and the editorial process for crafting compelling stories. UPLB College of Development Communication (UPLB-CDC) Assistant Professors John Mervin L. Embate and Reianne Quilloy, meanwhile, facilitated the workshop and led the discussion on the fundamentals of science communication, basic grammar rules, sentence construction and principles.
On the second day, the discussion focused on news writing, news feature writing and photojournalism, emphasizing clear article structure and capturing visuals that enhance storytelling. During the breakout sessions, the participants critiqued each other's pre-written articles, providing constructive feedback to refine their work, which they later shared with the group.
Twenty-five (25) FPRDI researchers and staff attend the iSPEAK Science: Storytelling Through Science News Writing workshop. Photo courtesy: Carl Matthew Replan
DOST-FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon, represented by Technology Innovation Division Chief Loreto Novicio, hopes to see more science communication workshops implemented and sustained under the iSPEAK SCIENCE curriculum in the years to come.
Spearheaded by the Technical Services Division-Promotion and Communication Section, the iSPEAK SCIENCE is a series of training meant to equip the Institute’s pool of experts with various communication skills. The activity aligns with DOST’s Science Communication (SciCom) Framework, which guides efforts to communicate science effectively to the Filipino public. It also supports the Department’s Science Communication Agenda and Strategic Plan for 2023–2028, which aim to advance human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability.
Through this initiative, DOST-FPRDI recognizes the vital role of science communication in fostering a scientifically literate society and in ensuring that research and innovations are accessible and valued by a broader audience. ### (Angelique Evangelista, 14 November 2024)
UPLB-CDC Assistant Professor John Mervin Embate discusses the fundamentals of science communication, which include basic grammar rules. The DOST-FPRDI hopes to partner with UPLB-CDC in further capacitating its researchers with communication skills.
Ms. Lyn Resurreccion, BusinessMirror’s Science Editor, shares tips on how agencies can get their stories published in different media platforms.
