Science Communication Days

Science Writing, 3D Design, Moderation Skills & Gendered Communication

IMPRS-QST and MCQST have teamed once again for a second edition of exciting workshops on science communication. This time, the focus is laid on learning and practicing important skills for communicating scientific research effectively to a broad audience. The goal is to combine effective skill learning with fun exercises, resulting not only in highly improved communication skills throughout different formats and media, but also in skills which you can use every day.

Workshops Overview

Science Writing Beyond the Manuscript | June 8th - 9th; 9.00-15.00

Trainer: Dr. Kristina Popova
Kristina graduated with a PhD from the MPI Biochemistry in Munich in 2014 and moved to London, where she studied journalism and worked as a writer for a science media startup Mndzilla (Scicasts). Upon her return to Germany in 2018, she did a postdoc at the University of Würzburg. Since October 2020, she has been a full-time science communications trainer working with students and researchers across Germany.

About the workshop: Over the course of 2 days, you will be introduced to the two main article types: classical news (Day 1) and more freestyle feature articles (Day 2). We will also look into the creative process of writing itself, perform different hands-on exercises and learn how to work with drafts at the different editing stages. The storytelling principles as well as many structural elements discussed during this workshop are applicable to writing both popular science articles as well as more specialised professional reports. The workshop is therefore suitable to researchers who simply wish to improve their writing as well as those interested in pursuing a career in science communications.

Download the workshop flyer for further details.

3D Design Basics | June 15th; 10:00-14:00

Trainer: Christoph Hohmann (LMU/MCQST)
Criss is an experienced graphic designer who works for the LMU Faculty of Physics and the Munich Center for Quantum Science and Technology (MCQST). In the past years, he has contributed many wonderful 3D illustrations that became cover pictures in various scientific journals.

About the workshop: In this video-based one-day online course we will step into the world of Computer Generated Images (CGI). After we familiarized ourselves with the Software "3D Studio Max", we will model objects, assign textures, set up lights & cameras, and of course render out the final image.
Workshop requirements:

• Stable internet connection.
• Windows computer/laptop with mouse (a touchpad is not sufficient). For Mac/Linux-Users: if you use a Windows-Emulator, it is possible to install 3D Studio Max as well, but please try running the software before the workshop to check if everything works smoothly. Performance-issues can occur and we won’t have much time to fix software-issues during the course.
• Computer needs to have ~4GB RAM and 6GB free disc space.
• Autodesk 3D Studio Max 2021 or 2022 Software preinstalled. Please download and install the software upfront, since it takes up to 30min. or more. Get a free academic License here (you need to register). It is recommended to choose the English version, even if you could download it in your native language, so it is easier to follow the tutorial.

How to lead with Communication: Moderation Skills in a nutshell | June 16th; 10:00-12:00

Trainer: Dr. Yvonne Zips

About the workshop: Moderation is an almost every day skill in Academia and even more so in the business world. With a professional moderator team meetings or group discussions are more efficient and lead to more productive ideas and goals. In this short workshop we will discuss the role and tasks of a moderator and you will learn how you can use some easy communication techniques to professionalize your skills as a moderator and deal with challenging group members.

Who can apply?
IMPRS-QST PhD Students and MCQST community

Workshop Registration

The number of participants is limited to 12 for the Writing and Moderation Workshops. The 3D Design workshop hosts max. 7 participants.
All three workshops are now fully booked. Due to high demand, some of the workshops will be offered again at a later date.

Satellite Workshop

Gendered Communication in Academia | June 7th; 9:00-15:00

Trainer: Dr. Sabine Blackmore

About the workshop: How do social norms and gender stereotypes influence communication structures in academia? What mechanisms construct and reflect hierachy and status? This workshop aims to make certain expectations for /due to different gender roles apparent. Moreover you will get the opportunity to learn more about your own communication behaviour and unconscious reflection (or not) of gender roles. The workshop will be held by Dr. Sabine Blackmore who is a specialist in the topic of gender studies and has vast experience in the field of academia. The workshop is only open to female* scientists.