The Feed the Future Innovation Lab for Legume Systems Research hosted 40 legume researchers working in eight African countries in virtual workshops on science communication focused on building their grant writing skills. The two cohorts of 20 researchers each, attended a two-week workshop led by science communications expert Mark Bayer, of Bayer Strategic Consulting based in the U.S.
Researchers working across the legume value chain from Benin, Ghana, Mozambique, Malawi, Nigeria, Zambia, Burkina Faso, and Senegal attended the virtual workshop.
The researchers were taught effective strategies for communicating their research to donors and stakeholders in creative, compelling, and engaging ways designed to command the attention of their audience. Using the skills learned, each participant worked to develop and hone a 90 second research pitch evaluated by Bayer who provided individual feedback and coaching throughout the process.
The workshop also includes a seed grant competition which provides the participants an opportunity to apply their new skills in a five-page written proposal. The Legume Systems Innovation Lab will award a total of six grants for legume research in Southern Africa (3) and West Africa (3). Winners of the starter grant competition will be announced in June.
Categories: Michigan, Education