Communications training for malaria researchers

Sharing research and networking with colleagues are indispensable skills that all scientists working on global health issues should leverage to support their work. This summer, PAMAfrica and SINDOFO scholarship students were invited to join a series of workshops to help them strengthen their overall communications skills related to presentations and social media.     

These workshops addressed recommendations highlighted during the 2023 EDCTP Malaria Drugs Projects Oversight Committee meeting, which focused on the need to support students in the public communication of their research, including social media. By including students from both the PAMAfrica and SINDOFO consortia, these workshops also addressed the recommendation to increase synergies between different EDCTP grants.  

Delivered over three sessions, the Compelling Presentations workshop aimed to develop participants’ presentation and communication skills, build confidence and empower them to express ideas persuasively in diverse settings. From understanding the nature and format of an event and target audience to structuring a presentation and the importance of rehearsing, the workshops offered a mix of practical techniques and hands-on learning opportunities. 

The Social Media workshop session focused on providing students with support in the effective use of LinkedIn to grow their professional networks, engage with the global health community and share the research and projects they are involved in. Participants explored how to leverage social media for career advancement and were offered guidance on the different types of activities they can partake in on these platforms.  

Both workshops were well received, and the idea that communication skills are essential for the science community more so than simply complementary was evident. With this mind, EDCTP can consider ways to incorporate these types of communications trainings, into other EDCTP-funded consortia employing capacity development strategies.