Science communication isn’t a bonus – it’s a necessity. Being able to talk about science clearly and understandably is now a key skill for researchers. That was one of the main takeaways from the opening workshop of the Science Communication Club, held on 11 June 2025 at the Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences. The workshop was designed for interns from the Radius Centre programme and introduced the basics of effective science communication.
The Science Communication Club is a new educational activity aimed at helping young scientists develop the ability to speak clearly and engagingly about both science and their own work. In today’s world, excellent research alone is not enough – researchers must also explain why it matters. The ability to highlight the core of their research and its societal relevance increases opportunities for collaboration, support, and recognition.
Participants learned how to tailor their message to different audiences – including the public, media, businesses, and funding bodies. They explored why trust, emotion, and storytelling are essential to successful science communication. The programme included practical tips, real-world examples from both Czech and international contexts, and a short exercise in which each participant practiced presenting their research simply and clearly.
The workshop was led by Klára Horová from the science communication team of the Division of Optics, Institute of Physics, which also focuses on developing skills for impactful and accessible science communication.
