Communication Academy
The Communication Academy is a continuing education programme for science communication aimed at reserachers at ETH Zurich and the four research institutes PSI, Empa, WSL and Eawag.
Through the Communication Academy, ETH’s Corporate Communications aims to raise awareness among scientists of the great opportunities as well as the inherent risks of science communication and enable them to communicate their research in a comprehensible and compelling way to a non-scientific audience. With it, ETH Zurich contributes to a constructive dialogue between science and society.
The courses offered by the Communication Academy are aimed at doctoral candidates, postdocs, senior scientists and professors of ETH Zurich as well as the four research institutes PSI, Empa, WSL and Eawag. The courses are free of charge. No ECTS credits are awarded for them. However, anyone who completes one of the one or two-?day workshops will receive a certificate of attendance.
Basics of science communication
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
Science Communication for Social Media
Storytelling skills for science communication
Science and policy in Switzerland (for ETH members only)
The participants of the course understand the field of tension between science and politics and know the different roles that scientists can take on in the legislative process in Switzerland and what opportunities and risks this entails.
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
Writing for the public
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?
How to produce your own science video
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)
Presenting science to non-??expert audiences
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
Exploring AI for Science Communication
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
Media training for professors with an international background
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.
Media training for professors
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
Science based policy consulting in spatial planning
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.