Module 4: Effective Communication of Organ-Chip Technology

This module covers reading, written and oral communication activities aimed at benefiting students PhD and career progression. Content will be delivered over all four years in partnership with Queen Mary's Doctoral College and will consist of practical workshops and writing retreats. Specific sessions will focus on writing technical industry reports, executive summaries, journal papers, conference abstracts, and a final PhD thesis, as well as develop student’s skills and confidence for delivering presentations. Taking a hands-on approach to all aspects, students will participate in two intensive ‘writing retreats’: ‘writing science papers’ (year 3) and ‘Completing your Thesis’ (year 4). Throughout this module there will be emphasis on critical thinking, peer and self-review and cohort support strategies.

Effective communication and personal effectiveness training will be delivered at students 3^rd winter school. This will address personal impact, confident networking and difficult conversations.

Media and public engagement training will be coordinated by Queen Mary's Centre for Public Engagement and award-winning science education centre, The Centre of the Cell, and will tackle interacting with the media, writing press releases, interviews, and giving lay research talks. This training is essential for COaCT students given that public understanding will be key for successful development of organ-chips and related technology. As part of this training, students will be involved in the international ‘3MinuteThesis’ competition and public engagement activities at local events such as our Festival of Communities, with the best ideas submitted to major UK science festivals such as The Big Bang, and The Royal Society Summer Exhibition.