Media courses for researchers

Researchers are professionals. They know their field of research, are in constant exchange with colleagues and are familiar with their specialist discourse. But current topics such as climate change and the energy transition, pandemics or international conflicts show every day that communication must go beyond the boundaries of the discipline.

In view of the omnipresence of 'alternative facts' in social media and mass media, it is important that scientific expertise is heard in social debates. The public and politicians also expect this. For this to happen, however, scientific data, findings and debates have to be translated into a language that is generally understandable. This is not always easy and needs to be learned.

In the media training offered by SNSF you will practise with experienced editors and journalists how to make a strong appearance in front of the camera and microphone. You will develop an awareness of facial expressions, body language and the tonality of your voice and the strength of your personal attitude. The courses place emphasis on practising interview situations that the researchers will encounter 1:1 in practice. The concise theoretical explanations and the theory in the form of thought slips are also derived from journalistic practice. The courses are each led by two coaches. While the language of tuition is English, the thematic focus is on allowing researchers from abroad to practise interviews in a Swiss national language.

In addition, a number of writing, social media and social video workshops are offered in German and French. See:

• Medienkurse für Forschende (German)
• Formations aux médias pour les chercheurs (French)

The courses are aimed at researchers supported by the SNSF and project staff with communication tasks. The course attendance fees will be paid by the SNSF. The number of places is limited. Please take note of the course conditions.