To strengthen science communication skills among undergraduate students, the Future Science and Technology Leaders of the Philippines at Cebu Technological University–Main Campus (FSTLP CTU-MC) held “SAIKOM! A Science Infographics Seminar” on February 20, drawing over a hundred participants from various colleges.
The seminar trained students to translate complex research into accessible, culturally relevant content for Filipino audiences. It highlighted the role of digital tools and visual communication in promoting scientific literacy and knowledge dissemination.
Resource speaker Mr. Ralph Lauren Abainza, founder of ScienceKonek, stressed the need to contextualize scientific information for Filipino audiences in his talks on “Konek-ting Science and the People” and “Sharing Science through Infographics,” highlighting strategies in visual storytelling, audience framing, and data simplification.
His presentation included practical applications in communicating topics such as climate change and disaster risk reduction while maintaining scientific accuracy.
Students from the colleges of Arts and Sciences (CAS), Engineering (COE), Education (COEd), Technology (COT), and Computer, Information, and Communications Technology (CCICT) also participated in training sessions on misinformation, audience engagement strategies, and effective science communication in digital spaces.
Campus Leader Ms. Abie Gaile Casio led a session on “Notion AI: Your Smart Science Assistant”, introducing participants to digital productivity tools and AI-assisted workflows that enhance research collaboration and content creation.
The seminar further aimed to develop a cadre of student science advocates capable of communicating evidence-based information through social media and public platforms, thereby supporting informed decision-making and strengthening community engagement.
Networking activities capped the event, fostering collaboration among participants in science and technology advocacy.
The initiative supports Sustainable Development Goals 4 (Quality Education) and 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), contributing to enhanced scientific literacy and innovation in knowledge production and dissemination./FSTLP CTU-MC
