The SciCom Lab goes beyond a regular communication training programme. We explore not only how you communicate your research, but also why, with whom and from what position. Drawing on the latest insights from science communication research, we ask questions such as: What role do you want to take as a researcher in society? What values and assumptions do you bring with you? Who do you want to reach or engage? And what does this mean for the form of communication you choose? 

Throughout the programme, you will work on your own science communication question or product. This could, for example, be a podcast, workshop, dialogue, exhibition, video, public programme or another format. The aim is not for everyone to produce the same type of output, but to learn how to make well-informed choices that fit your research, your goals and the people you want to engage with. 

Programme 2027 

The programme runs from January to June 2027 and consists of four training modules, complemented by assignments, exchange with other participants and individual guidance. 

• January – Rethinking Science Communication 
  We explore different perspectives on science communication and the relationship between science and society. Topics include positionality, values, public engagement and the role of the researcher.  
• February – Strategic Science Communication & Design 
  From a good idea to deliberate choices. You will work on goals, audiences, strategy and design, and translate these into your own science communication practice.  
• March – The Art of Communicating 
  We explore how framing, language, storytelling, emotions and interaction shape the way science is experienced and discussed.  
• April – Creative & Playful Science Communication 
  We experiment with creative and playful approaches and explore how alternative forms of communication can enable new types of interaction.  
• June – Final Gathering 
  During the final gathering, participants share what they have developed and learned. Together, we reflect on how science communication can become a more integrated part of their research, team or department.  

The training sessions are delivered by a range of experts from within and outside VU Amsterdam and combine theory, practical exercises, reflection and direct application to participants’ own work. 

Period: January – June 2027 
Number of participants: 12 
Language: English; assignments may also be completed in Dutch where appropriate 
Costs: Free of charge 
ECs: None 
Seed funding: €500 per participant, which can be used flexibly for materials, logistics and other costs related to their science communication project 

Who is it for? 

The SciCom Lab is intended for researchers who want to further develop their science communication practice and are willing to critically reflect on their own role and approach to communication. The programme focuses on researchers in the earlier stages of their academic careers, such as PhD candidates, postdoctoral researchers and assistant professors. 

As participation requires time over a six-month period for training sessions, assignments and the development of an individual project, we advise participants to discuss their participation with their manager or supervisor in advance. 

Applications and nominations 

There are 12 places available for the 2027 cohort. 

Nominations are initially made through the faculty portfolio holders for Research and Impact/Valorisation. However, you can also express your interest if you have not been formally nominated. Send an email to dialogue@vu.nl with a brief introduction, a description of your research and why you would like to take part in the SciCom Lab. We will then explore together how we can make participation possible. 

If there are more interested candidates than available places, we will aim to create a group with a good balance across faculties, disciplines and experiences. 

Alumni 2026 

In 2026, the first group of researchers successfully completed the Science Communication Lab. Congratulations to our first SciCom Lab alumni: 

• Lars de Graaff – BETA  
• Joyce Burger – FGB  
• Loeka Jongejans – BETA  
• Nicky Case – BETA  
• Stella Verkijk – FSG  
• Wieneke Mokkink – Amsterdam UMC  
• Miranda Houtman – Amsterdam UMC  

Want to know more? 

Do you have questions about the Science Communication Lab, would you like to nominate someone, or would you like to discuss whether the programme is a good fit for you? Contact us at dialogue@vu.nl.