Abstract

Science communication is now an essential skill for researchers, but it remains largely unintegrated into doctoral programs. Yet young scientists are quickly called upon to teach, present their work, or engage with non-specialist audiences—often without any preparation. Communicating research to a general audience is a true skill in its own right, requiring tools, methodology, and careful consideration of audiences and formats.

In this context, the project involves organizing a six-day science communication workshop for approximately 30 doctoral students in astrophysics at the Paris Observatory (Meudon site). The training will cover different forms of science communication (writing, video, radio, drawing, social media), diverse audiences (schoolchildren, the general public, and underserved populations), and a variety of formats (lectures, workshops, and exhibitions).

The program will alternate between theoretical sessions led by professionals and hands-on workshops that allow participants to design and test their own initiatives. It will take place from October 5 to 10, 2026, during the Fête de la Science, offering participants the opportunity to put their ideas into practice with the public in the Île-de-France region. A public lecture open to everyone will round out the week.

The school will thus serve as a sustainable source of trained science communicators. A post-training follow-up will help measure the program’s impact, and the classes will be filmed to reinforce what participants have learned.

Preliminary program

Here is the link to the program (currently being developed): https://annuel2.framapad.org/p/ecole-d39ete-de-mediation-scientifique-a9np?lang=fr

Topics covered:
– different forms of media (writing, video, radio, drawing, social media, traditional media);
– diverse audiences (the general public, school audiences, and so-called “underserved” audiences);
– a variety of formats (lectures, exhibitions, workshops, performances, art, music, etc.).

Proposed speakers:
Emmanuel Rollinde, Assia Nechache, Alain Doressoundiram, Sylvain Bouley, Faustine Cantalloupe, Ludovic Petitdemange, Dominique Proust, Guillaume Monnain, Julien Bobroff, Sophie Félix, David Elbaz, Léa Griton, Étienne Klein, Raphaël Peralta