"The single biggest problem in communication is the illusion that it has take place"

George Bernard Shaw

We believe that researchers and environmentalists are widely trusted and doing vital work for society.

But our environmental situation is now urgent, with society experiencing inaction, misinformation, suspicion and despair. Our experts don’t have the skills they need to effectively engage the public and decision-makers, just when it’s most vital that they do. 

We are communication experts; helping researchers and environmentalists share what they know, training them in the tools and skills they need to be able to communicate their important information to the best of their ability. 

As a result, in the last 13 years, the hundreds of researchers we’ve helped say their experience of talking about their work is so much better, that they are having much greater impact, it is helping their careers, and, importantly, it’s helping society to make important changes.

We think we offer something more than typical communications courses and training; helping environmental scientists and advocates to create the best narratives about their work and seize the invaluable insights that social science provides.

For over 13 years we have worked with some of the UK’s biggest science and environment institutions; training people in communication skills, press interviews, social media, and public engagement events. See recent clients. We've run, or taken part in, face-to-face and digital engagement with hundreds of thousands of public audiences from diverse backgrounds and cultures. 

We know what works, we share the latest communication techniques, and we help you apply these in the real world using our professionalism, creativity and ‘outside-the-box’ thinking.

Why do this?

1. Ensure that you and your work is recognised
2. Reach diverse public audiences
3. Communicate with decision-makers
4. Communicate with colleagues
5. Give better presentations
6. Improve funding bids
7. Talk to Press & Media

Communicating is at the heart of everything  

As scientists or specialists, you communicate your research to others within your field via conferences, scientific papers and policy documents. Yet few would ever class themselves as a ‘communicator’. 

Our workshops emphasise that public engagement is not just an altruistic endeavour; there are countless benefits to participants’ careers, to funding opportunities and to the impact they have on stakeholders. 

Helping to improve presentations, papers and articles, we cover the basic of good science storytelling, effective language use, elevator pitches, narrative arcs, barriers to engagement and value systems. In short, gain the skills that help you and your work to be recognised and acted upon. 

Within an academic context, communication often falls to the comms department, the public engagement department or a handful of enthusiastic individuals. Yet ALL researchers and specialists benefit from becoming better communicators. By better communicating your research, you increase your paper citations, you can better pitch your research to funding bodies and grant-givers, and crucially, your research will be better understood and acted upon by policymakers, decision makers and other stakeholders. On the occasion that a media agency picks up on your work or requires an expert statement, you will better poised to deal with the rigours of a media appearance or interview.

Why us?

And don't just take our word for it ...

Read a Case Study and see more testimonials here

Finally we've also worked many times with 16-25 year-olds: we're proud that those same skills can help them find their voice about the future they face
Learn more 

Siren Calling is Community Interest Company 8505068 - we believe in the value of communicating about our environment.