Schools are always keen to have academics come and talk to their students, but if you get the call, what do you talk about and how do you pitch it? We keep hearing that today’s teenagers are out of touch with nature, so how can you convey your very detailed biodiversity research project to an audience with very little prior knowledge? I’d argue that you don’t. Step away from your research and become an advocate for learning about the natural world. Tell them your back story – what got you hooked on nature? What path did you go down to get where you are? What fun do you have when doing your research? What have you found out that is new and why is it important? What are your hopes for your and their futures? Don’t show more than one graph, kick out the jargon, put up some photos of you in wellies, up a tree, with a beastie, with other researchers. Entice them into your world.

In this session I will invite a couple of teachers and students to give you some advice on what they want to hear, and give you the opportunity to pitch a story. Come with one photo, or an object, a passion, a fear, or a funny story, and give them a tantalising glimpse into your world.

Or just come and enjoy.

Session led by Kim Polgreen