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

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

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

The participants

• learn where and how they can get involved in the political process and who the relevant stakeholders are;
• understand their role and that of politics.
• learn to develop a policy outreach plan
  

Morning: Sciences and Politics

• Presentation Caspar Hirschi: Division of roles between politics and science
• Group discussion and Q&A
• Report Tanja Stadler: Scientific policy advice during the Corona crisis
• Report Reto Knutti: Engagement for the Climate Protection Act

Afternoon: Policy Outreach Plan

• Input: How to create an outreach plan
• Group work: Participants create their own outreach plan
• Group presentation and discussion

Moderation Benedikt Knüsel and Christoph Elhardt

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)

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 covers the basics:

• Presentation skills (stage movement, body language, gesticulation)
• Stress management
• Pitching
• Structure and storytelling (creating impactful, persuasive and engaging presentations)
• Dos and don'ts when using PPT slides
• Improvisation and answering unexpected questions
• Present science to non-​​expert audiences
• Homework

In module 2, participants present their own research and practice what they have learned

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

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
  

How does the media landscape work both in Switzerland and internationally? How do I interact optimally with the media and present my research convincingly in interviews?

In 180 minutes, the course covers the following topics:

• The role and functioning of the media for ETH Zurich and in society.
• How to deal with media requests and how the Media Relations team can support you.
• Know what to expect from and the difference between Swiss and international media.
• How to prepare for an interview.
• Formulating statements with impact.

How does the German-​speaking media landscape work? How do I interact optimally with the media and how do I present my research convincingly in front of the camera and the microphone?

In 240 minutes, the course covers the following topics:

• Appearances in front of the camera - what is important?
• Role and functioning of the media
• Rights of the interviewee
• Hot to prepare for interactions with the media
• Formulating statements with impact
• Practice sequences, checklists and practical tips

The course series "Science for Policy" aims to 1) provide ETH professors with different insights into science-​based policy advice and 2) establish a discussion platform on the role of science in policy at ETH Zurich. The event will be on the topic of "Science based policy consulting in spatial planning".

• 11:45 Arrival and Sandwich Lunch
• 12:15 Start of programme: Welcome and introduction by Benedikt Knüsel (Policy Engagement Manager ETH Zürich)
• 12:25 Science-based policy consulting in in spatial and transport planning by Prof. David Kaufmann.
• 12:40 The perspective of the administration: Spatial and transport planning by the Federal Office for Spatial Development ARE. Report by Regina Witter.
• 12:55 – 13:30 Q&A

Speakers
David Kaufmann is the Professor of Spatial Development and Urban Policy at ETH Zürich. He serves as the Deputy Director of the Institute for Spatial and Landscape Development and as the Deputy Director of the Network City and Landscape (both at ETH Zürich).
Regina Witter works as deputy director of the programme for agglomeration traffic at the Swiss federal Office for Spatial development (ARE).
Benedikt Knüsel is Policy Engagement Manager ETH Zürich.