Communication Academy
The Communication Academy is a continuing education programme for science communication aimed at reseachers at ETH Zurich and the four research institutes PSI, Empa, WSL and Eawag.
In today's communication landscape, researchers are increasingly engaging directly with society - be it via social media channels, events or dialogue platforms. How convincingly they do this also influences the perception of science and universities. This is why ETH Zurich has been offering its researchers the opportunity to train in science communication since 2021.
Through the Communication Academy, ETH’s Corporate Communications aims to raise awareness among scientists of the great opportunities as well as the inherent risks of science communication and enable them to communicate their research in a comprehensible and compelling way to a non-scientific audience. With it, ETH Zurich contributes to a constructive dialogue between science and society., ETH Zurich contributes to a constructive dialogue between science and society.
“"I feel more confident in communicating my research now."”Laurence F., doctoral student
Basics of science communication
The course focuses on the following topics:
- Science communication: functions, roles and trends
- Conceptual basics: how do I communicate effectively?
- Science and media with a focus on the Swiss media system
- Social media: opportunities and risks, channels and trends
- Newer formats: videos, podcasts, interactive events
Storytelling skills for science communication
Science and global policymaking
The course
- introduces participants to the role of academic research in addressing global policy challenges
- explores the diversity of science-policy mechanisms, strategies and competencies in multilateral settings
- triggers personal reflections on participants’ current and future positioning in the science-policy spectrum
- undertakes practical exercises to spark strategic thinking amongst participants
Science Communication for Social Media
Visualizing Science
The purpose of the workshop is to introduce the participants to the general principles of design. By the end of the workshop the participants should have a good grasp of the visual basics and be able to apply them practically in a wide variety of projects (presentations, posters and more).
The course is divided into two modules that take place on different days.
The emphasis of the course is to develop visual skills without the need for technical language and confusing terminology. The workshop is specifically tailored to address the scientists’ needs.
- Basic design elements: how we digest visual information
- Typography: creating typographical hierarchy / enhancing readability
- Introduction to colour theory / composition basics
- Presentation: creating the narrative / maximising information retention
- Discussing practical examples
- Students assignment
- Feedback round
Presenting science to non-??expert audiences
Module 1
- Presentation skills (stage movement, body language, gesticulation)
- Stress management
- Voice, diction, and breathing
- Structure of an engaging presentation
- Dos and Dont's when using PP slides
- Improvisation and answering unexpected questions
- Present science to non-??expert audiences
Module 2
- Each participant presents one speech (with PPT/ plus improvised presentation)
- Individual feedback
Writing for the public
The course is divided into two modules of 180 minutes each, held on different days.
Module 1 covers the basics:
- Planning a text: target groups, objectives, messages
- Storytelling: how can I turn my topic into a story?
- Style and tone: how do I write in an understandable manner?
- In-?course exercise: developing the structure of a news article
- Task for module 2: composing a text using the knowledge gained in the course
In module 2, participants practise what they have learned:
- Concluding discussion and feedback using some examples from the course
- Participants revise the text in the course
- Outreach: what do I do with my text?
How to produce your own science video
The workshop is divided into two days:
Module 1 covers the basics:
- Journalism and Storytelling: pitching, developing and researching to transform a research story into a journalistic story
- Screenwriting and Storyboarding
- Participants are given the opportunity to film their own videos during the two weeks between the first part and the second part
In module 2, participants practice what they have learned:
- Camera, lighting and audio (material will be provided by the trainer and the multimedia of the ETH)
- Film editing (using Premiere Pro Software)
Exploring AI for Science Communication
This workshop is designed to introduce attendees to the exciting world of AI and its potential for enhancing creativity in writing and science communication. The aim is to provide hands-on experience in using AI tools and techniques to boost writing productivity, generate new ideas, and test new forms of science communication. The workshop is suitable for anyone interested in using technology to enhance their creative processes and testing new tools. No prior experience is required, as the class also teaches the basics of science communication.
The workshop is divided into two modules, held on different days.
You learn the most important elements in using AI (Artificial Intelligence) tools and techniques to boost writing productivity, generate new ideas and test new forms of science communication.
- Catch up with the most recent AI tools
- Create and generate different kinds of content with AI
- Expand your creativity and explore new possibilities of science communication
- Learn the basics of science communication
Three days workshop
The workshop lasts one full day and two half days.
Creative Science Communication
- Introduction to creative science communication
(Cultural context and social relevance, instruments and methods) - The role of art and design in science communication
- Exchange on public relations practice; science fairs and youth workshops
- How to address your audience - developing a socially relevant
relevant story about your research (e.g. for Scientifica 2026) - Working out visual and aesthetic metaphors from your research
- Prototyping / sketching the idea
- Development of the prototype, feedback from the peer group
- Presentation of the prototype and feedback in the plenum
- Refinement of the prototype and development of further ideas
- Introduction to impact evaluation
Media training for professors
How can I present my research convincingly and effectively to the media in front of the camera? As an expert, how can I explain complex issues well and clearly, and how do I deal with the media in tricky situations?
Participants gain the tools they need to deal with members of the media. The focus is on TV appearances.
In this 240-minute course, you will learn a lot about the media and how to deal professionally with media professionals. You will receive valuable tips on how to appear confidently in front of a camera and microphone, and you will also practise this on site. (Please note that this course is only available in German.)
Our course focuses on the following topics:
- Appearing in front of the camera: What is important?
- Understanding better means working better together: What makes the media tick?
- What are my rights? And what are the no-gos?
- How do I prepare myself optimally?
- Formulating statements that go down well
- Plus: exercise sequences, checklists and sharing experiences
Get fit for your next media appearance and develop a passion for media work!
