About the Communication Workshop

Standing Up for Science international communication workshop

The communication workshop on Tuesday, 23 March 2010 from 9.00 to 16.00 at the premises of Center Evropa in Ljubljana will be led by a group of qualified experts from the British charity Sense About Science.

The workshop will be held in English. Twenty young Slovenian scientists and researchers from different research and educational institutions have been invited. They will join a discussion with ten colleagues from different European countries

Draft workshop schedule in English: PROGRAME

WORKSHOP PROGRAMME:

1st part: How do the media report on science?

A panel of three experts/scientists will present their experience in relations with the media and their reporting on scientific findings and other issues relevant to the area of their work. They will try to find answers to the questions: if, why and how scientists should in media discussions. How to react when expert/scientific information is distorted, presented in a sensational manner or even falsely.

Followed by a facilitated discussion.

Confirmed speakers:

Prof. Jadran Lenarčič, Jožef Stefan Institute, Director
Prof. Igor Jenčič, Head of the Nuclear Information Centre
Assistant Prof. Vojko Flis, University Medical Centre Maribor, Medical Head Department of Surgery
Prof. Roman Jerala, Head of Department of biotechnology, National Institute of Chemistry

2nd part: What do journalists need or expect from scientists?

A panel of three editors or journalist specialising in science will present how the media work. They will provide answers to the questions:

How do we create stories?
How do we find a balance between new and entertainment on the one hand, and serious, credible reporting about science on the other?
What happens when scientific facts are falsely presented?
Followed by a facilitated discussion.

Confirmed speakers:

Quentin Cooper, BBC Radio 4
Gregor Pucelj, Delo (Znanost supplement)
Renata Dacinger and Andraž Poeschl, TV Slovenija

3rd part: The role of young scientists/experts

Discussion: How young scientists and other experts should and can contribute to a more active and accurate presentation of scientific findings and scientifically-based communication of socially significant issues?

How and why should they participate in media and other public discussions?
What kind of relationship should they establish with the media (editors and journalists)?

Confirmed speaker:

dr. Špela Stres, Institut Jožef Stefan, head of financial sub-unit Communication and technology transfer