Serge Haan, Nicole Paschek and Oliver Glass, University of Luxembourg
Equipping the crew with DESCOM, a training programme for researchers
This presentation addresses the barriers researchers face when engaging with the public, including feeling ill-equipped to handle the challenges of science communication (SciCom). For those with little experience, initiating projects is often seen as time-consuming and underappreciated. The diversity of platforms, along with the potential for skepticism and hostility, further complicates the process. Researchers often need significant courage and resilience to engage with the public, politicians, and the media.
The DESCOM project developed a modular training programme for doctoral candidates that aims to reduce the need for courage and foster resilience. Created in a multilingual, interdisciplinary environment, the programme combines conceptual knowledge with practical training. The project also established a strong network of local SciCom experts and collaborators to help researchers navigate and respond to the evolving landscape of science communication.
Lucy Blennerhassett, Geertje Schuitema and Fergus McAuliffe, University College Dublin
Development of a public engagement toolkit targeting critical raw materials and the European Green Deal at informal settings
Achieving EU climate neutrality by 2050 relies on critical raw materials (CRMs), essential for green energy but facing high supply risks and public controversy. To engage informal audiences with this complex issue, we developed ‘GreenDealz,’ a hands-on, shopping-themed activity within a public engagement toolkit for festivals. This innovative approach raises awareness of CRMs through tactile learning, with iterative design and evaluation demonstrating its effectiveness. This talk will showcase the toolkit’s development, methods for evaluating engagement in time-limited festival settings, and strategies for addressing contentious topics. Insights will include lessons learned and best practices for communicating critical sustainability challenges to the public.
Mariam Rashid and Richard Milne, University of Cambridge, Kavli Centre for Ethics, Science, and the Public.
The Hopes and Fears Lab: Centering Emotions for Dialogic Engagement
This presentation explores the challenges of connecting with public audiences and creating meaningful engagement in turbulent times. Using the Hopes and Fears Lab as a case study, we examine dialogic engagement with discovery science and its potential social and ethical implications. The Lab facilitates conversations between discovery scientists and a broad range of the public to explore expectations around scientific advances.
The Lab aims to foster change in both the public’s ability to engage with the ethical implications of discovery science and the scientists’ capacity to reflect on and communicate the future of their field. Through this example, we propose three key features of dialogic engagement: the value of ‘ordinary conversation’ for exploring scientific ethics; the emphasis on emotional and personal connections over content delivery; and the impact of conversation spaces in shaping power dynamics between experts and the public.
Joana Magalhaes, Science for Change
Navigating through science communication professionalisation and recognition challenges
The COALESCE project is building the European Competence Centre for Science Communication through a participatory process open to all stakeholders interested in and working with science communication in Europe and beyond. By 2027, the Competence Centre wants to become the main reference platform for science communication daily practice, by consolidating available knowledge, connecting communities, supporting mobilisation of scicomm in times of crisis and building skills and competences. The project is currently co-creating and testing different resources and strategies through different pilots on how science communication can tackle societal challenges (climate, water, AI and health), which will be summarised under this talk. Furthermore, we will briefly present the current version of the Competence Centre virtual platform and tools available as well as our network of National and Regional Hubs. Finally, we will share ongoing actions and collaboration opportunities to encourage science communication recognition and evidence-informed decision-making.
Enda O’Connell – University of Galway College of Science and Engineering and Megan Depinna – Foroige National Digital Team
ReelLIFE SCIENCE: Outreach without going out!
ReelLIFE SCIENCE is an outreach programme that engages young people in STEM by challenging them to create short, entertaining science videos, while also building communication and digital skills. Through remote engagement, the programme has reached diverse participants across Ireland, providing online training for educators, virtual STEM Ambassador visits, and video production kits to libraries. Since 2013, over 30,000 young people have created 3,000+ videos viewed worldwide, demonstrating the programme’s accessibility and impact. This Horizon Talk will showcase ReelLIFE SCIENCE’s innovative remote engagement model, highlighting how it overcomes barriers to participation and fosters STEM education for underrepresented audiences.
Tara Wood, Concordia University, Montreal QC
Public Knowledge of Climate Change in Canada – A Study of Canadian Climate Academics’ and Science Communicators’ Perspectives
Effective public science communication is essential for advancing climate adaptation strategies. This research examined perspectives of Canadian climate academics and science communicators on public engagement challenges, particularly political beliefs, mistrust in science, and misinformation. Findings highlight the need for interdisciplinary approaches that tailor climate messaging to lived experiences while addressing political and economic factors. Contrary to existing literature, religious and cultural influences were seen as less impactful. This talk will provide practical insights for improving climate science communication, equipping attendees with tools to bridge public understanding gaps and foster trust in scientific knowledge.