Research Communication Training Program

Northwestern University’s graduate programs stand at the forefront of their respective research fields. With so much groundbreaking research taking place here at Northwestern, it is increasingly important to convey the results of that research clearly and concisely to a broad variety of audiences–from expert to general. Not only are such communication skills a vital component of conveying one’s message, they require diligent practice in order to become second-nature. With this in mind, the Ready Set Go (RSG) program was founded in 2012. The goals of the program are to increase awareness for the urgent need for excellent research communicators and to coach predoctoral students and postdoctoral fellows to improve their own presentation skills. The program focuses on three important and basic components of communication: building confidence in all communication roles, enhancing the clarity of the message, and forming a connection with any audience.