Science Communication Foundations: Semester-long Programme
Structured science communication training for researchers across all disciplines
A semester-long programme where researchers develop essential communication skills through weekly interactive sessions, peer collaboration, and real-world projects. The focus: learning how to communicate research clearly and effectively to non-expert and public audiences.
Fast facts:
Duration:
Typically 8 weeks of learning + 2-3 weeks for final projects
Format:
In-person, online, or hybrid
Session structure:
Weekly 2-hour interactive sessions, with between session assignments and a final project
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 semester 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
Weekly interactive sessions
Combining focused theory and frameworks, group discussion and reflection, individual exercises, and time for peer and facilitator input.
Applied learning & project
Between sessions, researchers work on assignments that build towards a final, individual communication project presented at the end of the programme.
Programme structure
8 learning modules, including science communication fundamentals as well as practical skill-focused modules in storytelling, visual communication and public engagement.
Throughout the programme
Participants receive ongoing peer feedback, individual coaching, and build a portfolio of work demonstrating their communication development.
Who is this for?
Doctoral programmes and graduate schools
Integrate communication training into structured doctoral education, with flexible timing to accommodate local holidays and researcher commitments.
Research groups and 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.
Professional development programmes
Support early-career researchers and postdocs in developing career-essential communication skills.
Flexible delivery
We work with your institutional context to deliver the programme in the best way for you and your group:
- In-person, online, or hybrid delivery
- Weekly or fortnightly sessions (typically 8 weeks of learning + 2-3 weeks for projects)
- Can be structured to align with ECTS requirements (we work with your institution to determine appropriate credit allocation, typically 3-5 ECTS depending on structure)
- Customisable skill modules to meet specific needs
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 programme effective?
Practice-based learning
Researchers don’t just learn theory – they apply it to their own work throughout the semester.
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 assignment and the final project are designed to be useful beyond the course. Participants leave with work they can actually use.
Sustained engagement
Unlike one-off workshops, the semester format allows time for practice, iteration, and skill development that sticks.
Educational and enjoyable
Learning is designed to be practical and fun, which keeps retention rates high. It makes learning “sticky”, too.
Planning & logistics
Booking timeline:
Typically scheduled 6-12 months in advance to align with academic calendars
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 institutional systems (e.g., ECTS credits, registration)
Together we:
Design a programme that fits your researchers, your institution, and your goals
Interested in bringing a semester-long Science Communication Foundations programme to your institution or group?
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?
Looking for a more intensive option delivered over 1–2 weeks?
Explore the Science Communication Foundations Intensive programme.