European Summer School on Science Communication 2022

July 18-22, 2022, Frankfurt am Main, Germany

So why should you join?

Science plays a crucial role in shaping our world, but effectively communicating research beyond the academic sphere is more important than ever. In an era of information overload, strong science communication helps build trust, engage diverse audiences, and ensure that evidence-based knowledge informs public discussions. The European Summer School brings together young scientists to explore innovative ways of sharing their work, making complex ideas accessible, and fostering meaningful dialogue. Join us to gain practical skills, connect with like-minded researchers, and become a more confident and impactful science communicator.

The ES3C brings together young scientists to give them an idea on how to communicate their science.

Topics

The European Summer School on Science Communication covers a broad range of topics. In addition all participants will start a science communication project.

Application

Application to the European Summer School on Science Communication 2022 is closed.

Program

July 18, 2022

09:00 – 09:45

Opening the summer school and introducing all the participants

09:45 – 10:30

In times of alternative facts and fake news, it is more important than ever to talk about science. But how do you find the right connection to the audience and who should actually be addressed?

In this session, we will explore how to present your own science and topic in a way that is appropriate for the target audience and which channels are available for meaningful communication. 

10:30 – 11:00

Coffee Break, next to the main lecture hall

11:00 – 12:30

In times of alternative facts and fake news, it is more important than ever to talk about science. But how do you find the right connection to the audience and who should actually be addressed?

In this session, we will explore how to present your own science and topic in a way that is appropriate for the target audience and which channels are available for meaningful communication. 

12:30 – 14:00

Self-organized lunch on the campus

14:00 – 16:00

Scientific ideas can be complex, but that doesn’t mean they have to be inaccessible. Breaking down your science is about making your research clear, engaging, and impactful without oversimplifying. In this workshop, we’ll explore strategies for distilling complex concepts into digestible messages, identifying key takeaways, and adapting explanations for different audiences. Through interactive exercises, participants will work with their own research, refining how they communicate their ideas to peers, policymakers, and the public. Whether for presentations, grant proposals, or outreach, this workshop will help you make your science more understandable and compelling.

16:00 – 16:30

Coffee Break, next to the main lecture hall

16:30 – 18:00

Scientific ideas can be complex, but that doesn’t mean they have to be inaccessible. Breaking down your science is about making your research clear, engaging, and impactful without oversimplifying. In this workshop, we’ll explore strategies for distilling complex concepts into digestible messages, identifying key takeaways, and adapting explanations for different audiences. Through interactive exercises, participants will work with their own research, refining how they communicate their ideas to peers, policymakers, and the public. Whether for presentations, grant proposals, or outreach, this workshop will help you make your science more understandable and compelling.

July 19, 2022

09:00 – 10:30

Effective public relations (PR) is essential for research institutions looking to build trust, engage stakeholders, and communicate scientific achievements to a broader audience. This lecture explores the core principles of institutional PR, from media relations and strategic messaging to crisis communication and brand building. Attendees will gain insights into how research organizations can navigate public perception, foster transparency, and use modern communication tools to enhance their visibility. Real-world examples and best practices will highlight how institutions can shape their public image while maintaining scientific integrity in an evolving media landscape.

10:30 – 11:00

Coffee Break, next to the main lecture hall

11:00 – 12:30

How do you talk about risks, crises, or unsettling scientific findings without causing panic or disengagement? This lecture explores the challenges of communicating complex and potentially frightening topics, from climate change and pandemics to artificial intelligence and existential risks. Attendees will learn strategies for balancing accuracy with reassurance, framing messages to maintain public trust, and using storytelling techniques to foster understanding without sensationalism. By examining real-world case studies, this session will provide practical tools for making difficult topics accessible, engaging, and impactful.

12:30 – 14:00

Self-organized lunch on the campus

14:00 – 16:00

In today’s digital landscape, a strong online presence can amplify your impact as a scientist. This workshop explores how to use social media strategically to communicate research, build professional networks, and establish a personal brand. Participants will learn best practices for different platforms, how to craft engaging content, and how to navigate challenges like misinformation and online engagement. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll develop a tailored strategy to enhance your visibility, credibility, and influence in the scientific community and beyond.

16:00 – 16:30

Coffee Break, next to the main lecture hall

16:30 – 18:00

In today’s digital landscape, a strong online presence can amplify your impact as a scientist. This workshop explores how to use social media strategically to communicate research, build professional networks, and establish a personal brand. Participants will learn best practices for different platforms, how to craft engaging content, and how to navigate challenges like misinformation and online engagement. Through hands-on exercises, you’ll develop a tailored strategy to enhance your visibility, credibility, and influence in the scientific community and beyond.

July 20, 2022

09:00 – 10:30

Video is one of the most powerful tools for engaging audiences and making complex scientific topics accessible. This lecture explores how scientists and communicators can use video effectively to share research, educate the public, and build trust. Topics include storytelling techniques, visual engagement strategies, platform-specific approaches (YouTube, social media, documentaries), and common pitfalls to avoid. Through case studies and practical insights, attendees will learn how to craft compelling science videos that inform, inspire, and resonate with diverse audiences.

10:30 – 11:00

Coffee Break, next to the main lecture hall

11:00 – 12:30

Video is one of the most powerful tools for engaging audiences and making complex scientific topics accessible. This lecture explores how scientists and communicators can use video effectively to share research, educate the public, and build trust. Topics include storytelling techniques, visual engagement strategies, platform-specific approaches (YouTube, social media, documentaries), and common pitfalls to avoid. Through case studies and practical insights, attendees will learn how to craft compelling science videos that inform, inspire, and resonate with diverse audiences.

12:30 – 14:00

Self-organized lunch on the campus

14:00 – 16:00

Hands-On-Session for the lecture of the day

16:00 – 16:30

Coffee Break, next to the main lecture hall

16:30 – 18:00

Hands-On-Session for the lecture of the day

18:30

German Evening in a location close to the campus

July 21, 2022

09:00 – 10:30

The digital world offers scientists unprecedented opportunities to share their research, engage with diverse audiences, and build their professional presence. In this workshop, we’ll explore the landscape of digital science communication from social media and blogs to videos and interactive tools. Participants will learn best practices for communicating complex ideas online, tailoring content for different platforms, and navigating challenges like misinformation and audience engagement. Through hands-on activities, we’ll develop strategies for effectively using digital tools to enhance outreach, collaboration, and the visibility of scientific work.

10:30 – 18:00

Putting it all together and creating a science communication format.

July 22, 2022

09:00 – 10:30

Securing funding is a crucial challenge for science communicators looking to develop impactful projects, outreach initiatives, and public engagement programs. This lecture provides an overview of available funding sources, from national and international grants to private foundations, industry partnerships, and crowdfunding. Attendees will gain insights into crafting compelling funding proposals, aligning projects with funder priorities, and navigating the application process. With practical tips and real-world examples, this session will help science communicators identify and leverage funding opportunities to bring their ideas to life.

10:30 – 11:00

Coffee Break, next to the main lecture hall

11:00 – 12:30

Preparing the final presentations in the working groups

12:30 – 14:00

Self-organized lunch on the campus

14:00 – 16:00

Final presentations of the group projects and closing the European Summer School on Science Communication

Lecturers

The European Summer School on Science Communication will feature experienced science communicators who will cover a broad range of science communication formats.

Marcus Bleicher is a professor for Theoretical Physics at the Goethe University in Frankfurt. Being the head of various research programs he is interested in getting the science out of the ivory tower into the public – mostly in the digital space.

Tanja Desch is the head of ProLOEWE, the network of LOEWE research initiatives in Hesse, Germany. Since 2017, she has been leading the administrative office at the University of Kassel, coordinating efforts to enhance collaboration among various research centers and clusters. Her work fosters integration among LOEWE projects and promotes the visibility of cutting-edge research in Hesse.

Marcel Geibel is a videographer and founder of Image Engineering, a multimedia production company specializing in image films, documentaries, live streaming, and photography. With a focus on creating content with a clear concept, Marcel offers comprehensive services that maximize the amount of content produced per shoot. His expertise includes multimedial project development and support in content marketing, particularly through social media channels.

Till Kuske is the head of the “Hessisches Radonzentrum”, responsible to communicate the topic of Radon and its implications to the public in the state of Hessen. In this role, he oversees the institute’s communication strategies, media relations, and public outreach initiatives.

Manuel Maidorn

Manuel studied biochemistry and molecular biology and completed his doctorate in 2017. As a long-time science slammer, he dedicated himself to science communication during this time and was also active as a lecturer in student laboratories and as a freelance trainer. After his doctorate, he worked for a while as Science Communication Officer at the Luxembourg Center of Systems Biomedicine. Since 2021, he has been Head of Communications and Public Relations at the Max Planck Institute for Dynamics and Self-Organization in Göttingen. It is important to him that scientific topics are made accessible to a broad audience outside the academic world.

In his interactive workshops, Manuel shows how complex content can be explained in an understandable way. Efficient and targeted presentation techniques, but also scientific and popular science writing are the main topics in his courses. He also organizes and moderates science slams at regional and national level.

Emilia Miller is running SCINECT, an agency dedicated to transforming science communication. With a mission to bring science out of the academic bubble, she collaborates with researchers and institutions to make scientific knowledge more accessible and engaging to the public. Emilia is also known for her active presence on social media, where she shares insights and strategies on effective science communication. Her passion and innovative approach are helping to reshape how science connects with society.

Sascha Vogel

Sascha Vogel is a theoretical physicist and science communicator, with a background in nuclear and particle physics. His career started in science, then he went to science management and ended up in science communication. He founded an agency for science communication, which successfully runs projects and workshops since 2019. 

As a trainer and speaker, Sascha specializes in science communication, presentations and career development. 

With years of experience in academic research, industry, and public engagement, Sascha understands both the scientific and communication challenges researchers face. His workshops equip participants with practical tools and strategies to enhance their communication skills, whether for conferences, media interactions, or public outreach.

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Venue

The European Summer School on Science Communication takes place at the HFHF building at Campus Riedberg of Goethe University Frankfurt.

Partners

The European Summer School on Science Communication would not be possible without its great partners.