Advance science. Connect. Communicate.

Upcoming Events

Explore our upcoming seminars, workshops, and conference sessions.

Welcome & Introduction Session

Virtual Session
May 1, 2026
2:00-3:00 PM CDT
Online (Zoom)

Kick off the HEC Program by connecting with fellow participants and program leaders. This session is designed to introduce the program structure, expectations, and opportunities, while creating a space for students to meet peers from different backgrounds.

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Seminar 1: Communicating Science in the Age of Artificial Intelligence

Virtual Seminar
May 4, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 PM CDT
Online (Zoom)

Learn how to use artificial intelligence responsibly in research and how to communicate its use with transparency and scientific integrity.

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Seminar 2: Communicating Science to Journalists

Interactive Virtual Seminar
May 20, 2026
2:00 - 3:30 PM CDT
Online (Zoom)

What’s the real story behind your research? This session helps you find it and communicate it clearly for a broader audience without losing accuracy.

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Seminar 3: Communicating Science to K-12 Students

Virtual Seminar
June 8, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 PM CDT
Online (Zoom)

This session focuses on how to communicate science effectively to K–12 audiences by adapting language, structure, and examples to different age groups.

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Seminar 4: Communicating Science to Producers

Virtual Seminar
June 17, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 PM CDT
Online (Zoom)

Learn how to communicate research in a way that is practical and relevant for producers. This session focuses on turning scientific findings into clear, actionable insights for on-farm decisions.

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Seminar 5: Communicating Science to Business Leaders

Interactive Virtual Seminar
June 30, 2026
2:00 - 3:30 PM CDT
Online (Zoom)

Learn how to translate research into business value. This session focuses on defining impact, building a strong value proposition, and pitching ideas to industry leaders.

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Seminar 6: Communicating Science to Consumers

Virtual Seminar
July 7, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 PM CDT
Online (Zoom)

Learn how to communicate science clearly and build trust with consumer audiences. This session focuses on addressing concerns, simplifying complex topics, and responding to misinformation effectively.

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Seminar 7: Communicating Science to Policy Makers

Virtual Seminar
July 27, 2026
2:00 - 3:00 PM CDT
Online (Zoom)

How do you connect your research to real policy decisions? This session explores how policymakers interpret scientific information and what makes research useful in that space.

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Workshop with PIs: Strategic Audience Positioning

Workshop
August 11, 2026
2:00 - 3:30 PM CDT

This interactive workshop builds directly on the seminar “Communicating Science to Different Target Audiences” and prepares students for the Communication Conference. The goal is to help students learn how to strategically frame a research idea depending on who they are speaking to.

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Pre-Conference Help Session: Refining Your Presentation

Virtual Help Session
October 5, 2026
Time TBD
Online (Zoom)

This session is designed to support students as they prepare for the HEC Communication Conference. This is an opportunity to make final improvements and ensure your presentation is clear, impactful, and audience-centered.

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HEC Communication Conference

In-Person Conference
October 16, 2026
7:00 AM - 7:00 PM CT
Sioux Falls, South Dakota

The HEC Communication Conference is the capstone experience of the program, where students apply what they have learned throughout the seminar series. Participants will present their research tailored to a specific target audience and engage directly with professionals from industry, academia, and other sectors.

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