Courtroom Communication

The Leverhulme Research Centre for Forensic Science at the University of Dundee collaborated with the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University, USA, to proudly offer an intensive online training course, bringing together best practice from science communication training and research tailored for forensic scientists and expert witnesses.

Spaces are limited. All sessions are delivered live and your participation is essential to maximise individual feedback and skill development.

Learn by doing: fully live, fully interactive.

Why This Course?

Courtrooms demand more than technical skill.

Forensic Professionals and Expert Witnesses must communicate complex evidence clearly, handle pressure, and respond convincingly under cross‑examination.

This course focuses on how you communicate, not just what you say.

It shows how you can equip yourself with practical, courtroom-ready skills.

What You’ll Learn, Through Doing!

Using proven techniques drawn from improvisation and performance-based learning, participants will engage through expertly structured, hands‑on exercises.

Over the three sessions you will learn effective communication skills allowing you to:

• Explain the theory and principles underpinning effective science communication, including the role of empathy and audience‑centred approaches in supporting understanding.
• Identify and select appropriate science communication techniques and tools to support the clear communication of scientific concepts.
• Apply and demonstrate science communication techniques in a forensic science context, effectively communicating subject‑specific information in a clear, accessible language.

These sessions will run from:  Tuesday 28th July – Thursday 30th July 2026.

Session 1 – Communication Skills

Date: Tuesday 28 July, Time: 15:00 – 17:00 (GMT).

Session 2 – Tools and Techniques

Date: Wednesday 29 July, Time: 15:00 – 17:30 (GMT).

Session 3 – Presenting Evidence

Date: Thursday 30 July, Time: 15:00 – 17:00 (GMT).

The course is designed to take approximately 10 hours in total. This includes time for attending sessions and completing the assignment, ensuring you have sufficient opportunity to engage with the content and balance other commitments.

Every element of the course is interactive, ensuring active practice rather than observation.