Public communication of science and research has more and more become part of the researchers’ job, often demanded by research funders and policy makers as a pathway towards societal impact of research.
24 international PhD and Master students, researchers and Postdocs were selected from a variety of research disciplines across Natural, Medical, Social sciences and Humanities to attend the 5-day Spring School coordinated by the VIU unit on Science Communication with VIU members Stellenbosch, University of Padova, and LMU. Drawing from the best in recent science communication literature as well as on relevant best practices in the field, researchers will explore and acquire key competencies for effective communication of science and research towards the wider public, but valuable also for funding institutions and business.
We are particularly grateful to DVRI and Ocean Space for hosting us in a preview visit to the exhibition ‘Re-Stor(y)ing Oceania’, where the new site-specific works of the indigenous artists Latai Taumoepeau and Elisapeta Hinemoa Heta will offer us the opportunity to experience ‘art and science’ in the amazing and unique Church of San Lorenzo in Venice, site of Ocean Space.
The Spring School Equipping Researchers builds upon the successful Graduate Seminar Science Communication Today: Challenges and Opportunities in the SDGs Era: in September 2022, VIU, Stellenbosch, Ca’ Foscari University of Venice and KU Leuven convened to jointly explore how science communication can be supportive in facing today society challenges and hence contribute to the UN SDGs.
