Home – Communication Learning In Practice for Scientists

Welcome to CLIPS

Science relies on effective communication but unfortunately communication skills are often considered as being “soft” or skills that you simply pick up along the way. In the same way that you learn to be a good scientist, you can learn to be a good communicator. Furthermore, being a good communicator will make you a much better scientist!

The CLIPS website was built to provide some of the essential information on communication skills that a science student needs during their degree and in the workplace.

The 3 videos below will give you a quick overview of the aspects of communication that you should consider before you communicate in any situation.

An introduction to communication



Where do you want to go?

CLIPS for University

Communication skills for university. The modules align with the variety of assessment items found within the sciences, from short-answer questions to PowerPoint presentations.

CLIPS for Work

Communication skills for the scientific workplace. This is a great resource for all science students and graduates, whether you’re applying for jobs or searching for work experience opportunities.

Connect with us

The CLIPS team are always keen to hear about how you are using the CLIPS resources and open to suggestions to improve the resources.

Meet the CLIPS Team

Get in touch

Acknowledgements & credits

Acknowledgements

Rhianna Pedwell
Hailey Bonner
Phoebe Baldwin
Ellen Moynihan
Brooke Stephens
Xiaoya (Tina) Jin

Dr Jack Wang – The University of Queensland
Dr Philip Sharpe – The University of Queensland
Dr Miranda Mortlock – The University of Queensland
Dr Margaret Wegener – The University of Queensland
A/Prof Joanne Blanchfield – The University of Queensland
A/Prof Gwen Lawrie – The University of Queensland
Dr Bernhard Wehr – The University of Queensland
Dr Effie Kartsonaki – The University of Queensland
Dr Sue Bennett – The University of Queensland
Dr Jay Anderson – The University of Queensland
Dr Jill Fernandes – The University of Queensland

Ruby Lio – Kelly Services
Peter Blythe – Caltex Lytton Refinery
Dr Amy Jennison – Queensland Health
Zac Pross – Fusion Sport
Robbie Johns – Environmental Earth Sciences International
Prof Dawn Bennett – Developing Employability

Credits

CLIPS Module icons made by:
Freepik from www.flaticon.com are licensed by CC BY 3.0
geotatah from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC 3.0 BY
prettycons from www.flaticon.com is licensed by CC 3.0 BY

Short-answer question example icons by Freepik from www.flaticon.com are licensed by CC BY 3.0

Displaying data example icons by Freepik from www.flaticon.com are licensed by CC BY 3.0

About CLIPS – meet the CLIPS team

About CLIPS

The CLIPS website was created to help science undergraduates improve their communication skills. The website is mobile-friendly, easy to navigate, and always available to students when they need support for their assessment.

Many undergraduate science programs struggle to find time or space in the curriculum to teach communication skills, which can result in courses relying on text documents or links to websites to distribute advice or guidelines on specific assessment. To help improve the student learning experience, the CLIPS website uses a multimedia-rich platform to give access to key information without students having to search through class handouts, textbooks, or cumbersome course websites for communication information.

Each CLIPS module targets an area of science communication frequently encountered in an undergraduate science degree. The modules include core information on communication; guidelines for planning, designing, and presenting; interviews with academics; field-specific examples; and links to additional resources. Our aim is to provide students with a richer and more colourful experience to learning about communication in science.

The CLIPS project was funded through a University of Queensland technology-enhanced learning grant.

The CLIPS Team

portrait of susan rowland

Prof Susan RowlandThe University of Queensland
Susan conducts research projects in which she builds and evaluates new educational experiences for students – her goal is to help science students develop professionalism through authentic learning and practice. Her current project focuses on work integrated learning opportunities for science students.

portrait of kay colthorpe

Dr Kay ColthorpeThe University of Queensland
Kay’s research focuses on assessment and feedback in the sciences, and the development of students’ scientific reasoning and communication skills, particularly through the use of inquiry-based classes.

portrait of louise kuchel

Dr Louise KuchelThe University of Queensland
Louise’s research investigates ways to improve communication abilities of science students through the design, testing and implementation of effective curricula, class activities and assessment methods.

portrait of james hardy

James HardyThe University of Queensland
James is responsible for the creation of CLIPS content and ensuring the website runs smoothly. If you’re having any technical problems with the website, please contact James.