WPI-SKCM² Launches English Presentation Workshop Series to Empower Researchers for Global Communication
On July 16, WPI-SKCM², in collaboration with Hiroshima University’s Writing Center, launched the first session of its Presentation Workshop Series, an initiative designed to strengthen the English presentation and science communication skills of WPI-SKCM² members.
The workshop series is led by Dr. Peter Karagiannis, an experienced science editor at Hiroshima University’s Writing Center. Participants will first attend two lecture sessions covering the fundamentals of effective scientific presentations, followed by four practical workshops where they will apply these concepts through presentations, discussions, and peer feedback.
While WPI-SKCM² researchers devote themselves to conducting world-class research, effectively communicating scientific findings to diverse audiences requires another important set of skills. To support this, WPI-SKCM² has partnered with Hiroshima University’s Writing Center—an institute specializing in academic writing and communication support for Hiroshima University students and faculty—to provide professional training tailored specifically to the needs of its researchers.
The workshop series consists of six sessions, including two lectures and four practical workshops. Around 15 participants, including graduate students and postdoctoral researchers, have enrolled in the program. Throughout the series, participants will learn practical strategies for designing effective presentation slides, delivering engaging presentations, and providing constructive feedback to one another during practice sessions.
Among the participants were Cho Win Aung, a postdoctoral researcher from Myanmar, and Ai Kashihara, a second-year graduate student from Japan. They shared their reflections on the first workshop and the insights they gained.
“The idea that impressed me the most was ‘Build a presentation that keeps your audience synchronized.’One of the most valuable lessons for me was realizing that effective communication is not only about public speaking but also about public listening. Understanding what our audience needs, anticipating their questions, and paying attention to their feedback are all essential parts of a successful presentation.”
— Cho Win Aung, Postdoctoral Researcher (Myanmar)
“By participating in the first session, I learned the difference between teaching and negotiating. I also gained valuable insights into creating effective presentation slides and delivering presentations with confidence. As a student in the Department of Mathematics, I regularly give presentations in seminars, and I believe that communicating my research more clearly will encourage more active discussions, generate new ideas, and ultimately contribute to my research.”
— Ai Kashihara, Second-year Graduate Student (Japan)
This initiative also supports one of the World Premier International Research Center Initiative (WPI) Program’s core missions of globalization. By strengthening English presentation and communication skills, the workshop aims to foster more effective scientific exchange and collaboration within WPI-SKCM² and across the international research community.
WPI-SKCM² hopes this workshop series will empower its members to communicate their research with greater clarity, confidence, and impact, helping them engage more effectively with audiences around the world.
All photos © WPI-SKCM², Hiroshima University.
