Could it be that researchers are insufficiently aware of the need for public engagement? The University of Lorraine’s mission is to contribute to better training of future researchers in this field, to make them aware of the relationship between research and society, of the issues and of the audiences involved.
Science & You's PhD Study Days welcome PhD students from all disciplines, cultures and nationalities two days prior to the Conference, to be trained in a dozen science communication practices: theatre, exhibitions, radio workshops, writing... in a high-quality professional approach to communicating on the natural, human and social sciences.
Out of over 600 applicants, 140 have been selected. 33 nationalities and 35 countries are represented, 2/3 of them in naural science, 1/3 in human and social science, and ten working specifically in science communication. 1/3 are English-speakers, 1/3 French-speaking, and 1/3 speak both languages. A geographic diversity, which is also a diversity of subjects and experiences which will enrich this exchange for 3 days.
The Université de Lorraine's Campus du Saulcy in Metz has been chosen for the variety of its facilities (theatre, multimedia, classrooms, amphitheatre...) as well as for its accommodation and catering facilities.
The trainer teams are composed of science communicators matched with professionals in the practices that will be taught, such as the Palais de la Découverte, the Exploradôme, the theatre company Hallet Eghayan, Radio Jerico, the Game Lab' located on TCRM BLIDA, The Big Van Theory, Collaps'Art, Peb&Fox, the audio-visual and multimedia staff of the Université de Lorraine... Each group will work with a research referee whose research work will be used as a subject for the training sessions.
A common feedback session will be organized during the Forum at the Centre Prouvé, on Wednesday 3rd June, on stage from 12.00 am to 1.30 pm for the dance, theatre, clown and stories for a young audience workshops, and in a space inside the Forum from 10.00 am to 6.00 pm for the other workshops.