Some of Our Public Scholarship
Building the world we wish existed
We help movements, foundations, agencies and organizations apply behavioral, cognitive and social science to build better communication strategies for the common good.
Why Public Interest Communications? We are formalizing the study and practice of science-based, strategically planned communication campaigns for the greater good. A public interest communications approach has the main goal of achieving significant and sustained positive behavioral change on issues that transcend the particular interests of any single organization or individual. Read more »
Our Team
Our core team features experts in public relations, social science research, journalism and training. Find out more about us.
frank gathering
We convene an annual gathering for folks who work to change the world. frank brings together a purposely small group of sophisticated, groundbreaking, and sometimes surprising communicators.
Explore the gathering.
Research Prize
Our annual prize is one way we achieve our mission of turning research into actionable insights for the front line. Find out more about the prize.
Here's some examples of work we do
Stop Raising Awareness Already
Too many organizations concentrate on raising awareness about an issue without knowing how to translate that awareness into action. Read why in SSIR »
The Back-of-the-Envelope Guide to Communications Strategy℠
This four-question framework, rooted in social science, can help organizations craft an effective strategy that drives real social change. Read more »
The Science of What Makes People Care℠
Effective communication is not simply about getting your message out. It requires you to strategically
tap into what shapes people’s feelings and values. Read our framework in SSIR »
The Science of Story Building℠
Why we need to understand how to build better stories. We look at what research tells us about how brains work to tell stories that are more compelling, memorable and inspiring. More at scienceofstories.org »
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Center publishes evidence-based guide to help folks talk with others about COVID vaccines
October 10, 2022
Strategic Communication Academy Celebrates Six Years of Success Helping UF Faculty and Staff Become More Effective Communicators
September 21, 2022
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Want more? Earn a Master's degree in driving social change. Apply today!
The Center for Public Interest Communications, the first of its kind in the nation, is designed to study, test and apply the science of strategic communication for social change. We are based at the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications.