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Bachelor and Master's students, Ph.D. candidates, as well as junior professionals from all walks of life who are interested in science communication.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

The Summer School "Listen, Engage, Connect: Explore The Science Communication Arena" is designed to equip participants with essential tools and perspectives to navigate the evolving science communication ecosystem.

Through five thematically structured days, the course will explore a wide range of communication practices — from storytelling and writing for the public, to tackling fake news, engaging communities during crises, and connecting science with society. This year’s edition also emphasizes institutional communication and public trust, integrating theoretical insights with hands-on experiences, including extramural visits and interactive workshops.
Led by renowned experts, alongside a range of guest lecturers, the program offers a rich blend of academic rigor and real-world application.

Module 1: Science Communication Writing and Storytelling
Science Communication Writing and Storytelling will focus on the art of communicating science to a lay audience through effective writing and storytelling techniques. The module will cover the nuances of writing for non-experts, effective ways of conveying complex scientific concepts and the importance of editorial independence in science communication. The module will cover the following topics:

• Writing for a lay audience: Participants will learn about the key principles of science writing for a general audience, including how to make scientific concepts accessible and engaging to non-experts.
• Storytelling in science communication: Participants will learn how to use storytelling techniques to convey scientific information in a compelling and memorable way.
• The importance of editorial independence: Participants will learn about the importance of editorial independence in science communication, and how to ensure that scientific information is accurately and objectively communicated to the public.
• Writing for different platforms: Participants will learn how to write for different platforms such as print, digital, and social media and how to adapt their writing style and message to different audiences.

Featured speakers:

• Investigating pseudoscience: Participants will learn about the strategies for identifying and addressing pseudoscience, and how to distinguish scientific facts from misinformation and disinformation.
• Psychology and fake news: Participants will explore the psychological factors that contribute to the spread of fake news, including cognitive biases, social dynamics, and emotional triggers.
• Fact-based decision making: Participants will learn about the importance of promoting evidence-based thinking in science communication, and how to encourage critical evaluation of information among diverse audiences.
• Neural basis of decision making: Participants will learn about the neural basis of decision making under risk, including the impact of cognitive and emotional factors on how people interpret and respond to information, particularly in uncertain or emotionally charged contexts.

• Institutional communication strategies: Participants will learn about the core principles of institutional communication, including how to craft coherent and transparent messages that reflect an organization’s mission and values.
• Public relations and trust-building: Participants will explore the challenges and opportunities of maintaining public trust in scientific institutions, with a focus on transparency, accountability, and responsiveness in times of crisis or controversy.
• Navigating science-policy interfaces: Participants will learn about the importance of fostering productive relationships between academic institutions and policymakers, and how to communicate scientific findings in ways that support evidence-informed decision making.
• Organizational storytelling and media engagement: Participants will gain insights into how institutions can share their work with the public through effective storytelling, media outreach, and the use of diverse communication platforms.

• Emergency risk communication: Participants will learn about the principles of emergency risk communication, including how to provide clear and actionable information during crises, manage uncertainty, and respond to public concerns.
• Risk and crisis communication: Participants will explore strategies for anticipating communication challenges, planning messaging in advance, and maintaining credibility during crisis situations.
• Community engagement: Participants will examine frameworks for engaging communities as partners in risk communication efforts, recognizing the importance of listening, inclusion, and cultural sensitivity in building trust.
• Trust and transparency in risk contexts: Participants will learn how transparency and consistency in communication help strengthen public confidence and support behavior change during emergencies.

• Theory and practice of art: Participants will learn about the foundational concepts in the arts that can inform science communication, including the use of symbolism, narrative, and emotional resonance.
• Theory and practice of science: Participants will reflect on the traditional modes of scientific communication and how integrating artistic methods can offer new ways to interpret and share scientific knowledge.
• Examples of art/science practice: Participants will explore case studies and collaborative projects where artists and scientists have worked together to communicate research through visual, performative, or participatory means.

• Engaging with science and technology: Participants will learn about strategies for promoting public understanding of science and technology, including approaches that invite participation and dialogue rather than passive dissemination.
• Science communication and diplomacy: Participants will explore the role of science communication in global diplomacy and foresight, and how communicators can act as bridges between scientific expertise and international policy agendas.
• Collaborative science communication projects: Participants will learn about cooperative approaches to science communication involving multiple stakeholders—scientists, educators, policymakers, and the public—and how to design and manage inclusive, impact-oriented initiatives.
• Institutional and civic initiatives: Participants will be introduced to initiatives such as the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA), Science et Cité, and European Schoolnet, which aim to connect science with society through policy, education, and public engagement efforts.

Philipp Burkard (Science et Cité)

Please note that it is the student’s own responsibility to validate this course for credit at their home university prior to the summer school, as specified in our Terms & Conditions.