????Empowering researchers with communication and engagement skills is essential to transform scientific discoveries into public understanding, trust, and meaningful policy change. Four PhD students from Stellenbosch 万博体育官网 had the opportunity to further develop their communication skills along with other early career researchers from around the world at the Venice International 万博体育官网 (VIU) Spring School program Equipping Researchers with Skills, Strategies and Confidence for Science Communication from March 31 to April 4, 2025. Luther Chipembere (Agricultural Economics), Zani de Wit (Science and Technology Studies), Nontokozo Mchunu (Science and Technology Studies) and Katherine Rabik (Science and Technology Studies) participated in the school with the generous support of Erasmus+ funding coordinated through the SU International Office.
Developed for researchers and graduates from all disciplines across Natural and Social Sciences, Engineering and Humanities, the school was carefully designed to equip participants with key competencies and the confidence to engage meaningfully and strategically with various publics. The programme was co-designed and delivered by faculty from Ludwig- Maximillians-Universit?t in Germany, the 万博体育官网 of Padua in Italy, and Stellenbosch 万博体育官网's Prof Marina Joubert.
During this week-long intensive training experience, participants had the opportunity to attend lectures, participate in stimulating discussions, leverage their knowledge during group challenges, and critically engage science communication literature and best practices. This facilitated an environment of lively discussion and meaningful engagement about topics such as science communication in socio-political contexts, digitization of science and value of the cultural word, and public debates. From the first icebreaker to group discussions and role-play exercises, the school offered a platform for researchers to share ideas, ask questions, and build confidence in their science communication skills. The course highlighted the importance of strategic communication and engagement, with monitoring and evaluation methods playing a key role in establishing impact. The course facilitators succeeded in creating a safe and supportive environment that encouraged honest dialogue and vulnerability, which made space for genuine exchanges across disciplines, nationalities, and worldviews.
While there was a focus on theoretical knowledge and practical skills development, it was not all work and no play for participants. On the second day of the course, participants were taken to Palazzo Grimani – A Cabinet of Wonders to experience communicating science through museums and art. The site visit was followed by a social group dinner at a local restaurant in Venice. The ambiance facilitated new connections as guests shared stories, experiences and insights. Many spontaneous moments that blurred the line between learning and living made the experience truly unforgettable. Discussions spilled over into long walks through Venetian alleyways, during lunch breaks and over dinners.
After a successful week of learning, practicing and engaging at the Spring school, participants were challenged to employ these new communication strategies to explain their research in under 3 minutes. While presentations varied widely in format, structure and messaging, one thing was abundantly clear: these researchers are speaking from a place of newfound confidence in their ability to communicate science. Through the combination of theoretical insights, practical labs, interactive sessions and a site visit, the program succeeded in enhancing participants' science communication skills. The experience left the group with a renewed sense of responsibility to communicate not just with clarity, but with care and creativity. The school emphasized how people are at the heart of why we do science and the importance of why communicating it well truly matters. Luther, Zani, Nontokozo and Katherine had an enriching experience in Venice and look forward to applying new skills and insights to their own work.
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