The Sativus GEMS program has been established to help scientists be the best they can be. Being inefficient with science communication and project management takes time away from doing great science, creates stress and compromises the science itself, wasting resources.  

Wouldn’t it be great if scientists could efficiently and effectively manage research, other people and science communications? The GEMS by Sativus program is your answer. GEMS is a learning program by scientists, for scientists, to help each other Grow, Evolve, Mentor and Succeed in project management and science communications.  

Improving scientists’ ability to manage projects and communicate creates positive changes:  

• Financial benefits through improved risk, time, budget and staff management, and enhanced opportunities (including funding)  

• Increased scientific impact  

• Increased morale through better collaboration, cooperation and industry networking  

• Lightened workload and reduced stressors that come from improved efficiencies  

• Increased space for scientists to be creative and generate insights, which are needed for generating the next big idea.  

The GEMS flagship course, Essential Skills for Scientists (ESS), creates scientists that have the project management and science communication skills they need to do great science that is accessible, by providing skills that are necessary but not traditionally taught to scientists.  

The ESS course covers a broad range of topics from how to prepare a proposal, final report, presentations and data visualisation, building collaborations, networking and managing stakeholder relationships, to other tasks like preparing and implementing risk and communications plans and budgets. ESS is used as the basis for targeted, structured learning programs that are tailored to the needs of the scientist depending on their career stage.  

This ESS Science Starters Short Course will provide you with the knowledge and skills that are essential to being a successful scientist. 

The topics covered in this course are things scientists say they wish they knew, and skills they wish they had when starting their careers. There are a few things that get taken for granted, or things you don’t find out until you’re in a position where you’re told you need to do something, like communicating effectively or writing a project proposal.  

There are even some things that you may not ever have thought about, like why wonder is important for science and the difference between collaboration and cooperation. We are hoping that through this course, you will be better prepared for the realities of being a scientist. 

Packages tailored depending on requirements: 

• Access to online program, including tailored/bespoke options 

• Fortnightly emails with handy tips  

• Sativus supplies  

• Course guide with resources and course tasks 

• Online support (response within 24 hours)  

• Review and feedback on completed online tasks 

• Group classes, workshops and webinars 

• One-on-one guidance/mentoring sessions 

Every scientist supported by Sativus through the GEMS program has benefited from developing these skills. This includes research managers, academics, students and those working in policy and government and the private sector.