Communicating science doesn’t have to be dull, dry or incomprehensible. Just ask Alan Alda.

As host of the PBS documentary program “Scientific American Frontiers,” Alda interviewed hundreds of scientists and discovered that many have compelling stories but have difficulty sharing them in a clear, concise way.

Looking to improv theater as a way for scientists to hone their communication skills, Alda created Improv for Scientists, an initiative of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science at Stony Brook University in New York.

This week, the well-known actor, director and writer brought Improv for Scientists to UC Santa Barbara, where he taught improve techniques to researchers as part of the three-day Alda Kavli Leadership Program.