Communication Academy

The ¡°Basics of Science Communication¡± course offers participants a compact introduction to key themes of science communication. The course is offered in German and in English.

The course focuses on the following topics:

• Science communication: functions, roles and trends
• Conceptual basics: how do I communicate effectively?
• Science and media with a focus on the Swiss media system
• Social media: opportunities and risks, channels and trends
• Newer formats: videos, podcasts, interactive events

You will learn the most important elements that make up good stories, analyze your science from the perspective of storytelling and apply the learned lessons on your research by hands-??on work.

For one day, the course is dedicated to the following topics:

• Introduction & storytelling basics
• Transform your research into stories: Identify your story elements;
• Frame your story for different audiences
• Presentations and discussion

Whether it¡¯s Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn or Instagram, social media enables researchers to share their work directly with a wider public.

The course is dedicated to the following topics in one day:

• What opportunities and risks does social media present for researchers?
• Basics: what should I keep in mind before I communicate?
• Target groups, channels, formats, messages, timing
• Best practices

How can I, as a researcher, engage in political processes, and who are the relevant stakeholders? What role can I take on in collaboration with political decision-makers?

This course provides insights into these questions through expert lectures and hands-on exercises while equipping participants with competencies at the interface of science and policy.

Through this course, participants will:

• Learn where and how they can engage in the political process and identify relevant stakeholders,
• Gain a better understanding of their role and that of policymakers,
• Learn how to develop a Policy Outreach Plan.

The course series "Science for Policy" aims to:

1)      provide researchers at the doctoral level and beyond with different insights into science-based policy advice and

2)      establish a discussion platform on the role of science in policy at ETH Zurich.

This semester, Prof. Dr. Dominik Hangartner (Professor of Public Policy, ETH Zurich) and Dr. Cornelia L¨¹thy (Representative for EU Affairs of the Secretary of State, State Secretariat for Migration SEM) will provide insights into their collaboration in the field of migration policy.

• 11:45 Arrival and Brown Bag Lunch
• 12:15 Start of programme: Welcome and introduction by Benedikt Kn¨¹sel (Head Science-Policy Interface, ETH Zurich)
• 12:25 Science-based policy advice in the area of migration policy by Prof. Dr. Dominik Hangartner (Professor of Public Policy, ETH Zurich)
• 12:40 The perspective of the administration: Migration policy and the negotiations between Switzerland and the EU by Dr. Cornelia L¨¹thy (Representative for EU Affairs of the Secretary of State, State Secretariat for Migration SEM)
• 12:55 ¨C 13:30 Q&A

The purpose of the workshop is to introduce the participants to the general principles of design. By the end of the workshop the participants should have a good grasp of the visual basics and be able to apply them practically in a wide variety of projects (presentations, posters and more).

The course is divided into two modules that take place on different days.

The emphasis of the course is to develop visual skills without the need for technical language and confusing terminology. The workshop is specifically tailored to address the scientists¡¯ needs.

• Basic design elements: how we digest visual information
• Typography: creating typographical hierarchy / enhancing readability
• Introduction to colour theory / composition basics
• Presentation: creating the narrative / maximising information retention
• Discussing practical examples
• Students assignment
• Feedback round

Participants learn how to present their scientific topics to non-??expert audiences in formats such as TED, FameLab, IdeasLab (WEF), or Falling Walls. The workshop is divided into two modules of 4 hours each, held on different days.

Module 1

• Presentation skills (stage movement, body language, gesticulation)
• Stress management
• Voice, diction, and breathing
• Structure of an engaging presentation
• Dos and Dont's when using PP slides
• Improvisation and answering unexpected questions
• Present science to non-??expert audiences

Module 2

• Each participant presents one speech (with PPT/ plus improvised presentation)
• Individual feedback

Whether it¡¯s for an opinion piece in the newspaper, a public lecture or a text on your own website, writing comprehensibly for a non-??scientific public is one of the most important skills in science communication. The course is offered in German and in English.

The course is divided into two modules of 180 minutes each, held on different days.

Module 1 covers the basics:

• Planning a text: target groups, objectives, messages
• Storytelling: how can I turn my topic into a story?
• Style and tone: how do I write in an understandable manner?
• In-?course exercise: developing the structure of a news article
• Task for module 2: composing a text using the knowledge gained in the course

In module 2, participants practise what they have learned:

• Concluding discussion and feedback using some examples from the course
• Participants revise the text in the course
• Outreach: what do I do with my text?

If you want to reach a younger, non-??scientific audience, you can't get around videos these days. Participants learn how to create their own science video, from the idea to the final edit.

The workshop is divided into two days:

Module 1 covers the basics:

• Journalism and Storytelling: pitching, developing and researching to transform a research story into a journalistic story
• Screenwriting and Storyboarding
  
• Participants are given the opportunity to film their own videos during the two weeks between the first part and the second part

In module 2, participants practice what they have learned:

• Camera, lighting and audio (material will be provided by the trainer and the multimedia of the ETH)
• Film editing (using Premiere Pro Software)

This workshop is designed to introduce attendees to the exciting world of AI and its potential for enhancing creativity in writing and science communication. The aim is to provide hands-on experience in using AI tools and techniques to boost writing productivity, generate new ideas, and test new forms of science communication. The workshop is suitable for anyone interested in using technology to enhance their creative processes and testing new tools. No prior experience is required, as the class also teaches the basics of science communication.

The workshop is divided into two modules, held on different days.

You learn the most important elements in using AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools and techniques to boost writing productivity, generate new ideas and test new forms of science communication.

• Catch up with the most recent AI tools
• Create and generate different kinds of content with AI
• Expand your creativity and explore new possibilities of science communication
• Learn the basics of science communication
  

In this course you will learn how to develop a socially relevant story about your research, outline your ideas and develop and present a prototype.

• Introduction to creative science communication
  (Cultural context and social relevance, instruments and methods)
• The role of art and design in science communication
• Exchange on public relations practice; science fairs and youth workshops
• How to address your audience - developing a socially relevant
  relevant story about your research (e.g. for Scientifica 2026)
• Working out visual and aesthetic metaphors from your research
• Prototyping / sketching the idea
• Development of the prototype, feedback from the peer group
• Presentation of the prototype and feedback in the plenum
• Refinement of the prototype and development of further ideas
• Introduction to impact evaluation

How can I present my research convincingly and effectively to the media in front of the camera? As an expert, how can I explain complex issues well and clearly, and how do I deal with the media in tricky situations?

Participants gain the tools they need to deal with members of the media. The focus is on TV appearances.

In this 240-minute course, you will learn a lot about the media and how to deal professionally with media professionals. You will receive valuable tips on how to appear confidently in front of a camera and microphone, and you will also practise this on site. (Please note that this course is only available in German.)

Our course focuses on the following topics:

• Appearing in front of the camera: What is important?
• Understanding better means working better together: What makes the media tick?
• What are my rights? And what are the no-gos?
• How do I prepare myself optimally?
• Formulating statements that go down well
• Plus: exercise sequences, checklists and sharing experiences

Get fit for your next media appearance and develop a passion for media work!