Since 2005, alumni have helped people connect with science in everyday life, from climate change to public health.
This year marks the 20th anniversary of Laurentian University's graduate programs in Science Communication, delivered in partnership with Science North, the first and only graduate degree of its kind in Canada. Since its launch in 2005, the program has trained more than 200 graduates who now work across the country and around the world, bridging the gap between science and society.
What sets the program apart is its people. Students arrive from diverse backgrounds such as biology, engineering, journalism, the arts, and leave as professional communicators working in science centres, aquariums, government, non-profits, universities, and media organizations.
"Science is at the heart of today's most pressing challenges, but it only makes an impact when people can connect with it," said Dr. Chantal Barriault, the program's director. "For 20 years, this partnership has trained professionals who make a real difference in how science is understood and acted upon. Our graduates lead conversations about health, climate change, technology, and the environment, issues that matter deeply to people and communities everywhere."
Alumni of the program now hold leadership and communication roles in science centres and museums, government ministries, environmental organizations, public health agencies, research institutes, and universities and colleges across Canada and beyond. Many remain connected to the program as mentors, collaborators, and champions for science communication.
The anniversary will be marked on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 3:30 p.m., in the lobby of the Vale Living with Lakes Centre, as the 20th graduating class present their research findings at the annual Science Communication Research Symposium at the Vale Living with Lakes Centre at Laurentian University.
As it celebrates two decades, the program is looking ahead. Laurentian University is adding a Minor in Science Communication for its undergraduates this fall. And with public demand for credible, engaging science communication stronger than ever, Laurentian University and Science North are committed to expanding opportunities for students and strengthening the program's impact in the years to come.
For more information about the Master's in Science Communication program and its 20th anniversary celebrations, visit sciencecommunication.ca.
Alumni Quotes
"The Laurentian Graduate Science Communication program has not only prepared me to be competitive in today's workforce, but it has also equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate today's landscape of misinformation. It's incredibly rewarding to be able to help my STEM clients impactfully connect and communicate with their audiences." -Ki-Youn Kim, Science Communication Specialist and Sessional Instructor in Science Communication at Laurentian University, Class of 2019
"Graduating from the Science Communication program was a turning point in my career and it continues to shape my work with the federal government today. From mentoring interns to collaborating with alumni, I see the program's impact every day. Science Communication graduates are thoughtful, skilled, and deeply committed to making science matter. That's the kind of legacy worth celebrating!" -Kat Middleton, Acting Manager, Science Engagement, Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Class of 2016
"I co-host The Nature of Things now, but I started my on-camera career on YouTube. The Science Communication program gave me the skills I needed to make that possible." -Anthony Morgan, Co-Host of The Nature of Things, Founder and Creative Director of Science Everywhere, Class of 2014
"I am forever grateful for the Science Communication program for kick-starting such a fun and unexpected career path. The skills I learned have been foundational in my job, where I need to understand different audiences, think creatively and strategically, and support engaging science experiences for people of all ages." - Kyelle Byne, Senior Manager, Grants (Science North), Class of 2019
