233061 UE Science Communication Laboratories (2023S)

Science communication is everywhere in society. From government press conferences to social media, newspaper coverage, and even science-based stand up comedy, public communication of science forms a vital part of laypeople’s leisure and civic lives. It is also everywhere in science. Researchers are increasingly called on to communicate their findings, to each other and to their funders but also to the general public.

In this course students will learn to critically engage with, and carry out, public science communication. They will work in interdisciplinary groups to explore case studies of science communication, develop key skills in talking and writing about research, and create their own science communication projects. In doing so they will work with concrete cases and examples, engaging with science communication organisations in Vienna and working to produce high quality communication products (such as videos, podcasts, pop-up events, or zines) that meet real world needs.

The content of the course will cover:
- The history of science communication, and an overview of its types and formats;
- Analysis of a diverse range of examples of science communication;
- Key skills in creating public communication, from clarity to considering diverse audiences;
- How to evaluate and assess science communication.

Students will learn:
- How to collaborate as part of an interdisciplinary group;
- How to respond to real world situations;
- Practical skills in communication;
- Concepts and tools for analysing science communication and the role of science in society.