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Science & Society: Communicating Research in a Changing World 

Science & Society: Communicating Research in a Changing World 

In today’s rapidly evolving world, the interplay between science and society has never been more critical. Researchers are increasingly called upon to communicate their findings beyond academic circles, engaging with policymakers, educators, and the general public. 

This course is designed to equip PhD candidates with the skills necessary to navigate this landscape effectively. 

The course combines in-person teaching with independent work at home. In class, students take part in short lectures, practical workshops, peer feedback, and group discussions. Outside of class, they focus on writing, revising, and preparing their article. This structure supports both personal reflection and collaborative learning.  

Over four intensive sessions, participants will delve into the principles and practices of science communication. The course structure is as follows:   

Each day builds on the next:  

  • Day 1: Introduction to Science Communication: what it is, why it matters, and how it shapes trust in science.  
  • Day 2: Writing and Structuring for Public Audiences: how to write clearly, adapt tone, and plan your article.  
  • Day 3: Engagement Strategies and Visual Communication: using framing, storytelling, and figures to support understanding.  
  • Day 4: Communicating with Impact: how to pitch your message, engage with media, and reflect on your communication style.  

By the end of the program, students will have developed a full Frontiers for Young Minds article draft and gained practical tools to communicate their science more effectively in any context

Continue reading below for additional course information. 

Fill in the application form

Deadline extended to: 15 December 2025 (23:59 CET)

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Winter courses

Dr. Barbara Braams

Dr. Barbara Braams

Associate Professor in Clinical, Neuro- and Developmental Psychology. 

Her research focuses on adolescent neurocognitive development and decision-making, with an emphasis on risk-taking and social influence. Her interdisciplinary work combines neural measures, hormone assessments, behavioural tasks, and real-life assessments to better understand how young people make decisions and how to support them in their development toward independence.   

She is passionate about making scientific knowledge accessible and applicable to society. She is the founder and director of the Hoe?Zo! Show, a science theatre project for children, through which she translates complex research into engaging public formats. She is also the author of the popular science book Het Riskante Brein and is frequently invited by media and policymakers to speak about the role of science in society. 

Learn more

Additional course information

  • Learning objectives

    By the end of this online course, students will be able to:  

    • Describe the societal relevance and potential impact of science communication across different audiences. 
    • Design effective strategies to engage non-specialist audiences with their own research.  
    • Select and justify appropriate written and oral communication techniques for translating complex scientific ideas to the public.  
    • Produce accessible, engaging, and scientifically accurate content for young readers, suitable for submission to Frontiers for Young Minds.  
    • Reflect on their science communication process, including the challenges and decisions involved in reaching non-specialist audiences. 
  • Forms of tuition and assessment 

    This course will span three weeks and include 4 full-day in-person sessions. These sessions are divided into 4 hours of lectures and workshops focused on the key topic of that day and 4 hours of practical writing sessions, group discussions, and workshops focused on the Frontiers for Young Minds article. Self-study hours are allocated for preparatory reading and assignment completion.  

    The final grade will be based on two components:  

    • Individual written assignment for Frontiers for Young Minds, including a short-written reflection (70%). Deadline for written assignment is two weeks after the end of the course.  
    • Peer feedback on fellow participants’ drafts (30%)  

    Class participation is a condition for examination but will not be graded separately. Students must attend and actively participate in all course sessions in order to be eligible for final assessment.  

    Grades will be assigned on a 1–10 scale, with a minimum grade of 5.5 required to pass the course. 

  • Course syllabus

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  • Maya Allister
  • Programme Manager

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