The dialogue academies were free training workshops for those working within the science communication sector. The focal point of the project, the dialogue academies were active and hands-on, bringing together 130 individuals from over 70 different organisations around the United Kingdom. The academies aimed to integrate discussion and debate about contemporary science issues into everyday practice within attendees’ organisations.

The content included:

• facilitation skills
• ice-breakers
• evaluation
• funding tips, and
• the popular dialogue marketplace, full of dialogue activity ideas

All of the resources from the academies can be found on the resources page

Four dialogue academies were held at different locations throughout the UK.

Each academy was divided into two parts. Part one ran over two days and was followed by a gap of about of eight weeks before part two. During this eight week period participants devised and delivered a dialogue activity of their own.

Part two of the course was held over a single day. It was an opportunity for participants to share the learning and experiences gained from their dialogue activities with each other and the team.

At-Bristol, Bristol

Part one: 23 and 24 September 2009

Part two: 25 November 2009

Thinktank, Birmingham

Part one: 11 and 12 January 2010

Part two: 26 March 2010

Glasgow Science Centre, Glasgow

Part one: 27 and 28 January 2010

Part two: 30 March 2010

Centre for Life, Newcastle

Part one: 20 and 21 April 2010

Part two: 14 June 2010