Recognising & rewarding science communication

Scientists doing science communication are indispensable for their faculty. Science communication bridges the gap between science and society. But how do you do that in practice, embed public activities in your work process as a scientist? You need time and resources for that. And how do you make sure that expertise in that field is built up, sticks, deployed in the right way and appreciated? During this Wetenschnapps, pioneers Dieudonnée van de Willige (Maastricht University) and Irma Vermeend (Utrecht University) talked about their pilots that make it all concrete.

Pilot Maastricht University

Guest speaker Dieudonnée van de Willige (project leader and science communication advisor at Maastricht University) talked about their SciCom Incubator. This is a one-year pilot programme that combines training, support and funding for science communication. For instance, a series of master classes helps researchers design a project plan. Then they develop tools to make a strategically sound project proposal. How to make smart choices? You can only spend your time and money once. Participants then receive 5,000 euros to implement their project plan. From then on, a personal mentor from within the university supports the participants with advice and access to their network. Those mentors guide the participants throughout the year. At the end of that year, the participants have a foundation in place, and are asked to become ambassadors to pass on their knowledge.

Five researchers have now started and are learning by doing. They discovered that it is easy make a wrong estimate of time investment and budget and that plans often need adjustment. So it is good to practice!

Pilot Utrecht University

At the Faculty of Science, the dean wondered: "What can we do for our postdocs to help them do more with public engagement?". Together with a working group, Irma Vermeend (head of Communication in the Faculty of Science at Utrecht University) devised the pilot Public engagement & postdocs. In this pilot - as in Maastricht - training and support for science communication is provided. Postdocs could apply for this themselves.

Twelve postdocs started at the end of November. They are now attending training courses where they learn about public engagement, measuring impact, how to pitch your research to a lay audience or funders and how to involve children in your research. They can also attend training in video and podcasting, popular science writing and dialogue and media training. Finally, participants get a buddy with whom they have regular contact. They can try out their new skills at events already organised by Utrecht University (such as Weekend van de Wetenschap, Betweter Festival, Universiteitsmuseum Utrecht, etc.). According to Irma, it is important to keep in mind that it is a pilot, so it could fail. "This pilot will be evaluated and documented, this will hopefully help others. I hope for a stone in the pond effect. We are moving towards faculty policy around public engagement."

What does it take to bring departmental leaders along?

To give that faculty policy around public engagement a push in the right direction, departmental leaders should also be included in it. The participants of this Wetenschnapps conclude that it is important to give explicit and visible appreciation to departmental leaders who offer their employees time and resources for public engagement.