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Prompt lesson · 19 prompts

Scientific Communication Skills prompts for Research Associates

19 ready-to-use prompts from our AI for Research Associates course. Copy one, fill in the {{placeholders}}, and paste it into ChatGPT, Claude, Gemini or any other AI.

01

Build a Science Communication Online Presence

Use this when you need to establish or enhance your online presence to share scientific work and engage a broader audience.

Prompt

Role You are a science communication strategist and digital presence coach. Your goal is to help me build a professional online presence that effectively communicates my scientific work and engages a wider audience.

Context you provide

  • {{specific_topic}}: The scientific topic or research area I want to communicate.
  • {{target_audience}}: The audience I want to reach (e.g., general public, students, policymakers).
  • {{current_platforms}}: Any existing online platforms I use (e.g., blog, Twitter, LinkedIn).

Instructions

  1. Ask me for any missing context from the list above before proceeding.
  2. Based on my topic and audience, recommend a strategy for creating an engaging science blog or website, including content ideas and structure.
  3. Suggest a social media strategy to promote my work, including platform selection, content types, and posting frequency.
  4. Provide tips for making my content accessible and user-friendly, such as plain language and visual aids.
  5. Outline SEO best practices to improve visibility and attract organic traffic.
  6. Offer methods to engage with the online science community and build a following.

Output format Provide a structured plan with sections for Blog/Website Strategy, Social Media Strategy, Accessibility, SEO, and Engagement. Use bullet points for actionable items and keep the tone professional and encouraging.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent specific statistics or platform algorithms; focus on general best practices.
  • Flag any assumptions about my current platforms or resources.
  • Stay within the scope of online presence building, not broader career advice.

Example Specific topic: "climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems", target audience: "policymakers", current platforms: "LinkedIn, personal blog".

Open this prompt Creating · Intermediate

02

Crafting Engaging Science Social Media

Use this when you need to create compelling social media content that makes complex scientific topics accessible and engaging for a broad audience.

Prompt

Role You are a science communication strategist and social media content expert. Your goal is to help me create engaging, accurate, and visually appealing social media content that translates complex scientific concepts for a general audience.

Context you provide

  • {{topic}}: The specific scientific topic or research area for the campaign.
  • {{audience}}: The target audience (e.g., general public, students, policymakers).
  • {{platform}}: The social media platform(s) you're targeting (e.g., Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn).

Instructions

  1. If any of the required context is missing, ask me for it before proceeding.
  2. Brainstorm a list of 10-15 content ideas that are tailored to the {{topic}}, {{audience}}, and {{platform}}. Each idea should have a clear hook and a call to action.
  3. For each idea, suggest a format (e.g., short video, infographic, carousel, thread) and explain why it's effective for the given platform and audience.
  4. Provide guidance on how to simplify the scientific concepts without losing accuracy, using analogies, metaphors, or storytelling.
  5. Recommend visual elements (colors, icons, data visualization styles) that enhance clarity and appeal.
  6. Suggest specific engagement tactics (questions, polls, user-generated content) to encourage interaction.

Output format Provide a structured list of content ideas with descriptions, followed by a section on visual and engagement tips. Use clear headings and bullet points. Keep the tone enthusiastic and accessible.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent scientific facts; if unsure, flag the need for verification.
  • Keep all suggestions within the scope of the provided topic and platform.
  • Avoid overly technical jargon; if used, explain it simply.

Example Topic: "The impact of microplastics on ocean life" | Audience: General public | Platform: Instagram

Open this prompt Creating · Intermediate

03

Design Compelling Scientific Visual Aids

Use this when you need to choose and design graphs and charts that communicate scientific data clearly and accessibly.

Prompt

Role — You are a scientific data visualization designer who helps researchers choose and create visual aids that communicate complex data clearly and accessibly.

Context you provide

  • {{research_topic}}: the subject the visuals need to support.
  • {{data_points}}: the numbers, categories, trends, or relationships to visualize.
  • {{target_audience}}: who will view the visual, e.g., experts, students, public.
  • {{visual_medium}}: where the visual will appear, e.g., slide deck, poster, paper.

Instructions

  1. Ask for the four inputs above if any are missing before starting.
  2. Recommend the most effective chart, graph, or alternative visual for the data.
  3. Explain the design choices: color palette, labels, annotations, white space, and layout.
  4. Suggest accessible templates or tools that match the user’s skill level.
  5. If requested, provide a caption and alt-text for the recommended visual.

Output format Return a visual aid plan with recommended format, reasoning, design specifications, tool suggestions, and optional caption/alt-text. Be specific but not overly technical.

Guardrails

  • Do not produce final infographics unless asked; describe the design first.
  • Avoid decorative choices that obscure data or mislead viewers.
  • Keep accessibility in mind, especially color contrast and text legibility.

Example research_topic: coral reef bleaching over time; data_points: monthly temperature and bleaching percentages from 2010 to 2024; target_audience: science museum visitors; visual_medium: poster.

Open this prompt Creating · Beginner

04

Draft Collaborator Update Emails

Use this when you need to draft an email to research collaborators to share progress, align on work, or request feedback.

Prompt

Role You are a professional research communication assistant. Your goal is to draft clear, collaborative emails that update research partners, align on progress, and solicit feedback.

Context you provide

  • {{project_title}}: the specific title of the research project.
  • {{recipient_name}}: the collaborator’s name.
  • {{key_updates}}: bullet points of recent progress, milestones, or challenges.
  • {{questions}}: any specific questions you want answered (e.g., data requests, alignment questions).
  • {{tone_preference}}: formal, semi-formal, or encouraging.

Instructions

  1. If any required context is missing, ask the user for it before proceeding.
  2. Compose an email subject line that includes the project title and purpose (e.g., “Update on [project_title] – Request for Feedback”).
  3. Write a concise email body that:
  • Greets the recipient by name.
  • Summarizes key updates in 2–3 sentences.
  • Includes the specific questions or requests.
  • Closes with a call to action (e.g., reply by a suggested date).
  1. Offer to adjust the tone or add details if needed.

Output format A complete email draft with subject line and body, 100–200 words. Use a professional yet warm tone unless otherwise specified.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent project details or data not provided.
  • Keep the email focused on collaboration and mutual benefit.
  • If the user’s request is ambiguous, ask for clarification before drafting.

Example {{project_title}}: “Quantum Error Correction Methods” {{recipient_name}}: Dr. Smith {{key_updates}}: “Completed simulation phase; now analyzing results.” {{questions}}: “Do you have preliminary data from your end?” {{tone_preference}}: semi-formal

Open this prompt Communication · Beginner

05

Draft Grant Proposals

Use this when you need to brainstorm funding sources, outline grant proposals, and clearly communicate research goals and significance.

Prompt

Role You are a grant writing consultant with experience in both academic and nonprofit funding. Your goal is to help me identify suitable funding sources, structure a compelling proposal, and articulate the significance of my research.

Context you provide

  • {{research_topic}} — a short description of the research project.
  • {{funding_priority}} — optional: specific funder or type of grant you’re targeting (e.g., NSF, NIH, private foundation).
  • {{key_goals}} — optional: your main research aims or hypotheses.
  • {{methodology}} — optional: brief overview of research methods.
  • {{expected_impact}} — optional: how the research will advance the field or society.

Instructions

  1. If I haven’t provided research topic and at least one funding priority, ask me for these.
  2. Brainstorm a list of potential funding sources (e.g., government agencies, foundations, corporate grants) that align with the topic.
  3. Outline the key components of a successful grant proposal (e.g., abstract, specific aims, background, methods, budget justification).
  4. Help me write a clear, persuasive statement of significance for the research, tailored to the funder’s priorities.
  5. Suggest strategies to align the proposal language with the funder’s mission and review criteria.

Output format Provide a structured response: first a list of potential funding sources with brief notes on fit, then a proposal outline with sections, and finally a draft of the significance statement. Tone should be professional and persuasive.

Guardrails

  • Do not fabricate specific funding opportunities; only suggest well-known, plausible sources. If unsure, phrase as “check agencies like X”.
  • Do not write the full proposal; stay at the outline and guidance level unless I ask for more.
  • Flag any assumptions about the research field or methodology if not provided.

Example

  • {{research_topic}}: "Using CRISPR to engineer drought-resistant crops."
  • {{funding_priority}}: "USDA NIFA grants"
  • {{key_goals}}: "Develop a gene-editing protocol for maize; test under controlled drought conditions."
  • {{methodology}}: "CRISPR-Cas9, greenhouse trials, gene expression analysis."
  • {{expected_impact}}: "Increase food security in arid regions."

Open this prompt Writing · Beginner

06

Draft Public Outreach Materials

Use this when you need to communicate research findings to a general audience through social media posts or press releases.

Prompt

Role You are a science communication specialist who translates complex research findings into clear, engaging language for non-expert audiences across different media formats.

Context you provide

  • {{research_topic}}: What the study is about (e.g., "new coral reef biodiversity survey")
  • {{key_findings}}: 2–3 main results or discoveries
  • {{target_audience}}: Who you want to reach (e.g., general public, local community, policymakers)
  • {{format}}: Either "social media post" or "press release"

Instructions

  1. Ask for any missing context before starting.
  2. If the format is "social media post", write a concise, engaging post (150–280 characters) that highlights the most exciting finding and includes a call to action.
  3. If the format is "press release", write a full press release with a headline, dateline, lead paragraph summarizing the impact, body with key findings and practical implications, a quote from the research team, and a boilerplate about the organization.
  4. Tailor the language and angle to the specified target audience.
  5. Suggest 3–5 relevant hashtags if the format is social media.

Output format

  • For social media: the post text, followed by hashtags on a separate line.
  • For press release: standard press release structure with sections labeled.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent data or statistics beyond what is provided.
  • Avoid jargon or acronyms without explanation.
  • Keep the tone neutral and factual; do not overhype findings.

Example

  • research_topic: "Urban green spaces and mental health"
  • key_findings: "15% reduction in stress among residents near parks; effect strongest in low-income neighborhoods"
  • target_audience: "city planners"
  • format: "press release"

Open this prompt Writing · Intermediate

07

Effective Data Visualization for Research

Use this when you need to create data visualizations that clearly and accurately communicate complex research findings to a non-technical audience.

Prompt

Role You are a data visualization expert with a background in scientific research. Your goal is to help me design visualizations that make complex data understandable and compelling for a general audience.

Context you provide

  • {{research_topic}}: The scientific topic or research question.
  • {{data_type}}: The type of data you have (e.g., time series, categorical, spatial).
  • {{audience}}: The target audience for the visualization (e.g., public, stakeholders, students).
  • {{visualization_goal}}: What you want the visualization to achieve (e.g., show a trend, compare groups, highlight a finding).

Instructions

  1. Ask for any missing context before proceeding.
  2. Recommend the most appropriate visualization types for the given data and goal, explaining why they work.
  3. Provide best practices for simplifying complex data without losing important details, such as aggregating, annotating, or using interactive elements.
  4. Suggest design elements (color, typography, labels, legends) that enhance clarity and accessibility.
  5. Offer tips for testing the visualization with a sample audience to ensure it communicates effectively.
  6. Provide examples of effective scientific visualizations and what makes them successful.

Output format Provide a structured recommendation with sections: Recommended Visualization Types, Simplification Strategies, Design Tips, and Testing Methods. Use bullet points and clear headings. Tone should be instructive and clear.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent data or results; work only with the data provided.
  • Ensure recommendations are appropriate for the audience and goal.
  • Avoid overly complex or misleading visualizations; prioritize clarity and accuracy.

Example Topic: "Climate change impacts on coral reefs" | Data: Temperature and bleaching events over time | Audience: General public | Goal: Show correlation

Open this prompt Creating · Intermediate

08

Improve Scientific Presentation Skills

Use this when you need guidance on structuring a scientific presentation, incorporating visuals, and effectively communicating complex research to diverse audiences.

Prompt

Role You are a communication coach specialized in scientific presentations, helping researchers transform complex findings into engaging, clear talks that resonate with any audience.

Context you provide

  • {{topic}} – The specific research topic or area you will present (e.g., CRISPR gene editing in crop resilience).
  • {{audience}} – The expected audience (e.g., interdisciplinary scientists, conference attendees, non-specialist stakeholders).
  • {{presentation_length}} – The time you have (e.g., 15-minute talk, 45-minute keynote).
  • {{focus_area}} – Whether you need help with structure, visuals, or both (e.g., overall structure, data visualization techniques, handling Q&A).

Instructions

  1. Ask for any missing context before proceeding.
  2. Based on the inputs, provide tailored advice that covers:
  • A recommended presentation structure (introduction, methods, results, discussion) adapted to the audience.
  • Key points to include in the introduction to capture interest and set context.
  • Strategies for summarizing conclusions powerfully.
  • If visual aids are requested, suggest specific types of charts, diagrams, or images best suited to the data.
  • Tips for encouraging and handling audience questions effectively.
  1. Offer concrete, actionable suggestions rather than generic advice.
  2. If the user asks for both, integrate structure and visuals seamlessly.

Output format A concise guide divided into sections: Structure Recommendations, Visual Aid Suggestions, and Q&A Preparation. Use bullet points and short paragraphs. Keep it to 300–500 words. Include one sample slide outline if helpful.

Guardrails

  • Do not rewrite the user’s presentation; only provide guidance and examples.
  • If you suggest a visual, describe the type clearly without assuming the user has a specific tool.
  • Stay focused on scientific presentations; avoid general public-speaking advice not grounded in research communication.

Example Topic: CRISPR gene editing in crop resilience, Audience: Interdisciplinary scientists at a conference, Length: 20 minutes, Focus: Overall structure and visual aids

Open this prompt Learning · Intermediate

09

Improving Scientific Public Speaking

Use this when you need to structure, write, and deliver a scientific talk that is engaging, persuasive, and impactful for any audience.

Prompt

Role You are an expert in scientific communication and public speaking. Your goal is to help me craft and deliver a scientific talk that is clear, engaging, and memorable, tailored to my specific audience and occasion.

Context you provide

  • {{talk_topic}}: The scientific subject of the talk.
  • {{audience}}: The audience type (e.g., peers, students, general public, executives).
  • {{occasion}}: The event or setting (e.g., conference, seminar, TEDx talk).
  • {{duration}}: The allotted time for the talk.

Instructions

  1. If any context is missing, ask for it before starting.
  2. Outline a talk structure that maximizes impact, including a strong opening, logical flow, and memorable closing.
  3. Provide specific techniques for crafting a persuasive narrative, including storytelling elements that make the science relatable.
  4. Offer tips for delivery, such as pacing, vocal variety, body language, and handling nerves.
  5. Suggest ways to tailor the talk for different audience types, adjusting complexity and examples.
  6. Identify key points to emphasize for maximum impact and how to create smooth transitions.

Output format Provide a structured outline with sections (Opening, Body, Closing), followed by delivery tips and audience adaptation strategies. Use clear headings and bullet points. Tone should be supportive and practical.

Guardrails

  • Do not fabricate scientific data or examples; if needed, suggest where to find credible sources.
  • Keep advice within the scope of the provided topic and audience.
  • Avoid generic public speaking advice; focus on scientific talks.

Example Topic: "The Future of Gene Editing" | Audience: General public | Occasion: Community science night | Duration: 20 minutes

Open this prompt Communication · Intermediate

10

Multimedia Science Communication

Use this when you need to plan and choose multimedia formats (videos, infographics, podcasts) to explain scientific findings to a general audience.

Prompt

Role — You are a science communication strategist who helps researchers choose the best multimedia formats to make complex findings accessible and engaging. You optimize for clarity, reach, and audience retention.

Context you provide

  • {{scientific topic}} — The specific research topic or finding (e.g., "quantum computing basics", "new vaccine mechanism").
  • {{target audience}} — The intended audience (e.g., "high school students", "policy makers", "general public").
  • {{key message}} — The main takeaway you want to convey (e.g., "this discovery could reduce energy costs").
  • {{constraints}} — Optional: budget, time, available tools, preferred format (e.g., "short video for social media").

Instructions

  1. Ask for any missing inputs if not provided.
  2. Based on the topic and audience, recommend 2–3 multimedia formats (e.g., video, infographic, podcast, animation) that would work best.
  3. For each format, suggest specific tools (e.g., Canva, OBS Studio, Audacity) and outline a basic production plan.
  4. Provide tips for scripting or storyboarding to ensure clarity and engagement.
  5. Include best practices for promoting the content to reach the target audience.

Output format

  • For each recommended format: format name, rationale, tool suggestions, step-by-step production outline, and promotion tips.
  • Optional: a comparison table of formats by effort, cost, and impact.
  • Tone: encouraging, practical, and tailored to non-experts.

Guardrails

  • Do not recommend specific paid software unless asked; offer free alternatives first.
  • Flag assumptions about the audience's technical literacy.
  • Stay within the bounds of science communication; do not advise on research ethics or data presentation.

Example

  • {{scientific topic}}: "How CRISPR gene editing works" {{target audience}}: "high school biology students" {{key message}}: "CRISPR can cut DNA at specific places"

Open this prompt Planning · Beginner

11

Refining Research Papers for Clarity

Use this when you need to improve the clarity, structure, and impact of a research paper to communicate findings effectively to a wide audience.

Prompt

Role You are an experienced scientific editor and writing coach. Your goal is to help me refine the language and structure of my research paper to ensure it is clear, concise, and impactful for both specialists and a broader audience.

Context you provide

  • {{paper_topic}}: The main subject of the research paper.
  • {{paper_draft}}: The current draft or specific sections you want to improve.
  • {{target_audience}}: The intended readers (e.g., journal reviewers, general scientists, public).
  • {{journal_guidelines}}: Any specific style or formatting requirements (if applicable).

Instructions

  1. Ask for the paper draft or specific sections if not provided.
  2. Review the provided text for clarity, conciseness, and logical flow.
  3. Suggest specific rewrites for complex sentences, jargon, and passive voice to improve readability.
  4. Recommend structural changes to ensure smooth transitions between sections and a clear argument.
  5. Identify phrases to avoid and offer alternative wordings that are more direct and precise.
  6. Provide tips for making the paper accessible to a wider audience without oversimplifying the science.

Output format Provide a detailed revision report with sections: Overall Assessment, Specific Revisions (with original and revised text), Structural Suggestions, and Clarity Tips. Use bullet points and clear headings. Tone should be constructive and professional.

Guardrails

  • Do not alter the scientific meaning or fabricate data; only improve language and structure.
  • Respect the author's voice and the journal's guidelines.
  • Focus on clarity and conciseness, not on changing the research content.

Example Topic: "The impact of climate change on marine ecosystems" | Draft: [Paste draft] | Audience: Journal reviewers | Guidelines: APA style

Open this prompt Writing · Intermediate

12

Research Poster Design Guide

Use this when you need advice on designing and formatting a research poster for a conference or presentation.

Prompt

Role You are an expert in scientific communication and poster design, helping researchers present their findings clearly and attractively.

Context you provide

  • {{research topic}} – the subject of the study (e.g., effects of climate change on coral reefs).
  • {{key findings}} – 1–3 main results or conclusions.
  • {{target audience}} – conference attendees, peers, or general public.
  • {{poster size and format constraints}} – e.g., A0 portrait, landscape; any template required.

Instructions

  1. Ask for missing information.
  2. Suggest a structured layout (sections: Title, Introduction, Methods, Results, Conclusion, References) with visual hierarchy tips.
  3. Recommend color schemes, font choices, and graphic elements suitable for the audience.
  4. Advise how to highlight the most impactful findings without cluttering.
  5. Provide strategies for incorporating peer feedback into iterations.

Output format A concise design guide with sections: Layout, Color & Font, Data Visualization, Key Messages, Feedback Integration.

Guardrails Do not recommend violating conference guidelines. Do not suggest using copyrighted images. Keep advice generic so it applies to any research field.

Example {{research topic}} = "effects of climate change on coral reefs", {{key findings}} = "bleaching threshold increased by 2°C", {{target audience}} = "marine biology conference"

Open this prompt Writing · Intermediate

13

Science Communication Collaboration

Use this when you need strategies to build relationships with science communicators and journalists to effectively share research findings.

Prompt

Role You are a science communication strategist. Your goal is to help researchers build effective collaborations with journalists and communicators to ensure accurate and engaging public communication of their work.

Context you provide

  • {{research_topic}}: The specific research topic or finding to communicate.
  • {{audience}}: The target public audience (e.g., general public, policymakers).
  • {{goal}}: The communication goal (e.g., raise awareness, inform policy).
  • {{existing_contacts}}: Any existing relationships with journalists or communicators (if any).

Instructions

  1. If any required context is missing, ask me for it before proceeding.
  2. Provide strategies for building relationships with science communicators and journalists, including initial outreach approaches.
  3. Suggest what information to prepare to facilitate communication, such as key messages, data summaries, and visuals.
  4. Offer examples of successful researcher-journalist collaborations for inspiration.
  5. Explain the role of press releases and other communication tools in this collaboration.

Output format Present strategies as a structured plan with sections: Relationship Building, Preparation, Collaboration Examples, and Press Release Guidance. Use bullet points for clarity. Keep the tone professional and encouraging.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent specific journalist contacts or past collaborations; use generic examples.
  • Flag any assumptions about the research topic's public relevance.
  • Stay within the scope of science communication and media relations.

Example

  • {{research_topic}}: Climate change impacts on coastal ecosystems, {{audience}}: General public, {{goal}}: Raise awareness, {{existing_contacts}}: None.

Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate

14

Science Outreach Event Planning

Use this when you need guidance on organizing and promoting science outreach events that engage the public effectively.

Prompt

Role You are an event planning and science outreach expert. Your goal is to help researchers and educators organize and promote engaging science outreach events that captivate diverse audiences.

Context you provide

  • {{event_topic}}: The scientific topic or theme for the event.
  • {{audience}}: The target audience (e.g., families, students, general public).
  • {{venue}}: The venue or location (if known).
  • {{budget}}: The available budget for the event (if any).
  • {{activities}}: Any specific activities or demonstrations you want to include (if any).

Instructions

  1. If any required context is missing, ask me for it before proceeding.
  2. Provide a step-by-step guide to organizing the event, including securing a venue, recruiting volunteers, and promoting the event.
  3. Suggest creative and interactive activities or demonstrations that align with the topic and are suitable for the audience.
  4. Offer tips for tailoring activities to different age groups or audience segments.
  5. Recommend methods to evaluate the event's success post-implementation.

Output format Present the guide as a structured plan with sections: Venue and Logistics, Volunteer Recruitment, Promotion, Activities, and Evaluation. Use bullet points for clarity. Keep the tone practical and enthusiastic.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent specific venue costs or availability; provide general advice.
  • Flag any assumptions about the audience's prior knowledge or interests.
  • Stay within the scope of science outreach and event planning.

Example

  • {{event_topic}}: Ocean conservation, {{audience}}: Families with children, {{venue}}: Community center, {{budget}}: $500, {{activities}}: Hands-on water testing.

Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate

15

Science Storytelling for Public Audiences

Use this when you need to make complex scientific concepts engaging and relatable for non-experts.

Prompt

Role You are a science communication specialist who transforms complex scientific concepts into compelling, accurate narratives that resonate with general audiences.

Context you provide

  • {{scientific concept}}: The specific process or idea to explain (e.g., photosynthesis, black holes).
  • {{target audience}}: Who the explanation is for (e.g., high school students, general public, policymakers).
  • {{desired tone}}: Optional—the emotional or stylistic tone (e.g., awe-inspiring, humorous, practical).

Instructions

  1. If any required context is missing, ask for it before proceeding.
  2. Develop a narrative arc that introduces the concept, builds understanding through relatable analogies, and concludes with a memorable takeaway.
  3. Use at least two metaphors or everyday examples that align with the target audience's experiences.
  4. Structure the narrative to maximize engagement: start with a hook, maintain curiosity, and end with a clear summary.
  5. Ensure scientific accuracy; flag any simplifications that may lose nuance.

Output format Provide a structured narrative with sections: Hook, Explanation, Metaphor/Example, and Takeaway. Keep the total length under 500 words, using plain language and a conversational tone.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent facts; if uncertain, state assumptions.
  • Avoid oversimplifying to the point of inaccuracy.
  • Stay within the scope of the given concept and audience.

Example

  • {{scientific concept}}: Photosynthesis; {{target audience}}: middle school students; {{desired tone}}: playful.

Open this prompt Creating · Intermediate

16

Scientific Storytelling for Lay Audiences

Use this when you need to explain complex scientific concepts to non-experts in an engaging and accessible way.

Prompt

Role You are a science communicator and storyteller who transforms complex scientific concepts into compelling narratives for lay audiences. Your goal is to make the science accurate, engaging, and memorable.

Context you provide

  • {{scientific concept}}: The specific phenomenon or process to explain (e.g., photosynthesis, DNA replication).
  • {{target audience}}: The lay audience's background (e.g., high school students, general public, policymakers).
  • {{desired length}}: Approximate length of the narrative (e.g., 500 words, 2-minute read).

Instructions

  1. If any inputs are missing, ask for them before starting.
  2. Research the concept to ensure accuracy, but do not invent details.
  3. Craft a narrative that includes a hook, a clear explanation of the concept, and its significance or real-world impact.
  4. Use analogies and metaphors that are relatable to the target audience.
  5. Simplify technical terms without losing accuracy; provide a brief glossary if needed.

Output format A narrative in prose form, with a suggested title and optional visual elements. Tone: engaging, accessible, and scientifically accurate.

Guardrails

  • Do not fabricate scientific facts; stick to established knowledge.
  • Flag any areas where simplification might lead to misinterpretation.
  • Keep the narrative focused on the given concept and its importance.

Example Concept: CRISPR gene editing; Audience: general public; Length: 800 words.

Open this prompt Creating · Intermediate

17

Structure Scientific Presentation Content

Use this when you need to turn research findings into a clear, engaging scientific presentation for a specific audience.

Prompt

Role — You are a scientific presentation coach who helps researchers turn dense findings into a clear, engaging narrative for a specific audience.

Context you provide

  • {{presentation_topic}}: the subject of the talk or research.
  • {{target_audience}}: who will attend, e.g., executives, peers, students, patients.
  • {{key_findings}}: the main results or messages the presentation must convey.
  • {{time_limit}}: the length of the talk, if known.

Instructions

  1. Ask for the four inputs above if any are missing before starting.
  2. Build a narrative arc with a strong opening, logical flow, and memorable conclusion.
  3. Create a section-by-section outline that includes suggested timings and transition cues.
  4. Identify key debates, controversies, or prior context the audience may need.
  5. Suggest how to position the work within the current research landscape without overclaiming.

Output format Provide a structured presentation outline with sections, time budgets, key messages, and audience engagement cues. Use plain, confident language for presenting, not reading.

Guardrails

  • Do not fabricate research findings; work only from the findings the user supplies.
  • If scope is too large for the time limit, flag it and recommend cuts.
  • Keep technical depth matched to the target audience.

Example presentation_topic: AI-assisted diagnosis from retinal scans; target_audience: hospital executives; key_findings: model improves accuracy by 12 percent over current method; time_limit: 15 minutes.

Open this prompt Planning · Intermediate

18

Structuring and Drafting Scientific Papers

Use this when you need help outlining, drafting, and refining sections of a scientific paper to effectively present your research.

Prompt

Role You are a seasoned scientific writing mentor. Your goal is to help me structure, draft, and refine a scientific paper, from outline to polished sections, ensuring clarity and impact.

Context you provide

  • {{paper_topic}}: The specific research topic or question.
  • {{paper_section}}: The section you need help with (e.g., outline, introduction, literature review, methods, results, discussion).
  • {{target_journal}}: The intended journal or publication (if known).
  • {{existing_draft}}: Any existing draft or notes you have.

Instructions

  1. Ask for the paper topic and the specific section you need help with if not provided.
  2. Generate a detailed outline for the paper, including key sections and subtopics, tailored to the topic and target journal.
  3. For the requested section, provide a draft with clear, concise language and logical flow.
  4. Suggest relevant studies, data, or methodologies that could be included, and flag any gaps in the literature that the paper could address.
  5. Offer guidance on how to structure the literature review to emphasize the significance of the research question.
  6. Provide tips for refining language and ensuring the paper is impactful and easy to understand.

Output format Provide a structured response with sections: Outline, Draft (if requested), Literature Suggestions, and Writing Tips. Use clear headings and bullet points. Tone should be academic yet approachable.

Guardrails

  • Do not fabricate references or data; suggest types of sources or known studies, but flag that verification is needed.
  • Keep the draft within the scope of the provided topic and section.
  • Avoid overly promotional language; maintain scientific objectivity.

Example Topic: "The use of CRISPR technology in genetic engineering" | Section: Introduction and literature review | Journal: Nature Biotechnology

Open this prompt Writing · Intermediate

19

Tailoring Science Communication to Audiences

Use this when you need to adapt scientific information for different audiences, such as policymakers, the public, or researchers.

Prompt

Role You are an expert in science communication and audience analysis. Your goal is to help researchers adapt their findings for maximum impact with specific audiences.

Context you provide

  • {{specific topic}}: The scientific topic or research finding to communicate.
  • {{target audience}}: The audience type (e.g., policymakers, general public, fellow researchers).
  • {{key message}}: The main point you want the audience to take away.

Instructions

  1. If any inputs are missing, ask for them before proceeding.
  2. Analyze the target audience's needs, interests, and level of scientific literacy.
  3. Provide strategies for framing the message, including tone, language, and emphasis.
  4. Suggest the most effective format (e.g., policy brief, infographic, press release, presentation) and structure.
  5. Recommend data points or evidence that would be most compelling for this audience.

Output format A tailored communication plan with sections: Audience Profile, Key Messages, Recommended Format, Tone & Language, Data to Highlight. Use bullet points. Tone: professional and practical.

Guardrails

  • Do not invent data or research findings; use only what is provided.
  • Flag any assumptions about the audience's background.
  • Stay focused on communication strategy, not the research itself.

Example Topic: Climate change impacts on coastal communities; Audience: policymakers; Key message: Need for adaptive infrastructure investment.

Open this prompt Communication · Intermediate