Marketing and PR for Scientists: Communicate Confidently

Communicating science was traditionally seen as a hobby for a researcher, not a part of their job. However, now that universities are assigned with the third mission, it inevitably falls onto the frontpersons of academia, scientists themselves.

It is no longer enough to simply teach and conduct research. Many universities encourage startups and spinoffs, while European and national funding programmes include science outreach and even science engagement as grant indicators.

In this course by E-Quadrat Science and Education, you will learn how a researcher can benefit from communicating with the broader public, what instruments and channels can be used, and understand the basics of risk communication. We’ll also explore inspiring success stories to help you see what works in practice.

In four focused sessions, you will take the first steps to communicating your research professionally:

📌Presenting yourself. From understanding why to communicate to choosing the audience and narrowing down your scope.

📌 Writing about your work for the broader public. Understanding the structure, the language, and the way of disseminating your work.

📌Entering social media. Choosing the right medium, format, and approach to your social media presence.

📌 Entering the entrepreneurial world. Learning how to present your work as a product and speak about a startup.

By the end of the course, you’ll have:

- a comprehensive set of tools for communication of your research or startup activities,

- resources: checklists, templates, and real-world examples,

- a professional network of peers and instructors.

Course instructors are:

- Dr. Alexandra Borissova Saleh, Science Communication consultant, PhD in Physical Chemistry, award-winning science journalist, Alexander von Humboldt Foundation fellow, member of the Scientific Committee of the PCST Network.

- Ksenia Spiridonova, Science Communication & Marketing Communications manager, MA in Science Communication, communication manager with 6+ years in science and health communication and educational design in universities, author, editor, and translator in popular science projects and organisations.

The schedule is the following:

🗓 October 29, 17-00 CET

Why science communication boosts careers and grants? FREE WEBINAR, register HERE.

• Which channels work and which to avoid
• How to talk to journalists with confidence
• How AI like ChatGPT can speed up writing
• Real success stories to inspire action

🗓 November 6, 17-00 CET

Presenting yourself

• Why communicate your research
• How to choose your public and format
• Try it yourself: prepare a two-sentence pitch of your work

🗓 November 13, 17-00 CET

Writing with and without AI

• Storytelling in science
• Choosing your audience and your channels
• Try it yourself: draft a text

🗓 November 20, 17-00 CET

Going social. Why and where to post?

• Choose your medium: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Bluesky, Telegram, or even podcasting
• Rules to follow: how much to post, how to interact, how not to get overwhelmed
• How to translate your written work for social media
• Try it yourself: draft a post or a video script

🗓 November 27, 17-00 CET

A startup? Basic understanding of communication strategy

• Marketing communication strategy: how it differs from just presenting
• How to think about your work as a product
• Try it yourself: draft your startup presentation

🎟 Early bird discount available until October 31. Places are limited to ensure personalized feedback.