Nowadays as researchers we are increasingly expected to communicate our science to a wider audience, to engage in dialogue with citizens and other actors, or pitch our research for funding to a non-specialist audience. Science communication is an integral part of our responsibility to society. As with any skill, practice makes perfect—and progress is faster when we share our experiences.
This is what we do at the Science Communication Club!
After a successful first meeting, our next meeting will be on Tuesday 6 May, from 12:30 – 13:30 hours. Two new examples of science communication practice will be presented by Sandy Samantela, PhD candidate in social aspects of geothermal energy and Max Friehs, assistant professor in conflict, risk and safety. The meeting takes place in the DesignLab, room Connect. In the discussion we will deepen insights from science communication theory. We invite researchers in all stages of their career to join the Science Communication Club. You’re more than welcome. Registration beforehand is not necessary. PhD students can earn a certificate of 0.5 EC by attending 5 meetings and presenting their own example.
Example 1: Participatory planning as a form of science communication
Sandy Samantela, PhD candidate in ITC (MSCA Doctoral Network EarthSafe) presents her experiences with public engagement, specifically workshops she organised with local citizens. The workshops created knowledge about climate and disaster risk assessment, such as mapping and risk scoring. Local citizens contributed by sharing their experiences of climate change effects and impacts, and proposed mitigation strategies. Planners and academics used these inputs to formulate local action plans. Participatory planning as a form of science communication.
Example 2: Involving citizens for a public park design
Public parks occupy a special role in the public eye. Parks are differently perceived by citizens, from offering a space for leisure during the day to potential illegal activities at night. Inspired by citizen science methodologies, a digital city-building game was developed so that each participant can design their own ‘perfect’ park. From this, design guidelines are derived. In this example, delivered by Assistant Prof. Max Friehs (BMS-HIB-PCRS), details about involving citizens by means of the city-building game will be discussed and detailed.
First meeting
A news report of the first meeting can be found here: Contributing to media performances and organising a science-art festival. Slides are available in the Science Communication Club Teams environment. If you want to join, please email a.m.dijkstra@utwente.nl and you can be added.
- Event: Science Communication Club
- Date and time: Tuesday 6 May, 12:30 – 13:30 hours
- Venue: room Connect, DesignLab
Note already the other dates in 2025:
- Wednesday 2 July 12:30 – 13:30, Langezijds room LA 2310 with Clara Stegeman and Ruud Jacobs.
- Thursday 2 October 12:30 – 13:30, venue will follow
- Thursday 11 December 12:30 – 13:30, venue will follow
