Association of Science Communicators

Giving science a voice.

Early-bird registration for SCIENCE TALK ’26 opens soon!
SCIENCE TALK ’26
2026 Program
Information for Speakers

Information for Speakers

SPEAKER GUIDELINES

Please review our Code of Ethics

As the Association of Science Communicators, we would love to see sessions targeted toward professional or veteran science communicators. However, we still encourage session ideas aimed at all audiences and levels of science communication. In an effort to ensure that our audience is getting the information that is most appropriate for them, all speakers will be asked to identify a target audience for their presentation:

  • Professional/Veteran science communicators
  • Trainee science communicators
  • All conference attendees

Please use this opportunity to teach a new science communication skill or concept, or share lessons learned about a project or collaboration. We encourage discussions of science communication theory, evaluation of science communication activities, science communication research, or putting research into practice. We ask that you refrain from pitching your services, products, or business.

In-Person Speakers:

  • We strongly encourage full completion of up-to-date COVID vaccination at least 2 weeks before the conference.
  • We strongly encourage in-person participation and believe we can hold a safe, fun, and meaningful event. But we recognize travel plans may change due to COVID or other developments.
    • If you need to change your plans, get in touch with us asap and we will do our best to accommodate; however we cannot guarantee any virtual speaking spots will still be open.

Virtual Speakers:

  • All virtual panel, short talk and workshop speakers must participate LIVE and in REAL-TIME.
  • We require all virtual speakers to attend a “tech check” meeting sometime in the 2 weeks prior to the conference to confirm lighting, sound, and conference schedule.
    • We will work with you to find a tech check meeting time that works with your schedule.

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SESSION FORMAT & GUIDELINES

There are four types of speaking opportunities at SCIENCE TALK: Short Talk, Workshop, Panel, and Poster/Art. Speakers accepted in one of the other session formats may also submit a poster and/or art.

Submissions for short talks, panels, and workshop opportunities are now closed.

If you wish to speak to the “theme” of this year’s conference, please consider:

In 2026 our theme is “WAYFINDING: Charting a Decade of Dialogue” to celebrate our 10th anniversary conference. We are highlighting the importance of finding a way forward for science, finding ways for science communicators to showcase their impact, and finding more paths to connect communities with science, which we believe is a basic human right. We’re reflecting on the last decade of SCIENCE TALK, but also looking forward to the next 10 years and beyond.

  • How has your science communication practice or research changed over the last 10 years, and what could change in the next 10?
  • How are you charting a way forward or finding additional ways of connecting people with science?

WE PREFER SESSIONS THAT INCLUDE ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING ELEMENTS:

  • Any challenges you faced, and how you overcame them
  • Lessons learned or other tangible takeaways
  • For practitioners: If applicable, how did you incorporate research or, what opportunities are there for researchers to work on this topic further?
  • For researchers: What can practitioners take away from this topic to use in their work?

Short Talk Format & Guidelines:

  • Session length: 20 minutes total, including Q&A
  • Maximum of 2 presenters
  • Presenters receive 1 full-price conference registration that can be split with a second presenter, if applicable. Travel/lodging is not included.
  • If 2 presenters, plan to present both in-person, or both virtual

Workshop Format & Guidelines:

  • Session length:
    • In person: 75 minutes
    • Virtual: You may choose 60 or 90 minutes total; you indicated preferred length on the submission form
  • Maximum of 4 speakers
  • Workshop speakers receive 2 full-price conference registrations that can be split between speakers as applicable. Travel/lodging is not included.
  • If more than 1 speaker, plan to offer your workshop all in-person, or all virtual
  • Workshop should be primarily interactive, some formal presentation okay
  • Audience size: Minimum 20, Maximum 100; you indicated preference on submission form
  • Technology: Projector + screen will be provided (if needed). Workshop presenters are responsible for providing all other presentation accessories (e.g. laptop, HDMI or other adapters, slide advancers, laser pointers, etc.)

Panel Format & Guidelines:

  • Session length: 40-45 minutes speaking, 10-15 minutes moderated Q&A
  • Minimum 3 to Maximum 4 panelists, PLUS additional moderator if desired
  • Panelists/moderators each receive 1 full-price conference registration per person. Travel/lodging is not included. 
  • Submission must include at least two prospective panelists (yourself plus one other, or two others if you plan to moderate).
    • We can work with you to identify and recruit other panelists and/or moderators if needed.
  • Panelists should plan to present either all in-person or all virtual

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POSTER & ART GUIDELINES

All poster and art presenters MUST REGISTER for the conference. Unfortunately we are unable to provide registration or travel compensation.

**Please review our ethics policy and other speaker guidelines posted above.**

See the Conference Home tab (scroll to bottom) for more information and submission links.