Science Communication Foundations: Intensive Programme
Concentrated science communication training for researchers across all disciplines
An immersive learning experience where researchers develop essential communication skills through hands-on sessions, peer collaboration, and a real-world project, all in 1-2 weeks.
Fast facts:
Duration:
Typically 5 days (can be spread over 2 weeks)
Format:
In-person or hybrid
Session structure:
Full-day or half-day sessions (flexible based on your context and time available)
Group size:
10-30 participants
Outcome:
Practical communication skills, a completed communication project, and a certificate of completion
Language:
English (other languages available on request)
What participants gain:
After completing the intensive programme, researchers can:
- Explain complex research clearly to non-specialist audiences
- Identify and understand different audience needs and contexts
- Structure compelling messages and narratives
- Apply practical skills in storytelling, visual communication, and public engagement
- Give and receive constructive peer feedback
- Collaborate across disciplines and perspectives
- Produce communication work ready for real-world application
And institutions and groups benefit from: strengthened research communication capacity, visible public engagement outputs, and researchers who can communicate effectively beyond academic settings.
How the programme works
This intensive focuses on foundational science and research communication skills with a non-expert audience in mind, rather than short-form presentation performance.
Immersive, hands-on sessions
Combining focused theory and frameworks, group discussion and exploration, individual exercises and application, and extensive peer and facilitator feedback.
Between sessions
Participants reflect on each day’s learning and apply insights to their developing project.
(Spreading the intensive over 2 weeks allows more time to digest and apply learning, and fits neatly with parallel programmes.)
Programme structure
Covering the foundations of science communication through integrated modules, as well as practical skill-building modules focused on public engagement and reaching non-expert audiences.
Draft project pitch + take-home completion
Typically, the final day is used to present draft project ideas for group feedback, followed by a take-home project submitted after the intensive.
Throughout the programme: Participants receive ongoing peer feedback, facilitator coaching, and build practical skills through collaborative activities designed to support their project development.
Where does this format work best?
Summer & winter schools
Provide concentrated communication training as part of structured doctoral or graduate school programmes.
Research retreats & offsites
Combine skill-building with team connection and cross-disciplinary collaboration.
BIPs (Blended Intensive Programmes)
Integrate communication training into international mobility programmes.
Research groups & projects
Can be offered for a specific research group or discipline, or for a more diverse cohort of researchers in STEM, social sciences, and humanities.
Flexible delivery
We work with your context to deliver the programme in the best way for you and your group:
Timing: Typically 5 days, or spread over 2 weeks to allow time for reflection and application
Session format: Full-day sessions (e.g., 9am-4pm) or half-day sessions (e.g., 9am-1pm) possible. We flex based on time available and your context
Delivery mode: In-person or hybrid
Customisation: Adaptable programme structure and skill modules to meet specific needs, and the theme of your programme or event
Integration: Can align with institutional requirements, credit systems, or parallel programmes
Thank you for taking the time to understand what we needed and for your flexibility in timing and delivery. Working with you has made my job easier, and the thinking around timing meant that more researchers were able to participate!
— Programme Organiser, Palacky University
What makes this intensive programme effective?
Concentrated learning
Intensive immersion allows participants to focus fully on developing communication skills without competing demands.
Peer collaboration
Working in cohorts creates opportunities for cross-disciplinary feedback, diverse perspectives, and lasting professional networks.
Professional facilitation
Sessions are led by experienced science communication trainers who provide structured feedback and coaching.
Real-world application
Every activity and the final project are designed to be useful beyond the programme. Participants leave with work they can actually use.
Immediate practice
The intensive format means participants apply new skills immediately, reinforcing learning through repeated practice and feedback.
Educational and enjoyable
Learning is designed to be practical and engaging, which keeps participants motivated and helps skills stick.
Planning & logistics
Booking timeline:
Typically scheduled 6-12 months in advance to align with summer / winter school calendars or retreat planning
We handle:
Programme design, session facilitation, materials and resources, participant communication, feedback and coaching, certificates of completion
You provide:
Participant recruitment, venue (if in-person), integration with your event or programme schedule, handling of credit awards and issuing (eg., ECTS credits)
Together we:
Design an intensive that fits your researchers, your context, and your goals
Interested in bringing an intensive Science Communication Foundations programme to your institution or event?
We’d be happy to send you detailed programme information, discuss how this fits your context, and provide a no-obligation proposal.
Use the form to request full details and pricing. Include information about your timeline, group, and any specific needs.
Alternatively, book a call to talk through your needs.
Considering a different format?
Prefer learning spread over a longer period with time for reflection and practice?
See the Science Communication Foundations semester-long programme.