Report from the Kavli Foundation's Science and Society Sparks Program

Basic science research is pivotal for enabling fundamental breakthroughs, workforce development, and overall economic growth. Trust and excitement from various publics is necessary for enacting the policies which support this basic science research and its spinoffs, yet few physicists receive formal training in purposeful communication. The Kavli Foundation recently held the Science & Society Sparks Program to support a group of scientists to engage with readings and guided discussions that explore the public's relationship with basic science research, and how this relationship relates to sentiments around large institutions. This program equipped participants with a deeper understanding of the keys to effective, trust-building communication, and practical tools for improving their own engagement with various publics. This contribution will present key takeaways and actionable recommendations from the material explored during the Kavli Foundation's Science & Society Sparks program.