Graduate students from the University of Notre Dame joined peers from across Indiana at the Statehouse for the 2025 Indiana Science Communication Day, an event aimed at encouraging doctoral students to apply their research on a broader scale and bridging the gap between researchers and policymakers.

The event, hosted on March 3, 2025, attracted more than 60 students, scholars, and scientists from across Indiana. It was created in 2018 to foster critical conversations about the role of science in policy making.

Students present their research in accessible formats, including non-technical posters and handouts, while also participating in small-group discussions with legislators. The event has become a key opportunity to increase the visibility of scientists in the policy-making space and promote meaningful dialogue between graduate students and lawmakers.

Emily Selland, a Notre Dame doctoral student studying biology and global health, is one of 30 students from the University who participated. She says the practice of communicating the 'why' is important for researchers.

“It forces us to reflect on the impact of our work and helps policymakers see not just what they are funding, but how it benefits the state,” says Selland. “This year’s event showed a growing interest from Indiana legislators, which was great to see.”

For some, the event also provided a chance to refine communication skills while engaging with lawmakers. Disha Patel, a third-year biochemistry graduate student at Notre Dame, emphasized the importance of these discussions.

"This event allows us to step back from the lab and reflect on the broader impact of our research,” says Patel.

“It’s a valuable opportunity to practice communication skills in a low-stakes environment while also helping lawmakers engage with science in ways they might not do daily. It’s important for us to work together to bridge that gap."

Prior to the event this year, students received structured guidance on how to talk about science and policy with lawmakers. All participating students were required to take part in a one-day workshop led by Debbie Stine, founder and chief instructor of the Science and Technology Policy Academy. The workshop helped prepare participants on how to discuss research with a broader audience.

Kate Biberdorf, professor for the public understanding of science at Notre Dame and popularly known as “Kate the Chemist,” helped prepare students on campus and accompanied them to Indianapolis.

“The graduate students were extremely well-prepared, and I admired how they were able to connect with the visiting guests in such a short period of time,” says Biberdorf.

The Indiana Science Communications Day event is a non-partisan educational and professional development event for graduate students organized by a graduate student club, Science Policy Initiative at Notre Dame.

Originally published by Colleen Wilcox at publicaffairs.nd.edu on March 24, 2025.