“Science isn’t finished until it’s communicated.”
The words above are attributable to Sir Mark Walport, chief executive of the United Kingdom Research and Innovation (UKRI), a provider of public funding of research and innovation. Not only is communicating research a crucial step in the scientific process, doing so in a way that is accessible to the average person and simultaneously increases science literacy serves the public good.
This past spring, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation’s Research Communications team collaborated with Hollie Smith, associate professor of science and environmental communication in the School of Journalism and Communication, to offer a strategic science communication course. The main challenge of the class was tasking the students with writing proficiently about researchers and science in a completely new way. Gone were the research paper and the lab report; in their place, the strategic communications format with its focus on storytelling and explaining complex scientific concepts in plain language—without sacrificing nuance.
From skyrmions to waterproofing techniques that don’t use PFAS “forever chemicals”, from ancient cathedrals in France to integrating urban agriculture into building design, the students’ stories highlight the University of Oregon’s research while serving as a training ground for communicating not only the science but its impact and value.
We invite you to read the student-produced articles below to not only learn more about UO research, but to enjoy a glimpse into the learning process these students experienced.
Disrupting the opioid crisis through prevention
UO researchers are collaborating with other institutions to address a national issue.
If these walls could talk: Inside the Saint-Étienne Cathedral
Art History doctoral candidate Gabriela Chitwood explores the 500-year period of the cathedral’s medieval construction.
Glowing nanohoops could light the way for medicine
The Jasti Lab applies organic chemistry methods to nanomaterials research.
The future of waterproofing: UO chemist plans sustainable startup
Alex Rosen is spinning off his research on mineral-based waterproof coatings to produce a sustainable replacement for forever chemicals.
Zinc, artery health, and Alzheimer’s
Understanding how zinc deficiency may stiffen arteries could help scientists understand the causes of Alzheimer’s disease.
Better underwater vehicle design courtesy of a transparent plankton
Salp colonies form different chain arrangements that could help inform ocean exploration.
Prevention works: Understanding the prevalence of child abuse and neglect in Oregon
The University of Oregon’s Center for the Prevention of Abuse and Neglect’s Child Abuse Prevalence Study is the first of its kind.
The power of breath: Understanding of speech coordination in children
UO linguists are researching how children coordinate their breathing while speaking.
Waking up to the value of sleep in child development
From Philadelphia to Portland, a sleep psychologist tackles sleep disparities using personalized and community-engaged interventions.
Tiny drums lattice—a game changer for data processing?
A UO physicist celebrates happy accidents and the power of creativity in the scientific process.
Supporting injury recovery through sensors
Keat Ghee Ong’s lab is developing sensors that measure the amount of force applied to an area on the body.
What skyrmions could tell us about natural phenomena
A UO physicist is investigating unique magnetic field patterns and their possible connection to hurricanes and black holes.
Is ‘awe’ the new psychedelic?
UO researchers are studying if certain emotions have the same neurological effects as psychedelic drugs.
How do you value nature?
Articulating the values of human-nature relationships is a University of Oregon professor’s core contribution to a UN report on biodiversity.
People, physics, and problem solving
A UO physicist prioritizes making complex concepts easily understood.
Breathe and the brain
UO neuroscientists look to early life inflammation to explain potentially lifelong respiratory impairments.
Is collaboration key? Community environment define the CAIDe lab
UO researchers mentor each other while studying decision making.
— By Kelley Christensen, Office of the Vice President for Research and Innovation