A new training initiative has successfully equipped PhD candidates and early-career researchers with the essential skills to publish effectively and communicate their science with impact.
The PhD training programme, jointly developed by Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam and Palacký University Olomouc as part of the Aurora 2030 Capacity Development Support Programme, was designed to strengthen research capacity and science communication at Aurora associate partner universities in Central and Eastern Europe.
Over several intensive sessions, participants engaged in a dynamic mix of hands-on workshops, expert-led seminars, and collaborative exercises. The training addressed every stage of the research dissemination process: from navigating the complexities of academic publishing to communicating findings beyond the university walls.
The curriculum covered a wide range of themes, including:
- Open Science & AI in research, exploring the implementation of open science practices and the ethical use of artificial intelligence.
- Mastering the literature, with practical strategies for engaging with academic sources and writing comprehensive literature reviews.
- From paper to publication, a two-part workshop focused on crafting strong introductions and understanding what editors look for in a manuscript.
- FAIR data & software, a three-part module on applying FAIR principles, archiving data and code, and documenting research effectively.
- Science communication & visibility, helping researchers translate complex ideas for non-academic audiences, write compelling blog posts, and engage with media professionals.
The full programme can be found here.
Beyond skills development, the training created a supportive peer-learning environment, fostering connections among researchers across disciplines and institutions. Participants had the opportunity to interact directly with global experts, gaining valuable insights into ethical publishing practices, open-access strategies, and the art of storytelling in science.
By the end of the programme, participants walked away with a tailor-made toolkit to strengthen both the quality and reach of their research. The initiative not only enhanced their publishing and communication skills but also contributed to Aurora’s broader mission: promoting knowledge sharing, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and bridging the gap between science and society.
