Workshop on Science Communication (PhD and post-docs)

18 May 2026, 12:00 → 20 May 2026, 17:00 Europe/Amsterdam

Colloquium (Nikhef)

Science communication is more than presenting scientific results at a conference or giving an outreach talk at a high-school. With the support for (fundamental) science and academia more and more under threat it is clear that beyond PR for a specific university, institute, group or individual scientist it is also important to talk about the role and impact of (fundamental) science and higher education in society. We realise that not all early career scientists feel the room (yet) to invest in these activities and/or have a clear idea where to start. This is unfortunate as that means we’re missing out on a lot of energy and ideas.

This is why Nikhef is organizing a so-called ‘A-topical lecture’ series on science communication, with the goal to provide post-docs and PhDs from Nikhef with a broader context, tools and potential opportunities to get involved.
Note: This workshop is not compulsory, i.e. only for those that want to join.

 

Expect an exciting program including:

• Why science communication matters and how to connect research with society.
• Hands-on communication skills, like public speaking and creating engaging science content.
• Inspiration from successful initiatives, including what Nikhef already offers and how you can get involved.
• Career opportunities and benefits, from recognition&rewards and funding to ways to participate in science communication at institutes and beyond.

 

Monday, 18 May

1 Opening

2 The ‘why’ of science communication

Speaker: Ivo van Vulpen

3 Bèta in Bestuur & Beleid

Speaker: Marcel Kouwenhoven (AMOLF)

13:55 Coffee

4 Introduction of Participants

5 Recognitions & Rewards

6 Out of the box inspiration: ETEC / MaGIC

Speaker: Gideon Koekoek

16:00 Coffee

7 Hands-on workshop: social media

Speaker: Clara Nellist

8 Improbable Research, dead animals, drunken worms and the Ig Nobel Prizes

Some scientific studies make people laugh, and then think. The most surprising and amusing ones win an Ig Nobel Prize. Highlights from 35 years of this prestigious award include research into ‘Why woodpeckers don’t get headaches’, ‘How a roller-coaster ride cures asthma’, ‘Pressure produced when penguins poo’, ‘Creating diamonds from tequila’, ‘Airborne wasabi as a fire alarm’, ‘The effect of country music on suicide’ and ‘Self-colonoscopy in the sitting position’.
Kees Moeliker explains what it takes to win this much-coveted prize and what it means. He will elaborate on his own Ig Nobel winning achievement – discovering and documenting the first case of homosexual necrophilia in the mallard duck – and how this dead duck turned him into a global expert on animal behaviour that textbooks politely ignore. He will also discuss how certain dead animals can unexpectedly become stars of science communication.
Featuring special performances by Tristan du Pree (the particle physicist who salvaged the electrocuted [and very dead] stone marten – a weasel like animal – that shut down the Large Hadron Collider) and Tess Heeremans (2024 Ig Nobel Chemistry Prize winner, for ‘using chromatography to separate drunk and sober worms’).

Speakers: Kees Moeliker, Tess Heeremans, Tristan du Pree

18:30 Get together

Tuesday, 19 May

9 Research on science communication

Speaker: Maartje Raaijmakers

10 Science communication in Media

Speaker: Martijn van Calmthout

11 Science Communication in Books / Women in Physics

Speaker: Margriet van der Heijden

11:10 Coffee

12 Out of the box inspiration on bigger stages: Science & Cocktails

Speaker: Jay Armas

12:00 Lunch

13 Tour of Nemo & Science Communication at Nemo

14 Hands-on workshop: improvisation/storytelling (TBC)

Wednesday, 20 May

15 Funding & Visibility

Speaker: Maureen Voestermans

16 Strategical, sustained effort

Speaker: Nicos Starreveld

17 Out of the box inspiration: Visiting school classes

Speaker: Jordy de Vries

10:50 Coffee

18 Science Communication at Nikhef

Speaker: Vanessa Mexner

19 Discussion: "Opportunities" and "How to get involved?"

20 Closing