Vinod Kumar and I (Simone Pfaller) are excited to share that we had the opportunity to attend the Fulbright Enrichment Seminar “From Lab to Market” in Boston. We met and listened to scientists, policy experts, and passionate activists to learn and reflect on effective communication skills of scientific research to the public as well as strategies to tackle social challenges in public health in the U.S.
Furthermore, the Mass General Research Institute organized a pitch competition in which our team, among 12 other teams, won the first prize for our communication strategy to increase the accessibility of assistive technology for disabled individuals. It was also inspiring to meet 125 talented Fulbrighters from over 70 countries. We got to know each other during “Big Talk” (skipping small talk to have deeper and more meaningful conversations), exploring Boston’s parks and restaurants, and a walking tour of the Freedom Trial.
We are grateful for this unique experience from the Fulbright Program for organizing this seminar to translate science, build trust, and make information more accessible to the general public!