Discover the art of science communication through workshops, panels, and interactive sessions. Gain hands-on experience, learn from experts, explore media literacy, and build skills for sharing science and pursuing careers in geoscience communication.
Unlock a range of opportunities designed to support your growth.
Browse featured science communication events below and add your favorites to your meeting schedule.
Sunday, 11 October | 9 a.m. (posters); 1:30 p.m. (oral) | Bluebird Ballroom 3D
Session Chair: Michael Christopher Micucci
Communicating research results and scientific advances is increasingly challenging in an online environment inundated with information. This session will explore shifting communication tactics and tools for connecting with different audiences.
Sunday, 11 October | 1:30–3 p.m. | CCC, 201
Presenters: Lauren Haygood, Todd Halihan
Scientists have a critical role in society by connecting policymakers, stakeholders, and the general public around societally relevant issues. This short course introduces scientific refereeing as a framework for contributing authoritative, policy-relevant science while maintaining professional neutrality and credibility. Participants will explore distinctions among refereeing, advocacy, and expertise; examine ethical and practical challenges; and practice communication strategies to clearly convey evidence, uncertainty, and scientific agreement without promoting specific policy outcomes. Through discussion and scenario-based exercises, this course equips scientists to engage effectively with policy and public audiences while preserving scientific integrity and public trust.
Sunday, 11 October | 3:30–4:30 p.m. | CCC, 201
Presenters: Owen Madsen, Cody Kirkpatrick
Science outreach is a great opportunity for geoscientists to connect their research to local communities, practice communication skills, and introduce the next generation of students to developing interesting science disciplines. ‘Tree Time’ is an outreach activity that explores geologic applications of dendrochronology at Indiana University’s Science Fest. This short course focuses on key lessons learned from leading and iterating four successive years of ‘Tree Time’. It aims to provide structure and guidance for participants through group activities and collaboration to make a science outreach activity catered to their research specialties.
Sunday, 11 October | 5–6 p.m. | Innovation Spotlight Stage, Exhibit Hall
Panelists: Amy Atwater (The Fossil Keeper's Treasure), Paul Bierman (When the Ice is Gone), David Montgomery (ReGen), and Rob Thomas (Montana Rocks!)
How do scientists turn complex research into stories that engage a broader audience? Join these authors for a lively conversation about bringing science beyond academia and into books for the public. Moderated by Rachel Phillips (GeoGirl), the panel will explore the challenges of writing for different audiences, finding the balance between accessibility and accuracy, and why effective science communication matters to the future of geoscience. A book signing with the authors will follow the discussion.
Sunday, 11 October | 6 p.m. | Innovation Spotlight Stage, Exhibit Hall
Presenter: Nigel Hughes
Inspiring the next generation of geoscientists starts long before college. Using his animated film The Ocean on the Top of Our Mountain as an example, Nigel Hughes explores how animation and visual storytelling can transform complex geoscience into engaging, accessible stories, and open new possibilities for communicating science across cultures, generations, and disciplines.
Monday, 12 October | 9–10:30 a.m. | CCC, 201
Presenters: Luke Howard, Lilja Balaji, Dr. Margaret Yacobucci
Interested in geoscience outreach but not sure where to start? Join us for this workshop designed to help early career scientists (students, postdoctoral scholars, and others) understand the factors that shape effective science outreach and develop strategies for designing their own outreach programs. Participants in this session will: 1) explore both standard and perhaps surprising forms of outreach, 2) actively practice science communication skills with diverse audiences, and 3) discuss their own outreach experiences and activity ideas with peers and experts. At the end of the session, participants will leave with a portfolio of sample outreach activities and guides.
Monday, 12 October | 1:30–3 p.m. | CCC, 201
Presenter: Daniel J. Soeder
The mainstream public is experiencing the predicted effects of anthropogenic climate change. Climate denial from the fossil fuel industry and falsehoods repeated by those with political agendas have left people confused by contradictory messages. The intended audience for this session is Earth scientists who are often asked about climate change and may struggle to explain it. On a basic level, the concepts behind anthropogenic climate change are not complicated. We understand the problem and know what needs to be done to stabilize the climate. Support from a well-informed public is required.
Monday, 12 October | 4 p.m. | Bluebird Ballroom 2F
Presenter: Paul Bierman
Join author Paul Bierman for a free screening of the Emmy Award–winning film The Memory of Darkness, Light, and Ice, based on his book When the Ice Is Gone: What a Greenland Ice Core Reveals About Earth's Tumultuous History and Perilous Future. Discussion and book signing will follow.
Tuesday, 13 October | 9–10 a.m. | CCC, 201
Presenters: Rachel Phillips and Luisa Hendry
Join online geoscience communicators, Rachel Phillips (@GeoGirl) and Luisa Hendry (@ScottishGeologist), to learn best practices in communicating geoscience to the general public through social media. This workshop will include interactive components during which you will practice communicating your own research/expertise, as well as discussion portions focused on the importance of geoscience communication for professional development, career growth, and addressing the biggest issues facing geoscience today, such as the spread of misinformation in the media and public mistrust in science.
Tuesday, 13 October | 4–5:30 p.m. | Innovation Spotlight Stage, Exhibit Hall
Panelists: Terri Cook, Jesse Reimink, Luisa Hendry, Jess Scanlan, Rachel Phillips
Join this group of geoscientists and science communicators for a candid discussion about the many ways science communication can fit into a geoscience career; from institutional communications and academia to independent content creation and full-time sci comm. Panelists will share their own career paths, the opportunities and challenges of communicating science professionally, and practical advice for geoscientists looking to make science communication a bigger part of their careers.
Tuesday, 13 October | 5:30–6 p.m. | Innovation Spotlight Stage, Exhibit Hall
Presenter: Jesse Reimink
Discover a new way to explore Colorado geology! Join Jesse Reimink, creator of the CampGeo app, for a live demonstration featuring GSA’s two new enhanced audio editions of Colorado Rocks! and Roadside Geology of Colorado. Learn how CampGeo brings these popular geologic guides into an interactive digital format, making it easier to discover the stories behind Colorado’s rocks and landscapes while exploring them in the field. See the app in action, hear how the new e-books can enhance your next geologic adventure, and learn more about this collaboration between GSA and CampGeo.
GSA Connects is where geoscientists come together in the most meaningful way. Whether you're reconnecting with alumni, meeting fellow students, exploring career opportunities at the GeoCareers Corner, or finding a mentor, the connections you make here have a way of lasting long after the meeting ends. Our non-technical events are where the real layers of the geoscience community come to the surface. Come ready to dig in and have fun in Denver.
Stay current in your field and expand your expertise through GSA’s continuing education opportunities, such as Professional Learning Pathways, which combine short courses, field trips, and technical sessions to support and document your professional development at every stage of your career.
Discover everything the GSA Annual Meeting has in store for you this October in Denver.
