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About Event
In the autumn semester 2026, RECETOX MUNI is opening a one-week intensive course in Science Communication for PhD students
7–11 September 2026 | Final workshop: 30 September 2026
Science no longer ends with the publication of a paper. It shapes public debates, media narratives, policy decisions, and everyday choices. The ability to communicate research clearly and responsibly has become a key competence of contemporary researchers.
This practical and intensive course is designed for doctoral students who want to improve their ability to communicate their research effectively to the public, the media, and professional partners. Participants will gain hands-on tools for writing, presenting, working with journalists, communicating on social media, and engaging in public and policy debates (science advocacy). The course also includes the production of a short video or podcast in the MUNI SCI recording studio and the development of a personal communication strategy.
The course is conducted in English and is built around active participation. It emphasizes practical assignments and work with participants’ own research topics, allowing students to apply new skills directly to their own content. Continuous feedback from lecturers with diverse professional backgrounds is an integral part of the course.
The course is led by experienced professionals from the fields of science communication, media, public engagement, social media, and science advocacy. Thanks to their varied expertise, participants gain a realistic understanding of how science communication works in practice.
Why apply?
- Increase the impact of your research
- Gain confidence in public speaking
- Learn how to work effectively with media and social platforms
- Strengthen your professional and career competencies
Programme
1. Introduction to Science Communication
- Why communicate science?
- Expectations of the public, media, and institutions
- The role of a scientist as a communicator
Lecturer: Pavla Hubálková, Ph.D.
2. Simplifying Complex Information
- Strategies for explaining complex topics
- The “Message Box” – a key tool for clear communication
- Practical training using participants’ own research topics
- Communicating emerging technologies (e.g., chemical substances), critical thinking, and addressing misinformation
- AI ethics
Lecturer: Pavla Hubálková, Ph.D.
3. Writing for the Public and the Media
- Popular science articles, press releases vs. academic texts
- Headlines, leads, structure of a message
- Risks of oversimplification
- Writing a professional bio
Lecturer: Mgr. David Konečný
4. Media Communication
- How journalists work
- Giving interviews: preparation, expectations, risks
- Interview simulations (camera/audio)
Lecturer: Mgr. Barbora Telferová a Mgr. Ivana Šmelová
5. Video and Podcast Production (in the MUNI SCI Recording Studio)
- Introduction to the studio environment, safety rules, and technical equipment
- Effective on-camera presence and voice work for podcast recording
- Practical session: producing a short group video (roles such as camera operator, sound engineer, director, etc.)
- Creating a short podcast (individually or in pairs), including basic post-production and editing
- Group reflection and feedback
Lecturer: Marek Stehlík and Jakub Peloušek (representatives of the MUNI SCI recording studio)
6. Public Engagement and Citizen Science
- Communicating with non-expert audiences (conferences, festivals, schools)
- Working with visuals, voice, and emotions
- A short “3-minute talk” presentation
Lecturers: RNDr. Jakub Trojan, MSc, Ph.D., RNDr. Ondřej Mikeš, Ph.D. (lecturer at FSS and RECETOX)
7. Science Advocacy
- How science influences public policy
- Engaging in debates with policymakers, authorities, municipalities, NGOs, and international bodies (e.g., UNEP, COP)
- Best practice examples and exercises
Lecturer: Ing. Kateřina Šebková, Ph.D., M.A. a Mgr. Lukáš Pokorný
8. Social Media for Scientists
- Which platforms matter?
- Creating content quickly, effectively, and safely
- Reputation risks and engaging with the public
- Communication analysis and evaluation
Lecturer: Representatives of the platform Zeptej se vědce - Věra Milotová (Head of Social Media Team) and Michal Kraus (Visual Content Creator for the platform)
9. Personal Science Communication Strategy
- What do I want to communicate and why?
- Key target audiences and appropriate channels
- A minimalist 6-month plan
- Analytics
Lecturer: Ing. Oldřich Hudeček, Ph.D.
10. Final Workshop: Communication Presentation
- Presentation of individual communication strategies
- Submission of a short outreach output (video, article, infographic, interview, etc.)
- Feedback from lecturers