EACCR Hosts Science Communication Workshop for East African Researchers

BY DR. PATIENCE KIYUKA

KEMRI, in collaboration with the East Africa Consortium for Clinical Research 3 (EACCR3) conducted a three – day science communication workshop on February 19th -21st, 2025, at the Uganda Virus Research Institute (UVRI) in Entebbe, Uganda. The workshop brought together EACCR3 grantees from across various institutes in East Africa including Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Malawi. The grantees were early careers researchers from MSc, PhD to postdoctoral researchers.

The workshop dubbed ‘Science Communication Beyond Journal Publication’ underscored the value of effectively sharing research findings, emphasizing that science not shared is science lost.

In his opening remarks the Ag. DG, KEMRI represented by Deputy Director Corporate Communication, Mr. Davis Mkoji emphasized the crucial role of science communication in influence policy and practice. “This great initiative by the consortium will not only improve on the public understanding of the complexities that comes with scientific research information but also influence policy through media advocacy in the Africa region,” he remarked. The workshop was facilitated by a line of KEMRI’s seasoned science communication practitioners including Dr. Patience Kiyuka, Ms. Roselyne Namayi and Mr. Davis Mkoji.

Speaking on behalf of Director, UVRI Prof. Pontiano Kaleebu, the Leader of the HIV Programme, EACCR3 Dr. Bernard Kikaire noted, “We conduct research in a political and social environment, and people’s ideas, beliefs and knowledge influence how we consume science, making it crucial how we communicate clearly and in a way that people can appreciate why we do what we do.”

Dr. Kiyuka reaffirmed KEMRI’s commitment as a research leader in the continent to ensure that it creates mechanisms that facilitate dissemination and translation of research findings for evidence-based policy formulation and implementation not just in East Africa but the whole continent.

Ultimately, the workshop organizers hope that the participants will develop creative science communication projects informed by and grounded in the key concepts, theories and current trends in science communication space. The workshop included creative sessions to allow participants to reflect on what they learned while enabling them to reflect on creative aspects of science communication ideas.

*KEMRI Scientists Dr. Patient Kiyuka delivered a presentation during the Eastern Africa Consortium for Clinical Research Science Communications Workshop held at UVRI in Entebbe, Uganda.*

*Group photograph of the facilitators immediately after the close of the workshop.*

The sessions covered topics such as an introduction to science engagement, public speaking, developing elevators pitch and lay summaries, science communication and the media, social media for science communication, digital media for science communication, developing a science communication plan and strategy, innovative science communication tools, and infusing storytelling as a tool for science communication. It will also give an overview of science communication for policy engagement.

This workshop was made possible through funding to EACCR3. EACCR3 is part of the EDCTP2 programme supported by European Union. The curriculum was developed by Mr. Davis Mkoji, Dr Patience Kiyuka, Mr. John Wahome, Mr.Waihiga Muturi, and Dr Benard Kikaire.