Course
'Societal Impact'
Organized by: ABGC & QVE on September 9 & 15, 2015
Workshop 1, Wednesday, September 9 in Room M9 of Radix
08.30- 08.45 Introduction
08.45 - 09.15 ‘Relevance Societal Impact of Animal Science, by professor Arthur Mol, Rector. Why does WUR think it is important that young scientist come forward and reach society with their research?
09.15 – 10.15 Pitches
Before the workshop, the participants will be provided with information on a few basic techniques on how to effectively present their work in a pitch. During the workshop, the participants will present their research in a very short pitch, max three minutes, in two groups. The other group members will comment on the pitches.
10.15 – 10.30 Break
10.30 – 11.30 Presentation: Societal Impact, by science journalists Astrid Smit and Rob Buiter.
Who is your target audience?
How do you reach your audience?
How to write an effective press release or a short news article?
In this presentation, theory and practice will be combined. We analyze some good and bad examples of articles. There’s also the option for a few participants to practice a live interview for e.g. a radio program.
11.30 – 12.00 The workshop will be closed with a round of questions / discussion and the explanation of the ‘homework’: write a short news article or press release on your work, e.g. as an announcement of your PhD defence.
Workshop 2, Tuesday September 15 in room W05 of Radix:
08.30 – 08.45 Welcome and short evaluation of the homework
08.45 - 10.00 In two groups we will discuss the written articles and press releases.
10.00 -10.15 Break
10.45 – 11.15 A discussion: The pitfalls: What’s the risk when you bring your research in the open?
What can you expect from a journalist? What’s the cost, and what’s the benefit?
11.15 - 11.45 Professor Marcel Dicke on his experience in presenting research to a broader audience.
11.45 – 12.00 Questions, discussion and finally: the ‘Golden Pitch’ and the ‘Golden Pen’, for the best presentation and best article of the participants.