Media courses for researchers
How do I communicate my research topic to a broader audience? How can I present complex findings in an understandable way and still be precise?
Researchers are professionals. They know their research field, are in constant exchange with colleagues and are familiar with the debates in their field. But current issues such as the Covid-19 pandemic, climate change, the energy transition or international conflicts call for communication beyond the boundaries of the discipline almost on a daily basis. The public and politicians rely on the expertise of scientists’ and expectations have been rising in recent years.
Scientists therefore have to translate findings and debates from specialised discourse into understandable, inclusive language without over-simplifying the issues. By no means an easy task and one that needs to learned and honed. After all, it isn’t only the general public that’s listening in, but also colleagues in the field.
The SNSF's media courses offer researchers an opportunity to prepare and practise their appearances on TV, radio, in the press or on social media, under the guidance of media professionals and coaches.
The SNSF offers media training in English. Media training courses are aimed at researchers in Switzerland who would like to improve their media and communication skills. Guided by experienced media professionals, you will practice the skills needed to communicate convincingly in the media. In front of the camera and microphone, in dealing with print and social media, as well as in video interviews and video conferences. You will learn how to use simple and concise language to generate interest and shine a light on the true value of your work.
In the one-day media training in a small group, the focus is on television interviews. However, the skills you learn here are also useful for interviews with radio stations and the print media as well as for oral presentations (talks, web conferences, etc.). While the language of tuition is English, the thematic focus is on allowing researchers from abroad to practise interviews in a Swiss national language.
In addition, a number of writing, social media and social video workshops are offered in German and French. See:
The SNSF supports media training for researchers in partnership with Stiftung Mercator Schweiz. The courses are aimed at researchers who have at least some initial research experience at postdoc level and who are supported by the SNSF or Stiftung Mercator Schweiz. The offer is also open to other advanced researchers.
Place and time
Coronavirus: All courses are currently scheduled as face-to-face events. Should the situation demand it, courses may be moved online.
The course in English takes place from 9:15 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. within walking distance of Olten train station.
Course dates 2023
Spring Summer Winter 2 September 3 November Media Training
In the one-day course with a maximum of five participants, experts from tv-medientrainer.ch will respond to your individual communication needs. You will also get the chance to practise in front of the camera and microphone.
Costs and participation requirements
The courses are aimed at researchers who have at least some initial research experience at postdoc level and who are supported by the SNSF or Stiftung Mercator Schweiz. The offer is also open to other advanced scientists.
Please note that if the number of registrations is low, the course duration may be shortened or courses may have to be cancelled. In the event of cancellations on our part, you will be given the opportunity to register for another date or receive a refund of the registration or course fees.
Costs
Media training (1 day) - Researchers at the SNSF: CHF 300 participation fee
- Researchers at Stiftung Mercator Schweiz: Mercator will assume the full costs.
- Without financial aid/full costs: CHF 1200
The media training will take place if three or more registrations are received and will be confirmed three weeks before the event. Course registration (form only in German)
Terms and conditions
Your course registration is binding. Read the course terms and conditions (PDF below) carefully before registering.
Cancellations must be made by email to SNF-Medienkurse@miozzari.com no later than 31 days before the booked course date. If you cancel 30 days or less before the course is held, the following costs will be due for payment by your funding institution (for non-funded people: by yourself) *:
- Cancellation 30–22 days before the course date: 50% of the full course fees.*
- Cancellation 21–0 days before the course date: 100% of the full course fees.*
- No show without cancellation: 100% of the full course fees.*
*Full course fees = participation fee plus amount contributed by the SNSF, or Mercator's full amount.
In the event of illness, a doctor's certificate must be provided to postpone participation to another date of the same course format free of charge.