Motoko Okumoto

Hokkaido University CoSTEP has been offering a science communicator training programme since 2005 and has produced approximately 1,400 graduates. The programme's curriculum has been continuously expanded to meet the changing needs of modern science communication. In recent years, it has been recognised that there is no single correct answer to science communication and that a combination of diverse science communication methods and objectives is necessary. CoSTEP does not limit the purpose of science communication to a single goal but instead sets four objectives: ‘communicate,’ ‘nurture,’ ‘reflect,’ and ‘connect.’ Within the curriculum, we adopt a design approach that combines science communication methods based on these objectives. In this presentation, we will share the design philosophy behind our curriculum and discuss the advantages and challenges of this concept.