The Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science works to enhance understanding of science by helping train the next generation of scientists and health professionals to communicate more effectively with the public, public officials, the media, and others outside their own discipline.

We believe that scientists have a responsibility to share the meaning and implications of their work, and that an engaged public encourages sound public decision-making. In addition, the ability to communicate directly and vividly can enhance scientists' career prospects, helping them secure funding, collaborate across disciplines, compete for positions, and serve as effective teachers.

The Center offers a range of instructional programs for science graduate students and scientists, including workshops, conferences, lectures, and coaching opportunities, as well as credit-bearing courses offered through the School of Journalism. We are working to develop new approaches to curriculum, assess our programs, and establish a clearinghouse for best practices and a supportive network of institutions working to improve public communication of science.

The Center was established in 2009 at Stony Brook University, part of the State University of New York, with the cooperation of Brookhaven National Laboratory and Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. In 2013 the Center was renamed in honor of Alan Alda, the renowned actor, director, and writer who has made communicating science to the public an art form. It is located within the Stony Brook School of Journalism, with a multidisciplinary steering committee of science faculty members.