Research infrastructures need to stay current with new and emerging technologies to address increasingly complex societal challenges. However these upgrades often mean acquiring substantial funding; convincing policymakers on local, national, and even international levels of their necessity and impact; dealing with the concerns of the local community; and ensuring buy-in from staff within the...
**Imaging technologies are at the core of modern science, revealing the invisible—from cellular dynamics to the structure of materials. Yet those who make this possible—imaging scientists and core facility staff—often remain unseen within academic hierarchies. These professionals enable discovery across disciplines, but global inequalities still determine who has access to advanced imaging,...
An ERC-funded program, FRONTIERS places science journalists in research groups. For 3-5 months, the journalists are invited to closely follow the groups work, follow their own interests by independently completing a journalistic project, and take a deep dive into one particular topic. While only early-, mid- and late-career journalists can apply, research institutions or groups can signal...
Inspired by FameLab by Cheltenham Festivals, at STFC I created “FameRAL”, our own version of the event. It is a science communication competition for each cohort of 60-70 Industrial Placement students. Each of them is encouraged to present for three minutes on a scientific, engineering, mathematical or medical topic of their choice, ideally related to the work they have been doing as part of...
In large EU-funded consortia like ReMade@ARI, one recurring challenge is motivating a diverse group of members - with different backgrounds, technical expertise, and locations across Europe - to actively promote the project’s impact on LinkedIn. Indeed, ReMade@ARI brings together hundreds of scientists and provides coordinated access to over 50 European analytical research infrastructures,...
In a time when metrics are often the key driver, the STFC Early Careers Engagement Programme offers a compelling counter-narrative. This talk explores how staff involvement in public engagement can be evaluated not just through surveys and participation rates, but through the stories and subtle transformations that numbers alone cannot capture.
The Early Careers Engagement programme...
ACTRIS ERIC (Aerosol, Clouds and Trace Gases Research Infrastructure) is a pan-European distributed research infrastructure supporting atmospheric science through open data, services, and collaboration to address climate and air quality challenges. As a newly established ERIC, ACTRIS faces the dual challenge of building its operational maturity while demonstrating impact across a...
The Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) leads the "Maak & Ontdek" (Make & Discover) project, demonstrating how research institutions can address educational inequality through innovative mobile outreach. This three-year regional collaboration of six partners in science, technology and circularity will serve 11,500+ young people across the socioeconomically challenging South and...
Content creation is much too complex? Forget about that. In this Lightning Talk European XFEL social media manager Sven Kamin will show live on stage how easy content for social media can be created in less then five minutes without professional gear.
The talk should help to encourage the people in the audience to become a digital ambassador for their facility, institution or project without...
In times of misinformation and increasing polarization, framing plays a crucial role in how the public perceives science and policy issues. This talk introduces the concept of framing in communication science as defined by Robert Entman et al. and discusses how NGOs strategically use emotional framing to shape public discourse and mobilize support. Drawing on examples from advocacy...
This interactive workshop invites science communicators to critically evaluate how systemic inequalities in science shape who is seen, heard, and included in public engagement, and how these inequities affect communication practices. Participants will engage in a facilitated “inclusion hackathon,” working in small groups to identify barriers, co-create actionable principles, and translate them...
What this session is about
Step into the studio lights for a fast-paced participatory game-show where science communication meets satire! Two teams of communicators compete for the SBASCA – Super Best Amazing Science Communicators Award, testing their wit, skepticism, and science savvy. Each round throws them bizarre headlines, viral “discoveries,” and outrageous claims: real or...
For many of us trained in science, communication seems like a straightforward process: identify misinformation, present the correct facts, and trust that evidence will do the rest. But in today’s polarized landscape, it’s increasingly clear that differences in opinion rarely stem from differences in information. Instead, they often arise from differences in values: the deeply held worldviews,...
How we access information is changing. People now have large language models at their fingertips - whether it’s ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini, Claude or Copilot. This is creating a huge shift in digital visibility, including how audiences find out about research infrastructure.
Generative AI not only presents information in new ways, but prioritises content differently compared to traditional...
Scientific organizations like CERN are constantly targeted by persistent misinformation narratives, ranging from claims about opening "portals" to altering the fabric of time. These conspiracies, amplified through digital media, erode public trust in science and institutions. This presentation argues that reactive fact-correction is insufficient. Drawing on the unique case study of April 8th,...
The German Centre for Astrophysics (DZA) is a large-scale research centre located in the heart of Europe, in the border area of Germany, Poland and the Czech Republic. With its unique combination of astrophysics, digitalisation and technology development, the centre aims to be a driver of innovation in Lusatia through cutting-edge research, thereby supporting the region in its transformation...
CERN, the world’s largest particle physics laboratory, has become the Geneva region’s leading visitor destination, welcoming hundreds of thousands each year to guided tours, dedicated visit points, and the new Science Gateway, with travelling exhibitions in high demand worldwide.
In this context, multidisciplinary teams have developed boundary‑pushing public‑engagement experiences that blend...
In times of geopolitical instability, political tension, and budgetary uncertainties, the role of communication within research institutions is becoming increasingly political, with one priority: to support the management strategy, particularly in relation to our stakeholders. The narrative must reflect the institution's commitment, the broader societal impact of science, its relevance to...
To stay at the cutting edge of research and technology, large research infrastructures need serious financial support. In times of global instability and budget cuts, our duty to explain why these investments matter has never been more important – or more challenging.
At the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI, we host five large research infrastructures based on particle accelerators on a single...
In the past 15 years, both, scientists of science communication and practitioners have professionalized their respective trades enormously. The current shifting landscape does not only provide threat and danger.
We believe, the current challenges provide a golden opportunity for science communicators. For developing their role into one of strategic advisory. Unfortunately, it is unlikely a...
The growing complexity of scientific research and the need to engage diverse audiences call for new ways of communicating science that integrate rational, aesthetic, and sensory dimensions. In this context, Area Science Park has supported two artistic residencies that operate at the intersection of science and creativity: The Sentinel Self Story by Danish artist Sissel Marie Tonn, and...
In a time of information overload, polarization, and general “science fatigue,” communicators often find themselves talking to the already convinced. The real challenge lies elsewhere, in reaching those who are indifferent, unaware, or quietly skeptical. The people who scroll past our posts, walk by our exhibitions, or don’t even know that what we do could matter to them. Research...
In Latin American societies, the limited visibility of women scientists and the scarce
accessibility of scientific knowledge to the general public remain persistent challenges.
These factors contribute to reinforcing gender stereotypes and hinder the development of a
scientifically informed culture. In response to this context, Neutralina (@neutralina.lu) was
created as a science...
This contribution explores how figurative art, specifically photography, can open new perspectives for public engagement with advanced research. At Elettra Sincrotrone Trieste, the photographer Giorgio Di Noto revisited the daguerreotype technique—one of the earliest photographic processes—within the context of synchrotron light and nanoscience. By juxtaposing the tangible, material qualities...
“Impact” has become a buzzword in science engagement – but what does it truly mean & how can we communicate it well? This 90-minute interactive workshop invites participants to challenge the dominance of quantitative metrics and explore deeper, more meaningful ways of understanding value and success.
The session opens with two short keynotes (5 minutes each) that set the stage from different...
At the ISIS neutron and muon source we have previously commissioned large impact reports that produce useful numbers for sharing with high level stakeholders, providing evidence for the continued funding of the facility. However, these are expensive and take a long time to produce, and so we are always looking for alternative ways to share the impact of the facility.
One of these ways is our...
This workshop aims at the creation of a collaborative card game for PAERI research institutions, inspired by traditional quartet games. Participants will engage in designing a card deck that features essential key performance indicators (KPIs) from various PAERI institutions, aimed at enhancing public relations and outreach, especially to younger audiences.
Over one hour, the workshop will...
The European Southern Observatory’s Extremely Large Telescope (ESO’s ELT), under construction in Chile’s Atacama Desert, will be the world’s largest optical telescope. Once it starts observing in 2029-2030, it will dramatically change what we know about our Universe and will make us rethink our place in the cosmos.
As exciting as the project is, communicating about it comes with...
Research Infrastructures (RI) have a number of ways to measure impact. Beyond publications, citations and technological advances, their true value comes from how they connect communities, inspire innovation, shape policy, build talent and expand access to cutting-edge technologies. To reach further into diverse scientific domains and local research communities and amplify impact,...
How can we make the power of mathematics tangible or even playful? Within the transfer project #MOIN - Modellregion Industriemathematik, we develop and test creative formats that transform mathematical research into interactive experiences for the public. Our approach is guided by the idea of rethinking research projects as demonstrators and presenting mathematical methods in accessible,...
The conference panel will explore science communication from three complementary angles: its practitioners, the role of writing, and the evolving relationship with public research institutions. Through presentations and a moderated discussion, panelists will reflect on what defines “quality” in today’s communication landscape, before opening the conversation to the audience. Be ready to be...
Research Infrastructures (RIs) increasingly recognise educational games as powerful tools for science communication and public engagement. However, developing effective and sustainable game-based learning projects across distributed research organisations, such as CERIC-ERIC, presents unique challenges that require careful strategic planning. This talk presents findings from a stakeholder...
Science communicators across Europe face evolving challenges: reaching beyond already-engaged audiences, navigating polarisation, and staying relevant in a rapidly changing environment. The COALESCE project is establishing the EU Competence Centre for Science Communication to strengthen evidence-based, inclusive, and dialogic practice.
This interactive clinic workshop invites participants...
I would like to present the variety of ways we can use art to communicate STEM – some of which may be surprising.
I plan to share examples of the artwork I have produced while working at the Central Laser Facility (CLF) (STFC/UKRI) at Rutherford Appleton Laboratory in Harwell, UK. These will represent the range of audiences we can target, and their potential impact.
I will present...
Our scientific communities are not just our audiences – it’s their voices we serve to amplify. Researchers, patients, biobankers and citizens write their stories and are the best suited persons to tell them. As the communications team of BBMRI-ERIC, Europe’s largest and widely distributed research infrastructure (RI), we want to support our community in sharing these stories.
In this talk,...
How do we sustain public interest in physics when major discoveries may be decades apart?
Ten years after the Higgs boson captured global attention, research at the Large Hadron Collider and other infrastructures continues with dedication and precision but often outside the spotlight. This talk explores strategies for communicating long-term science in ways that remain meaningful and...
To increase young people engagement in synchrotron visits, we have developped : SOLEIL’s Game. The goal : transforming a traditional visit into an interactive scientific treasure hunt. Participants work in teams to solve puzzles that explore light–matter interactions to identify the most suitable technics and beamlines to analyse real research samples. By combining hands-on experiments,...
We would like to present the first Hackathon organized ever at a synchrotron facility together with companies. The event counted on multidisciplinary student, researcher and professional teams to tackle real-industry challenges posed by companies in the water, plastics and energy sectors. Participants were supported by ALBA’s advanced synchrotron-light instrumentation and guided toward...
Every day, critical decisions in medicine and public health are guided by data analyses whose conclusions depend on a complex web of analytic choices. Seemingly small decisions (e.g., how to handle missing data, which covariates to include, which statistical models to prioritize) can drastically alter results. Yet these “researcher degrees of freedom” are rarely communicated, creating an...
As research infrastructures move from construction to steady state operation, communication priorities shift from visibility to engagement. This talk explores how the Extreme Light Infrastructure ERIC (ELI), the world’s most advanced laser based research infrastructure, is developing its user community through a combination of strategic campaigns and direct engagement. Starting from a...
The German Mathematical Society invites (every 5 years) cartoonists and other artists worldwide to submit up to three cartoons that deal with mathematics. The three “best cartoonists” are awarded a prize, and there are also several honorable mentions, as well as a public exhibition on site and online.
For this we work closely together with toonpool.com, one of the largest non-profit...
Communicating highly specialized research to a heterogeneous audience is particularly challenging. An urban research festival, has served as a testbed for layered communication strategies, where dissemination begins from fundamental physical principles and progressively incorporates higher levels of complexity. Activities combined visual narratives, gamified tasks, and culturally resonant...
Communication within research organisations is complex, even for experienced professionals. This Lightning Talk describes what occurs when undergraduates and prospective students join these more experienced teams as tutors or as participants in the Volunteer Science Year programme.
Drawing on their very personal perspectives Chaya Panahi and Alina Warncke – members of this key target group –...
When social media networks emerged a few decades ago they positioned themselves as powerful tools to increase the reach of content creators to new audiences.
However, privately-owned algorithmic networks soon became the primary way in which many people consume information, dictating what their users should see or not see. Moreover, these networks often penalise posts that link to external...
How can cutting-edge energy research spark curiosity and engagement beyond the lab? The team behind “Escape from Carbonia” at the Technical University of Munich (TUM) took up this challenge — and won. As one of the ten award-winning projects in the University Competition 2025 organized by Wissenschaft im Dialog (WiD), the concept turns complex research into a playful, hands-on experience.
In...
100 years ago the planetarium was presented to the world. The unique technology allowed to see the stars in an immersive experience even during the day. But the stars were only the beginning... Today there are more than 4000 planetariums all over the world, attracting millions of visitors annually and with modern projection techniques the stars only play a minor role, while immersive movies...
Resource constraints have long limited the diversity of communication formats available to science communicators. This lightning talk presents a practical case study of how AI-assisted content creation enables previously unfeasible communication channels. Using AI-generated podcasts as an example, we demonstrate how automation can transform existing content into accessible audio formats...
If everyone uses the same AI tools, how do we keep science communication distinctive, authentic, and human? This talk explores how technology can amplify – but never replace – the human-centred creativity at the heart of engaging communication. Drawing on examples from branding and visual storytelling in the life sciences, I will share practical strategies to safeguard identity, foster...
Large-scale research infrastructures rely on stable environments and long-term political support - yet both are increasingly fragile. ESO’s Paranal Observatory in Chile - home to the Very Large Telescope, the future Extremely Large Telescope, and the southern array of the future Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory - now faces a serious threat from a proposed industrial megaproject in its...
Science outreach is key to closing the gap between science and society. However, it often fails to reach those who feel excluded from science or are dismissive of it. This workshop will be divided into two parts where participants will dive and learn about embracing inclusion practices while preparing outreach and/or public engagement activities as well as learn about concrete examples where...
Science writers today face an overwhelming amount of available information, pressure for speed and audiences that expect both accuracy and readability. New AI-powered tools, beyond ChatGPT, can facilitate the job of journalists and communicators, when used properly.
This talk will explore how science writers can use tools such as Paperguide, Perplexity or Elicit to work smarter. Whilst AI...
Podcasts are increasingly popular and have become easier to produce over the years. An excellent medium to dive deep into niche topics and reach special interest audience, they’re worth considering for science communication as well. In this workshop, we cover the basics of podcast production, look at how AI can ease the workflow, and develop podcast concepts that go beyond the common two-way...
Our talk addresses how an educational science programme can challenge traditional public engagement methods at the age of 9/10 years old. The Scientists Return to School Programme, implemented in Portugal, brings together several innovative concepts and methods to promote a shift in education: transitioning from traditional methods, anchored mostly in memorisation, to a more hands-on,...
With the European Southern Observatory’s Extremely Large Telescope (ESO's ELT) construction just a few years away from completion, the community is preparing to observe with the world’s biggest eye on the sky later this decade. However, the natural question that emerges now is “what comes next?”. Taking into account that the conception, development and construction of a project of the scale of...
In July 2025 ESS co-hosted a large scientific conference on neutron scattering, held for three days in Copenhagen and ending with one day in Lund with a tour of ESS. We successfully applied for some funding from Novo Nordisk Foundation to include a public engagement stream to ensure that the benefits of hosting such a large conference could be shared with the Danish and Swedish general...
The Institut Laue-Langevin (ILL) in Grenoble, France, is a world-leading research facility in neutron science and technology. Every year, around 1500 international researchers come to the ILL to perform over 1000 cutting-edge research in both fundamental science and societal challenges such as health, energy, the environment, and quantum materials.
Under the tagline "Neutrons for Society",...
In an era where it is possible for misinformation to spread faster than peer-reviewed evidence, public trust in science is increasingly fragile, effective science communication has become both more critical and challenging than ever before. This talk explores how science communicators and researchers can navigate a fractured information landscape where scientific messages compete with...
