Course Overview
Since its inception, the Speaking Science training has empowered over 80 scientists, women and men, to become more effective, confident communicators. By mastering the art of message crafting and learning how to adapt it across various media platforms, participants have elevated their outreach and built stronger connections with diverse audiences.
What You’ll Gain
This program offers a comprehensive, hands-on communication journey tailored specifically for scientists. Here's what you'll develop:
- Craft a Clear Communication Goal: Learn how to shape messages with purpose and strategic intent.
- Understand Audience Segmentation: Identify key audience groups and adapt your message to resonate with each.
- Create Engaging, Focused Content: Structure your message to hold attention and drive impact.
- Leverage Social Media Platforms: Utilise digital tools to amplify your voice and reach broader audiences.
- Tell Personal Stories That Resonate: Tap into storytelling techniques to make your science relatable and engaging
- Influence Policy Through Science Diplomacy: Gain tools to effectively engage with policymakers and advocate for evidence-based decisions.
Bonus: Personalised Coaching: In addition to group sessions, you'll receive a one-on-one coaching session with a social media expert. These tailored sessions, that are scheduled outside of official class hours, are designed to help refine your messaging and enhance your personal strategy.
Who Can Apply
This year, the program is specially designed for participants from the following networks:
- International Molecular Laboratory Training Programme (MoBioLab) partner universities
- PLANT B+B Network
- Open Doors Fellowship Program (ODFP)
Learn more about our partner institutions at: https://ipbo.vib-ugent.be/en
Due to high demand and our commitment to personalised guidance, spaces are limited. Participants will be selected based on:
- Their affiliation with one of the partner networks
- The quality of their motivation letter
- Their CV
Proposed Course Outline
Course Timeline:
Join us for this year’s Speaking Science course: an interactive online experience designed to elevate your communication skills. The course will be held via Zoom over five consecutive Thursdays, from October 9 to November 6, 2025, starting at 2:00 PM East African Time (EAT).
Each live session runs for 3 hours and dives deep into a dedicated communication module.
Important Dates:
- July 30: Course registration opens (for the selected target group, see above)
- August 26: Registration closes at 11:59 PM CET (Brussels time)
- First week of September: Selection committee finalises participants for Speaking Science 2025
- September 19: Participants receive feedback and access to course materials
Online Class Schedule:
The timing of the sessions will be:
- For sessions on October 9, 16, and 23 at 2:00 PM EAT = 1:00 PM CET
- For sessions on October 30 and November 6 at 2:00 PM EAT = 12:00 PM CET (Daylight saving time in Europe ends on October 26, 2025)
- Final Wrap-Up on November 13 (Thursday): NO CLASS: Final scores & certificates awarded.
Additional Information
Certificate of Completion
To receive a certificate, participants must:
- Attend at least 80% of the training sessions
- Complete 80% of the assignments
- Participate in both personalised coaching sessions
Only participants meeting these criteria will be awarded a course certificate.
Workload & Commitment
This course includes:
- Pre-course work
- Compulsory readings
- Weekly assignments required for course completion
Participants should plan to dedicate an additional 2–3 hours per week outside of class to complete readings and assignments.
Cancellation Policy
Your commitment matters. If you're selected and confirmed:
- Attendance is mandatory, even though the course is online.
- If you’re unable to attend, email us at IPBO@vib-ugent.be at least one week in advance.
- No-shows without timely notice or valid justification (e.g. a medical certificate or confirmation from your group leader) will not be admitted to any Plant B+B training courses for 6 months.