18.11.2026: 13h-17h Science Communication 101
09.12.2026: 10h-18h Transform your own research into a Podcast (attendance on Day 1 is a prerequisite for participation on Day 2)

Researchers today are increasingly expected to communicate beyond academia. Whether answering questions of journalists, engaging the public or demonstrating the societal relevance of scientific work in grant applications, researchers benefit from understanding how compelling science communication works.
In this workshop, you - as a participant - will explore the principles of science communication through the lens of podcasting. In the last decade, Podcasts have become increasingly popular all over the world. It’s a medium that allows to reach specific audiences, acts as an accessible playground for communicating in new ways and - specifically for scientists can be an opportunity to circumvent oversimplification and make your own research heard.
Combining inspiring examples (Radiolab!, Wissen Weekly, Ologies) with hands-on exercises, you will develop the tools to transform your own research into engaging audio stories and produce a first podcast prototype.

Day 1: Science Communication 101
The first half-day provides an introduction to science communication and the potential of podcasts as a research communication format. Participants will analyse successful and less successful examples, reflect on media narratives and audience engagement, and begin developing communication ideas based on their own research.

Day 2: Transform your own research into a Podcast
The optional (but much more fun!) second day focuses on the practical production of a science podcast. Participants will learn the fundamentals of storytelling, podcast formats, writing for spoken language (warning: this might be knuckle-whitening for academics!), the 101 of recording and audio editing using simple, accessible tools. Most of the day is dedicated to transforming participants' own research into a short podcast prototype through collaborative brainstorming, recording sessions and peer feedback.

Objectives
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
• understand the role of science communication in today's research landscape;
• identify strategies for communicating research to broader audiences;
• recognise the strengths and limitations of podcasting as a communication format;
• develop a podcast concept based on their own research;
• gain practical experience in recording and editing a short podcast prototype.

Prerequisites
Participants of Day 2 of the workshop are required to have attended Day 1. Other than that: No previous experience in science communication, podcasting or audio production is required.