Speaking Science 2026

Speaking Science is a space to exchange ideas and hone storytelling skills to become better science communicators.

Join us on Thursday, April 16, for Speaking Science: a full-day opportunity for faculty, staff, and graduate students to strengthen science communication skills and build connections across the University of Minnesota. This year we’ll welcome keynote speaker Caitlin Looby, PhD, Great Lakes reporter for the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, and round out our day with faculty lightning talks; an array of new skills-based and topical breakout sessions; and an afternoon networking reception.

Keynote

Caitlin Looby is the Great Lakes reporter at the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, where she covers environmental issues, climate change and history within the Great Lakes basin.

The Science Communication Blueprint

How do you translate from research to reality? In this main stage session, join UMN researchers Silvia Balbo, Solomon David and Jim Kakalios for a series of rapid-fire presentations highlighting science “in action,” followed by a panel discussion. They will share more about the "why" behind their communication choices and provide a mental framework to make science accessible to everyone.

Panelists

• Jim Kakalios - Professor & Head, School of Physics and Astronomy (College of Science and Engineering)
• Silvia Balbo - Professor, Division of Environmental Health Sciences (School of Public Health)
• Solomon David - Assistant Professor, Department of Fisheries, Wildlife and Conservation Biology (College of Food, Agricultural and Natural Resource Sciences)

For more event details including a list of breakout session topics, the full keynote speaker bio, and the full agenda for the day, please visit: https://speakingscience.umn.edu/