From expert knowledge to public impact (in person) | GRTC410-in person

A single question can take your discussion from your area of expertise to broader topics like public policy, emerging technologies, climate action, or the future of Canada's energy system. Being able to respond clearly, connect ideas across disciplines, and communicate with diverse audiences is an essential skill for today's researchers. 

This practical workshop prepares you for these unscripted moments. Through guided activities, you'll practice making your research accessible to non-specialists, relating your work to wider societal issues, engaging constructively with perspectives from other disciplines, and answering questions in ways that are concise, conversational, and evidence based.

You'll build the confidence and communication techniques needed to contribute meaningfully whenever your research becomes part of a broader public or professional conversation.

Prativa Baral, MPH, PhD is an epidemiologist, a global health consultant, and an expert in global health security, health systems resilience, and health emergencies, operating at the nexus of epidemiology, policy, and advocacy. She has consulted for the World Bank, the WHO, the UN, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, and the Government of Canada and has featured in various media outlets including CBC, CTV, the Gazette, the World Economic Forum, and Forbes. Prativa strongly believes in bridging science communication gaps between academia and the rest of the world. She’s an Assistant Professor and Deputy Director of the Pandemic and Emergency Readiness Lab at McGill University, and a Faculty Associate of John Hopkins School of Public Health.

Jasmine Mah, MD, MSc, PhD is a physician and researcher who cares for older adults in Geriatric Medicine. Dr. Mah is a Canadian Medical Association Young Leader, recipient of the Association of Faculties of Medicine Learner Changemaker Award and winner of Dalhousie University’s Three-Minute Thesis. She has featured in SaltWire, Conversation Canada, CBC, CTV and Global News. She straddles the worlds of clinical, academic, policy and not-for-profits, and firmly believes in equipping others with the knowledge and skills to succeed in advocating for their needs.