Postgraduate students from the Department of Food Science and Technology at Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology (KNUST) have undergone a training session focused on effectively communicating scientific research to the public.

The session, coordinated by Professor Ibok Nsa Oduro and Dr. Nana Baah Pepra-Ameyaw, forms part of the postgraduate course in Science Communication.

The workshop marks a step in equipping young scientists with the tools to bridge the gap between academia and the public, aligning with KNUST’s commitment to impactful research and community engagement.

Held under the theme "Social Media as a Tool for Scientific Impact and Outreach," the workshop was facilitated by Mr. Emmanuel Kwasi Debrah, Assistant Registrar and Head of Digital Communications at the University Relations Office.

During his presentation, Mr. Debrah emphasized the importance of the hierarchy of evidence, noting that credibility and authenticity hinge on the strength of facts presented. “In communication to the public, the weight of evidence is crucial,” he stated.

Mr. Debrah encouraged students to serialize content from their research findings to maximize reach and public understanding. He stressed the need to use accurate, clear, and creative storytelling to avoid misinformation, urging students to master the art of analogy by using relatable and environmentally friendly terms to explain complex scientific ideas.

He also highlighted the importance of knowing one’s audience for better readability and engagement and advised that researchers and communicators should consult original authors for interviews and deeper insight when sharing findings.

The session also addressed the need for science communicators to control the narrative around long-term research projects, particularly to counteract misrepresentation from third-party sources.

Additionally, students were introduced to best practices for conducting interviews, including a list of essential dos and don’ts.