Decoding the SciComm In Practice Fellowship built by STEMi Makers of Africa and SuperScientists

In this episode of CivicSciTV Africa, we dig into the power of collaboration in building science communication networks across Africa. Amanda Obidike (Founder, STEMi Makers Africa) and Justin Yarrow (Founder, CodeMakers & SuperScientist) share how their partnership led to the creation of the Scicomm In Practice Fellowship to provide a “dynamic three-month journey for beginning science communicators and scientists passionate about transforming science narratives and communicating the wonders of science.”

Learn more about the SciComm In Practice Fellowship

The Power of Collaboration

🔹 “Justin reached out with an amazing idea, and we just ran with it. We saw the potential to build something impactful together.” – Amanda

🔹 “We combined our strengths—STEMi’s community reach and SuperScientist’s storytelling—to design something practical and hands-on.” – Justin

🔹 “We didn’t want just another science communication program. We wanted something immersive, where people actually practice and create.” – Justin

Why the Fellowship Matters

The overwhelming response to the fellowship—over 400 applications—showed a huge demand for structured science communication training. Amanda and Justin recognized the gap between science education and public engagement and built the fellowship to address it.

The Challenges & Lessons Learned

🚧 AI-Generated Applications – “For a program about communication, it was tough to assess skills when many applicants used AI to answer questions.” – Justin

🚧 Commitment to Capstone Projects – “We had to keep emphasizing why the capstone project mattered. We wanted people to apply their skills, not just attend webinars.” – Amanda

🚧 Need for Mentorship – “The next step is bringing in experienced science communicators as mentors. A small-group mentor setup could make a huge difference.” – Justin

Call to Action for African Science Communicators

📢 “There is already a community out there—we just need to connect.” – Justin

📢 “We should empower people to lead.” – Amanda

What’s Next?

This pilot project was just the beginning. Amanda and Justin hope to expand the fellowship, secure funding, and build a lasting network of African science communicators.

Useful Links

Amanda Obidike

Justin Yarrow

STEMi Makers of Africa

Codemakers

Superscientists

Stephanie Okeyo

stephajwang@gmail.com

Stephanie Okeyo is a Microbiologist and Science Communicator. She is the founder of Under the Microscope. Some of her previous professional roles include Ambassador of Women in Science, East Africa and Representative to the United Nations office, Geneva at the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT). In 2019, she was listed as one of Under 30: Breaking Barriers Women in STEM and is a 2021 Zuri STEM category nominee. Stephanie is passionate about empowering young girls and being a voice for gender equality in Science and Technology.

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