Meet Our Keynote Speakers

In their words – In their world

At every EUSEA conference, our goal is to introduce the public engagement and science communication community to bold ideas—ideas that challenge assumptions, spark dialogue, and open minds to new perspectives.

This year, we invite you to step into their world and hear their words.

Our two keynote speakers will share the stories, insights, and experiences that have shaped their journeys in public engagement—offering inspiration for how we might all connect, communicate, and create change in fresh new ways.

Keynote 1 – Mirko Bischofberger

Founder of Science Studios and lecturer in Science Communication at EPFL, ETH Zurich

Mirko Bischofberger is a lecturer and expert in Science Communication at EPFL, ETH Zurich and University of Zurich. He studied molecular biology and bioinformatics at ETH Zurich and holds a PhD from EPFL. After working for the Neue Zürcher Zeitung and the Swiss Parliament, he continued to the SNSF and EPFL.

Mirko is a leading force behind innovative projects such as Switzerland’s first crowdfunding channel for science, the introduction of social media classes for professors, The Galactic Chloé Show, the use of Wikipedia for science communication, as well as AI for Science Communication.

The AI Persuasion Paradox: Saving SciComm or Destroying Trust Forever?

Science and society are growing further apart, and science communication seems to increasingly fail to reach the people who need it most, namely those who disagree, distrust or disengage with evidence. But what if AI could change all that? Drawing from his unique path as a scientist, journalist, communication expert and tech enthusiast, Mirko will explore the potential and perils of AI in science communication. From the pitfalls of preaching to the choir to the science of persuasion, he will share lessons from his work and experience.

Keynote 2 – Laura Lindenfeld

Executive Director, Alda Centre for Communicating Science
Professor of Communication

Laura Lindenfeld is Executive Director of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science and Professor of Communication at Stony Brook University. The Alda Center bridges research and practice to advance effective science communication, offering programs that have reached thousands of researchers and professionals worldwide. At Stony Brook University, she helped launch and build its Communication program into a full academic department and was the first woman to lead the School of Communication and Journalism, where she grew enrollment, attracted expert faculty, and prepared undergraduate and graduate students to lead as emerging journalists and communication professionals.

As a communication scholar and leader, Dr. Lindenfeld guides scientists in building stronger connections with communities, stakeholders, and decision-makers. She champions authentic and effective communication, believing that those who possess knowledge bear a responsibility to share it clearly and precisely, empowering people to act as informed stewards of our shared world. She specializes in environmental and sustainability communication and develops leadership approaches that translate scientific knowledge into public action on critical societal challenges.

Dr. Lindenfeld is the principal author of Science Communication for Scientists: Linking Strategy with Creativity, Practice, and Respect (Routledge 2025), developed in partnership with a team of coauthors and leading scholars from Michigan State University, the University of Texas at Austin, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, and Stony Brook University. The book provides a research-informed approach to science communication education and is available in Open Access.

Strategic Science Communication as Institutional Leadership

In a world where science is increasingly shaped by political, social, and cultural tensions, it is imperative that we rebuild systemic trust. Reactive communication is insufficient. What is required is a systemic, strategic approach. Drawing on her experience at the Alan Alda Center, Laura’s talk will position strategic science communication as a form of critical institutional leadership. Beyond messaging or media training, we must build cultures in which scientists are equipped — and expected — to engage with care for the people they seek to reach. Drawing on insights from the Alda Method®, she will share her experience using empathy-based, audience-centred communication to help scientists shift their focus from what they want to say to the question: “What does my audience need?” Operating at scale, strategic science communication grounded in empathy is essential to strengthening trust in science.