Communication in science and technology
ENG-616 / 2 credits
Teacher(s): Bischofberger Mirko, Various lecturers (see below)
Language: English
Remark: Fall 2025: From September 26 to December 3. Registrations open in August via IS-Academia.
Frequency
Every year
Summary
This PhD course teaches basic theories and skills of communication, and discusses current topics with internal/external lecturers. Goal: give an overview and prepare interested PhD scientists to the field of science communication. Held from Sept. to Dec. 2025. Hybrid. Registration via IS-Academia
Content
The course is composed of a series of EPFL internal lectures on various topics from the field, and multiple guest lectures from professionals all over the world. It covers topics such as the storytelling for science; scientific writing and styles; formats, audiences and exercises; investigative journalism; tech journalism; dealing with media and crisis; social media and other new formats; databases such as Wikipedia; and much more.
Guest lectures will be held from experts of MIT Tech Review, The New York Times, CNN and other institutions.
Note
Edition 2025:
Mix of external lectuers, as well as onsite workshops & internal lectures
26/09/2025, 16h15-19h, Introduction & Overview - On Formats & Audiences (M. Bischofberger)
29/09/2025, 16h15-18h, The Science of Science Communication (M. Schäfer, UZH)
10/10/2025, 17h15-19h, Journalism: Undark Magazine (T. Zeller, Undark)
17/10/2025, 14h15-18h, Workshop: Storytelling (M. Bischofberger)
27/10/2025, 17h15-19h, Tech Journalism & GenAI (K. Hill, NYT)
31/10/2025, 17h15-19h, New formats & AI (M. Bischofberger)
04/11/2025, 10h15-12h, Media and Crisis Management (A. Sulzer, HSG)
14/11/2025, 17h15-19h, Investigative Journalism (A. Regalado, MIT)
21/11/2025, 17h15-19h, Wired CZ (P. Hubalkova)
24/11/2025, 17h15-19h, Interviews (U. Caderas, CNN)
01/12/2025, 17h15-19h, Personal Experience in the Press (A. Fontcuberta i Morral, EPFL)
03/12/2025, 17h15-18h, Assignments of final exercises (M. Bischofberger)
Remote classes: https://epfl.zoom.us/j/9758005853
Keywords
Communication, Journalism, Science, Media, Science Communication
Learning Prerequisites
Required courses
None
Learning Outcomes
By the end of the course, the student must be able to:
- have a good overview of the general spectrum of modern science communication theories, formats and channels
- Elaborate a final written assignment in order to get the credits (content and topics to be determined)
In the programs
- Number of places: 31
- Exam form: Written (session free)
- Subject examined: Communication in science and technology
- Courses: 35 Hour(s)
- Exercises: 4 Hour(s)
- Project: 29 Hour(s)
- Type: optional