Communication in science and technology (CoST)
ENG-616 / 2 crédits
Enseignant(s): Bischofberger Mirko, Various lecturers (see below)
Langue: Anglais
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. 2026. Hybrid.
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 2026:
Mix of external lectuers, as well as onsite workshops & internal lectures.
15/09/2026, 17h15-19h, Introduction & Overview - On Formats & Audiences (M. Bischofberger)
25/09/2026, 14h15-16h, The Science of Science communication (M. Schäfer, UZH)
28/09/2026, 14h15-18h, Workshop: Storytelling & Writing (M. Bischofberger)
09/10/2026, 17h15-19h, New formats & AI (M. Bischofberger)
14/10/2026, 17h15-19h, Investigative Journalism (A. Regalado, MIT)
30/10/2026, 17h15-19h, Life a journalist (T. Luethi)
06/11/2026, 17h15-19h, Media and Crisis Management (A. Sulzer, HSG)
09/11/2026, 17h15-19h, Interviews (U. Caderas, CNN)
20/11/2026, 17h15-19h, Science Newsletters (C. Wilcox, Science Magazine)
07/12/2026, 17h15-19h, Gonzo Journalism (Kashmir Hill, New York Times)
11/12/2026, 17h15-19h, Assignments of exercises (M. Bischofberger)
Remote classes: a Zoom link will be provided.
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)
Dans les plans d'études
- Nombre de places: 31
- Forme de l'examen: Ecrit (session libre)
- Matière examinée: Communication in science and technology (CoST)
- Cours: 35 Heure(s)
- Exercices: 4 Heure(s)
- Projet: 29 Heure(s)
- Type: optionnel
Semaine de référence
| Date | Heure | Salle | Cours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mardi 15.09.2026 | 17:15-19:00 | DIA003 | ENG-616 Communication in science and technology |
| Vendredi 25.09.2026 | 14:15-16:00 | - | online |
| Lundi 28.09.2026 | 14:15-18:00 | DIA003 | ENG-616 Communication in science and technology |
| Vendredi 09.10.2026 | 17:15-19:00 | DIA003 | ENG-616 Communication in science and technology |
| Mercredi 14.10.2026 | 17:15-19:00 | - | online |
| Vendredi 30.10.2026 | 17:15-19:00 | - | online |
| Vendredi 06.11.2026 | 17:15-19:00 | - | online |
| Lundi 09.11.2026 | 17:15-19:00 | - | online |
| Vendredi 20.11.2026 | 17:15-19:00 | - | online |
| Lundi 07.12.2026 | 17:15-19:00 | - | online |
| Vendredi 11.12.2026 | 17:15-19:00 | DIA003 | ENG-616 Communication in science and technology |