Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science

Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science Sharing the wonder and joy of science and research through effective communication

The Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science works to enhance understanding of science by helping researchers to communicate more effectively with the others, including other experts, public officials, students, the media, and the public. The Alda Center offers professional development programs to research organizations around the US and internationally, conducts research into the science of sci

ence communication, and, in collaboration with the Stony Brook School of Communication and Journalism, offers graduate programs in science communication.

06/01/2026

Improv? For some scientists, that can sound far outside their comfort zone.

SUNY Upstate Medical University Associate Professor Jessica Ridilla arrived at the SUNY Research Leadership Academy unsure of what an Alda experience would involve—especially the improv. What she discovered wasn't pressure to perform, but a space to experiment, connect, and grow as a communicator and leader.

By the end of the program, she reflected on how the experience helped her strengthen her communication skills in a way that felt supportive and grounded in genuine human connection.

That's the power of the Alda Method® and the SUNY Research Leadership Academy: meeting people where they are and creating an environment where scientists, researchers, and engineers are encouraged to step beyond their comfort zones, build confidence, and expand what's possible as leaders in their fields.

Hear what Professor Ridilla has to say about her Alda Experience, read more about the SUNY Research Leadership Academy at the link below, and stay tuned here for upcoming Academy news: https://news.stonybrook.edu/university/building-connection-and-leadership/

SUNY - The State University of New York
Stony Brook University

Science communication occurs with others, not to them.This is a critical and strategic starting point on the path to bei...
05/28/2026

Science communication occurs with others, not to them.

This is a critical and strategic starting point on the path to being an effective science communicator, and one on which the Alda Center and its methods were founded.

The Alda Center approach to science communication emphasizes genuine human connection through dialogue, active listening, and mutual respect rather than simply delivering information “to” audiences. Effective science communication means not only helping others reconsider what they think, feel, and do, but also allowing experts themselves to be changed by listening, reflection, and engagement with diverse perspectives.

Learn more about Alan's inspiration to create an institution to champion effective science communication, and how we help scientists, researchers, and engineers connect people to their work, here: https://www.aldacenter.org/about/alda-origins.php #2024-Present

Alda facilitators Josh Rice and Kim Stauffer brought the Alda Experience to SUNY - The State University of New York at ...
05/20/2026

Alda facilitators Josh Rice and Kim Stauffer brought the Alda Experience to SUNY - The State University of New York at Albany this week.

Participants represented an extraordinary range of disciplines and perspectives, spanning the social sciences and humanities, public policy and education, the natural sciences, computing and technology, and multiple areas of engineering.

But they all had something in common: a willingness to jump in, challenge themselves, and expand their communication toolbox. The group was deeply engaged, embracing the playful exploration and thoughtful reflection that are central to the Alda Experience.

And just as importantly, they brought joy to the work!

Watching people from so many different disciplines come together with curiosity, openness, and a commitment to growth is always a reminder of what makes the Alda Experience so powerful.

Learn more about the Alda Method® of science communication training and reach out to us here: https://www.aldacenter.org/about/alda-method.php

Color us fascinated! The Spring '26 issue of the Young Investigators Review is out now:https://drive.google.com/file/d/1...
05/19/2026

Color us fascinated! The Spring '26 issue of the Young Investigators Review is out now:

https://drive.google.com/file/d/1OAJ4LwQn2Vnm9MT-M1vVDB4Tyuzc4YkS/view

Produced by a student team of science communication writers under the mentorship of SUNY Distinguished Professor John Peter Gergen and Assistant Professor of Practice and Alda Facilitator Josh Rice, this 26th volume of the YIR features the science of color as well as some Stony Brook University research highlights.

Congratulations to the team for a captivating and enlightening collection of science communication!

As part of the Stony Brook University and The State University of New York communities, we’re proud to celebrate Timothy...
05/15/2026

As part of the Stony Brook University and The State University of New York communities, we’re proud to celebrate Timothy Glotch, Professor and Chair of the SBU Department of Geosciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, who will be featured in SUNY’s “Research and Innovation” campaign running May 15–June 15 at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, JFK Airport, and LaGuardia Airport.

Professor Glotch is one of 10 participating scientists selected to join NASA’s first hashtag lunar surface science team, helping shape the science plan astronauts will carry out on the Moon’s surface.

At the Alda Center, we are fortunate to work alongside extraordinary scientists, researchers, and engineers whose discoveries are advancing knowledge and expanding what’s possible. Being a part of the Stony Brook University and the SUNY community means being surrounded by innovators making an impact at the very highest levels — from Earth and planetary science to health, technology, engineering, and beyond.

Congratulations to Dr. Glotch and to the entire SUNY community on this exciting recognition!

Read more about Dr. Glotch's role and the goals of the mission here: https://news.stonybrook.edu/newsroom/press-release/general/stony-brook-university-professor-timothy-glotch-to-serve-on-nasas-artemis-mission-first-geology-team/

In today’s environment, the gap is no longer in expertise.It is in how effectively that expertise is communicated.Organi...
05/13/2026

In today’s environment, the gap is no longer in expertise.
It is in how effectively that expertise is communicated.

Organizations are generating more knowledge than ever, but impact depends on the ability to share that knowledge through clear, human, and trusted communication.

The Alda Center embraces that challenge and leads the science communication training space, with many calling the Alda Experience "transformative."

Through the Alda Method®, professionals across disciplines, including scientists, engineers, healthcare providers, and leaders, develop the skills to connect more effectively, communicate with clarity, and ensure their work achieves its intended impact.

Whether through focused training or ongoing development, the goal is the same. Stronger communication that drives understanding, trust, and results.

Learn more and reach out to us here: aldacenter.org

We’re excited to see Science Communication for Scientists: Linking Strategy with Creativity, Practice and Respect recogn...
05/12/2026

We’re excited to see Science Communication for Scientists: Linking Strategy with Creativity, Practice and Respect recognized in the Journal of Science Communication with a thoughtful review by Matthew S. VanDyke.

The review praises the textbook’s evidence-based, ethical, and practical approach to science communication. As Professor VanDyke writes, Science Communication for Scientists “serves as a necessary, current resource for scientists hoping to communicate about their work more effectively.” The book also incorporates many of the core principles of the Alda approach to science communication, emphasizing connection, audience awareness, and communication grounded in clarity, empathy, and responsiveness.

Co-written by Alda Center Executive Director Laura Lindenfeld alongside fellow communication scholars John Besley (Michigan State University College of Communication Arts and Sciences), Xia Zheng (Stony Brook University School of Communication and Journalism), Anthony Dudo (Moody College of Communication at UTAustin), and Todd P. Newman (University of Wisconsin-Madison), the open-access textbook combines research-backed communication strategies with practical applications for scientists, students, and educators. Since its release in September, thousands of readers around the world have accessed the resource, highlighting the growing demand for effective science communication training.

We’re proud to see this work contributing to a broader movement toward science communication that strengthens trust and understanding between STEM professionals and the communities they serve.

👉 Read the review in the Journal of Science Communication: https://jcom.sissa.it/article/pubid/JCOM_2503_2026_R04/

👉 If you are already using Science Communication for Scientists, leave a comment below or reach out to the authors with your thoughts! If you haven't had a chance to check out this great resource, you can get it here, along with resources for instructors: https://www.routledge.com/Science-Communication-for-Scientists-Linking-Strategy-with-Creativity-Practice-and-Respect/Lindenfeld-Besley-Zheng-Dudo-Newman/p/book/9781032797335?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23345041667&gbraid=0AAAAACWuhHWSkh5fJxiV3L3bbPrNgwizk&gclid=Cj0KCQjw8PDPBhCeARIsAOJwmWXex8YBbNf_vbOjyuMStI9_eMtaxElVOZl_18Xh8nFQ5yjqSr5eE4EaAmTXEALw_wcB

05/06/2026

Dr. Andrew Craig, Associate Professor of Behavior Analysis Studies at SUNY Upstate College of Health Professions, shares how the Research Leadership Academy challenged him to step outside his comfort zone and grow as both a communicator and a leader. As Andy puts it, the experience is “transformative.”

Through the Alda Method®—an interactive, research-backed approach grounded in improv, strategy, and human connection—and a network of expert partners and leadership mentors, SUNY faculty are building the skills to connect with diverse audiences, collaborate across disciplines, and lead with clarity and confidence. These skills help advance research, spark innovation and discovery, and amplify the real-world impact of their work.

Sometimes, real growth begins right at the edge of your comfort zone.

The SUNY Research Leadership Academy is a collaboration between the Alda Center led by Laura Lindenfeld, Stony Brook University Office of DI3 led by Judith Brown Clarke, Ph.D, OLY, SUNY - The State University of New York Office of Research, Innovation and Economic Development led by Shadi Shahedipour-Sandvik, and the Office for Research and Innovation at Stony Brook University led by Monica Bugallo.

Communication is a skill that develops over time.Workshops create important moments of insight and skill-building.Ongoin...
05/05/2026

Communication is a skill that develops over time.

Workshops create important moments of insight and skill-building.
Ongoing reinforcement helps those skills take hold and evolve.

The Alda Center supports both by helping individuals and organizations build communication capabilities that strengthen with practice, application, and continued learning.

From early-career professionals to experienced leaders, communication becomes more effective when it is revisited, refined, and reinforced over time.

Learn more about our programs and get in touch with us here: aldacenter.org

Photo: Long Island Sound Partnership/NEIWPCC

05/01/2026

What does it mean to communicate engineering to a world that doesn't really know what engineers do?

The Alan Alda Center's Laura Lindenfeld caught up with Andy Singer, Dean of the College of Applied Sciences and Engineering at Stony Brook University, to find out in our recent visit to New Orleans for the 2026 Engineering Deans Conference from the American Society for Engineering Education. This is the first in a series of conversations with engineering and science leaders grappling with one of the most important communication challenges in their field.

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N4029 Melville Library, Stony Brook University
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11794

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Wednesday 9am - 5pm
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