Why a school for science communication?


Science communication has a long tradition. Galileo Galilei, Charles Darwin, Agnes Clerke or Carl Sagan are just a few of the people who shared their passion for science through books, lectures or television series in the past. Such - and more interactive - activities are even more relevant in today’s highly technological society. 

Summer school COMPASSS aims to inspire early career physicists (PhD candidates and post-docs) to undertake science communication activities and provide you with the tools for taking such activities to a higher level.

 
Not sure of the relevance of scicomm and this summer school yet? Here are five arguments to convince you: 

1. Accountability

Many research projects depend on public money. This dependence makes it crucial for researchers to demonstrate that they spent this money responsibly.

Such openness may also be a strategic necessity for maintaining public support and funding. 

2. Knowledge equity

Science and technology are a product of our shared culture and affect everyone’s lives. Moreover, many public policy decisions involve science and technology. To guarantee that these decisions are truly democratic, they must arise out of informed public debate. This makes it highly relevant to inform the public and advance public knowledge.

3. New perspectives for all

A dialogue between scientists and a general audience helps bridge the gap between scientists and nonscientists, between 'ingroup' and 'outgroup'. It benefits researchers themselves by strengthening their ability to reflect on the role of science and technology in society. In addition, interactions with citizens give new perspectives on one’s own research as well as input for new outreach activities.  


4. Inspiration for a new generation of scientists

Actively communicating scientific knowledge can inspire a new generation to also choose a career in science and give them an idea of what science entails. Outreach activities can demonstrate how scientific knowledge and innovations are being produced, created and transferred. They can also promote diversity and inclusion in the sciences by pointing out and counteracting unconscious biases.

5. Visibility and network

Science communication may also increase your visibility and help expand your professional network. This may open up new possibilities for collaboration that benefit your research and career.

 Finally, science communication can take on many forms and all of these require specific skills. COMPASSS will help you develop such skills through workshops, lectures, feedback  and by helping you develop your own outreach project throughout the week (in small groups). 
You will learn how to increase the impact of outreach activities; how to interact with policymakers; what it takes to create a podcast, produce a television series or write a book; how to use social media productively and more!

Convinced? Apply! :-)