March 4: 2025 Faculty Nutshell Talks

March 4: The Center for Communicating Science at Virginia Tech is excited to announce the 2025 Faculty Nutshell Talks, a high-energy event at which faculty members have just 90 seconds to explain their research “in a nutshell” to a public audience. This event is designed to highlight and celebrate the innovative and diverse research being conducted at Virginia Tech while helping faculty refine their inclusive science-communication skills.

Participants will be guided by expert coaches from the Center for Communicating Science, developing skills that will benefit them far beyond the stage. All will receive a professional-quality video recording of their talk to share and use, and four contestants will be awarded $1000 in professional development funds. 

Supported by the Office of Research and Innovation and by Faculty Affairs, the Faculty Nutshell Talks will take place on Tuesday, March 4, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Anne and Ellen Fife Theatre at the Moss Arts Center. Sixteen faculty members will be selected to participate in this unique opportunity.

Registration for faculty is now open on a first-come, first-served basis. Sign up here or use this link to learn more about the event, including rules and judging criteria.

Participants should reserve the following dates:

• Friday, January 31, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., skill-building workshop
• Monday, March 3, 5:30 p.m to 8:00 p.m., dress rehearsal
• Tuesday, March 4, 5:30 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., Faculty Nutshell Talks, public event

For more information about the 2025 Faculty Nutshell Talks or the Center for Communicating Science, please contact Erin Smith, project coordinator, at erinmsmith@vt.edu.