Science communicators program - North American Pain School

The NAPS Science Communicators Program is led by Neil Andrews. It is an innovative initiative to help the next generation of pain researchers and clinicians excel at communicating their own research and that of others to diverse audiences. A reimagination and refresh of previous science communications efforts at NAPS, participants in this program will develop a wide range of skills enabling them to convey pain research to expert and general audiences alike.

Neil Andrews is a science journalist and editor based in New York City. With a background in neuroscience and a graduate degree in science journalism from Boston University, he has over two decades of experience covering science and medicine for expert and non-expert audiences alike. Previously, he was the executive editor of the Pain Research Forum for almost a decade. In 2022, he became the executive editor of the Migraine Science Collaborative (MSC), a non-profit news website and information resource hub for the global community of migraine and headache basic scientists, clinical researchers, and clinicians. In additional to covering migraine research, MSC also covers related areas, including pain research.

Options for content creation may include:

Interviews with visiting NAPS faculty, in written or podcast form
Interviews with fellow NAPS trainees
Op-eds
Research summaries
Material for those living with chronic pain

Content formats may include:

Multimedia content, including audio and video
Written content
Visual content (e.g., data visualizations)

Content may appear on several platforms, including:

Various social media and publishing platforms, such as Instagram, TikTok, and others
Various websites, including the NAPS website and others

All trainees accepted to NAPS are eligible to apply, with a total of six spots available in the program. Participants will receive training before, during, and after NAPS.

To apply for the NAPS Science Communicators Program, explain your interest in the appropriate section of the NAPS application form. You will be asked to indicate, in no more than 250 words: 1) Why you are interested in the program and how you envision it advancing your career and 2) What types of content you are most interested in producing.